White Continent Marathon 2025

• Unique Antarctic Setting: Run amidst glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife on King George Island.
• Eco-Friendly Event: Strict regulations ensure zero environmental impact with limited shore access.
• Scientific and Historical Insights: Enjoy lectures and excursions led by experts during the trip.
• Course and Conditions: Tackle marked gravel roads with challenging weather; no trekking poles allowed.
• Comprehensive Travel Package: Includes Buenos Aires tours, flights to Ushuaia, and Antarctic excursions.

The White Continent Marathon in Antarctica is a bucket-list event for adventurous runners. This challenging course, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the world's most remote continent, offers marathon, half-marathon, and ultramarathon (50K) distances. Expect rugged terrain with loose dirt, gravel, hills, and unpredictable weather. It's perfect for those looking to push their mental and physical boundaries and achieve the remarkable feat of running on all seven continents. The race is well-supported with frequent aid stations, and the camaraderie among participants adds a unique and rewarding dimension to this extraordinary experience.

Expect temperatures of -20°C (-4°F) with a brisk windchill during the Antarctic Ice Marathon at Union Glacier in late December. Be prepared for strong katabatic winds that can reach 10-25 knots, adding to the challenging conditions. Despite the cold and wind, this unique polar environment offers an unparalleled marathon experience.

The White Continent Marathon is a captivating and formidable race set amidst the stark beauty of King George Island, Antarctica. This extraordinary course unfolds over dirt roads that can turn muddy under the summer thaw, adding to the challenge. Runners face a moderate elevation shift, climbing and descending over 300 meters in total, which is tackled through a loop completed three times. Starting and finishing near the Russian Bellingshausen Station, the route takes you past key landmarks like the Uruguayan Artigas, the Chilean Villa Las Estrellas, and the Chinese Great Wall Station. The course features a mix of descents, inclines, and flat stretches, with a particularly sharp climb as you return to Bellingshausen. The combination of rugged terrain, steep hills, and the remote, severe climate of Antarctica offers a truly unique and adventurous marathon experience, making it a bucket-list event for the intrepid runner.

Visiting King George Island for the White Continent Marathon offers a truly unique adventure in one of the world's most remote locales. Travel typically begins with a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, bypassing the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Accommodations range from camping on the island to staying aboard a ship that serves as the event base. Be ready for cold and unpredictable weather—appropriate gear is essential to ensure a comfortable experience.

Beyond the race, King George Island is a treasure trove of scientific and natural wonders. The island hosts research bases from countries like Chile, Russia, and China, connected by gravel roads that double as the marathon course. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the chance to see penguins, seals, and other Antarctic creatures, while the stunning vistas of glaciers and icebergs provide a breathtaking backdrop.

The island's international research community adds a rich cultural dimension, with lectures and interactions offering insights into Antarctic exploration and science. This event not only challenges runners but also fosters a sense of global camaraderie, drawing participants from over 25 countries. Whether you're engaging in wildlife excursions, educational programs, or post-race celebrations, King George Island promises an unforgettable experience.