About Us
Polar Running Adventures is primarily operated by three-time polar marathoner Richard Donovan. A native of Ireland, he is also the organiser of the annual North Pole Marathon.
In addition to completing marathons in both the Arctic and Antarctic, Richard has successfully participated in other extreme locations such as the Sahara and Atacama Deserts and in the Andes and Himalayan mountains. He has also set world records for treadmill running and currently holds the Irish 100-mile road record. Richard, an Irish international ultra athlete, was the only person to complete the Antarctic 100k in January 2006. He also subsequently won the race in December 2006.
Leading international magazines, including National Geographic Adventure, Sports Illustrated and Runner’s World, have published feature length interviews and reports on Richard’s adventure race performances. He also featured in a one-hour episode of the critically acclaimed BBC documentary series ‘The Challenge’, which was narrated by Mike Stroud.
A former economist, Richard was educated in Ireland and the USA and received postgraduate academic scholarships in both countries. He is the current Chairman of UltraRunning Ireland.
Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions purchased Adventure Network International in November 2003 and is now the only organisation offering expedition support and safety backup to the interior of the Antarctic.
While Polar Running Adventures promotes and organises the Antarctic Ice Marathon races, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions provides all of the associated logistical support. Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions offers guided climbs of Mount Vinson (one of the seven summits), Last Degree skiing trips to the South Pole and passenger flights all the way to the South Pole.
A strong environmental ethic underlies ALE’s Antarctic operations. ALE managers and staff have considerable experience and a strong involvement in Antarctica. They believe in safe and sustainable tourism where expeditions and clients leave Antarctica with a greater understanding and appreciation of its natural values.