Competitors from around the globe gathered on Friday 13th December to tackle the legendary Antarctic Ice Marathon, the southernmost marathon on Earth. As if running a marathon wasn’t tough enough, this particular race offers jaw-dropping frozen vistas and a level of grandeur only matched by its reputation as one of the most extreme challenges.

This is no ordinary marathon. Held on mainland Antarctica, the race unfolds at Union Glacier - just 600 miles from the South Pole - smack in the heart of the continent’s icy interior. Union Glacier Camp, the only privately operated seasonal campsite in the region (open November to January), becomes home base for both polar tourists and the hardy runners who dare to take on this icy trial.

The race kicked off at 10 AM, under a dazzlingly blue, sunlit sky. Don’t be fooled, though: temperatures plunged to -10°C, and the runners faced treacherous, snow-packed terrain. For safety’s sake, the course was set as laps around the exploration camp, looping through the stunning but unforgiving icy expanses of the Ellsworth Mountains. Each runner had to contend with the punishing energy drain of the snow-and-ice terrain while soaking in the surreal, untouched beauty of the Antarctic wilderness. Hydration, surprisingly, was another big hurdle. In the bone-dry, frigid air, sweat loss is a sneaky saboteur. To combat this, aid stations dotted the course, providing hot drinks, soups, and snacks, along with a “pee station” for the truly bold and medical personnel for anyone daring to push their limits too far.

Every competitor came swaddled in full polar attire: balaclavas, goggles, heavy gloves, mittens, long johns, waterproof running pants, and thermal layers beneath weatherproof outer shells. Any exposed skin was simply not an option.

In the race, Italian Andrea Bonanomi, 36, who is now based in Australia and an App entrepreneur took top honors in a time of 3:23:37 - Andrea is also into the Modern Pentathlon and is hoping to compete for Italy in the European Championships 2026. In the women’s race, a new race record was set by Indianapolis Attorney Liesl Muehlhauser in 3:29:16. She smashed the previous record which was set by Evija Reine (LVA) in 2021. Issy Hendry secured 2nd place in the women’s marathon with an impressive time of 3:31:58, breaking the previous record as well.

Another Antarctic record also tumbled, this time in the 100k. Chinese runner Yusheng Ni, who has completed 450 marathons and ultramarathons took 6 minutes off Ireland’s Keith Whyte which he set back in 2015. Ni’s time was time was 9:20:28.

This bone-chilling spectacle at the edge of the Earth doesn’t just demand physical resilience; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s hunger for adventure. The Antarctic Ice Marathon stands as a monument to grit, determination, and sheer audacity, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic events in extreme sports.

After completing the marathon on December 13th, 20 runners who have completed a marathon on each of the 7 continents earned their place in the prestigious 7 Continents Marathon Club. The full list of members can be found here: https://www.icemarathon.com/7-continents

Full race results can be found on the official website: https://www.icemarathon.com/years/2024

The race returns in December 2025 for its 20th anniversary.

Race Director: Becca Pizzi

Contact: info@runbuk.com

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