Photo Tam Minton / Unsplash
- Marathon
- Half
Antarctic Ice
Antarctic Ice Marathon
Cold, snow, ice and glaciers on a rugged loop near Union Glacier.
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2026 edition
Next up
Countdown
41
days to 13 Dec 2026
- Distance
- Marathon
- Course
- Hilly
- Climb
- 327 m
- Entry
- $22,500
About
The race
The Antarctic Ice Marathon is one of the most extreme and remote marathons in the world. The race takes place on the frozen landscape of Antarctica, where runners compete on snow and ice surrounded by glaciers and vast polar scenery. Participants face cold temperatures and challenging conditions while running near several Antarctic research stations. The course forms a loop of roughly 14.2 km that runners complete three times to reach the marathon distance. Along the route, athletes encounter a mix of climbs, gradual descents and flatter sections across the rugged polar terrain. Despite the harsh environment, the course sits close to sea level, with the highest point around 69 m above sea level. Known for its rarity and extraordinary setting, the race attracts adventurous runners seeking one of the most unique marathon experiences on Earth
Location
Union Glacier, Antarctica
Antarctica · typically -11°C (13°F) on race day
Open in OpenStreetMapEvery year
Editions
Ballot, charity and tour places
Getting in
First come, first served
The race field is limited by aircraft capacity, and places are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Other
Complete the pre-registration form for a future edition that is not yet open for applications. Joining is free of charge and does not require any deposit. Pre-registration does not guarantee a spot. R