Union Glacier, Antarctica - In the heart of the icy continent, athletes from around the globe came together to take part in the world-renowned Antarctic Ice Marathon. Known as the southernmost marathon on Earth, this event challenges runners with its extreme conditions and breathtaking frozen landscapes.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the sole annual marathon held on mainland Antarctica, specifically at Union Glacier, just a few hundred miles from the South Pole. The race, which commenced at 11:06 am beneath a dazzling blue sunny sky, unfolded in the midst of sub-zero temperatures, reaching a predicted -25°C with wind chill, coupled with a challenging and treacherous terrain.

For safety reasons, participants navigated laps around the Union Glacier exploration camp, located 600 miles from the South Pole. The course winds through the icy expanses of the Ellsworth Mountains, offering competitors a unique and awe-inspiring running experience.

Endurance in energy-sapping snow and ice terrain is crucial, with hydration posing a significant challenge due to sweat loss. To address this, rehydration aid stations provided hot drinks, soups, and snacks, complemented by a pee station. Medical personnel were on standby throughout the race.

At the halfway mark in the men's race, Daniel Beck led with a time of 1 hour 50 minutes, closely followed by Michael Higgins at 1:53, and Jamie Kirk securing the third spot with 1:54. Despite formidable Katabatic winds, Michael Higgins maintained his pace and emerged victorious.

In the women's race, Kavitha Reddy held a substantial lead, followed by Olesya Musorina. However, Stephanie Estridge surged ahead in the final stretch, securing the top spot in the Women's Race. Stephanie's victory marks her conquering her third continent in marathon running, adding to her impressive running journey.

The Antarctic Ice Marathon not only tests physical endurance but also showcases the indomitable spirit of those who dare to face its challenges. This extreme adventure, set in the remotest part of the world, solidifies the event as a remarkable and iconic spectacle in the world of extreme sports.

Runbuk is the organizer of this event, with this year's Race Director being Becca Pizzi from the United States. Notably, Becca Pizzi makes history as the first female race director for any polar marathons.

After finishing the 2023 Antarctic Ice Marathon, 11 runners become members of the 7 Marathons Club, a distinctive association exclusively for athletes who have completed a marathon on each of the seven continents.

About Antarctic Ice Marathon: The Antarctic Ice Marathon is an annual event that takes place on mainland Antarctica, challenging runners with extreme conditions and breathtaking scenery. The race is known for its demanding course, requiring participants to navigate through the icy expanses of the Ellsworth Mountains. The event attracts athletes from around the world who are drawn to its unique challenges and the opportunity to run in one of the most remote and stunning environments on Earth. For further information, please contact Oliver Wang ow@icemarathon.com

About bolttech: The 2023 Antarctic Ice Marathon is proudly supported by bolttech, a global insurtech dedicated to creating the foremost technology-driven ecosystem for protection and insurance worldwide. With its headquarters in Singapore, bolttech caters to customers in 30 markets spanning North America, Asia, and Europe.

The comprehensive results of the 2023 Antarctic Ice Marathon are provided below.

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