Louis

Alexander

great britain

Louis Alexander is a 23-year-old professional explorer, adventurer, and storyteller. From running through deserts and swimming across shipping lanes to summiting some of the world’s most notable mountains, Louis has conquered numerous endurance feats at a young age. His endeavors have raised tens of thousands for charity, garnered support from adventure greats including Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and earned features in the international press. He was named by The Times as the 'Modern-day Byron' after his successful swim across the infamous Hellespont strait, which separates Europe and Asia. Louis' latest project, 'Running The Seven Continents,' will see him run a marathon in the most remote corner of every continent. His journey includes locations like the Agafay Desert in Africa, Wadi Rum Desert in Asia, Alaska in North America, the Australian Outback in Oceania, the Amazon jungle in South America, and the Arctic Circle in Europe. In December 2023, Louis will complete his seventh and final continent during the Antarctic Ice Marathon, in honor of his Grandfather and in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Jose

Alvarez

united states

Jose is 53 years old, a retired CSM (Command Sergeant Major) from the US Army, with 31 years of military service involving multiple deployments and assignments around the world. Antarctica will mark his 7th continent to visit. He's aiming to join the 7 Continent Marathon club in 2024, and by April 2024, he's scheduled to complete all 6 World Marathon Majors. His previous running achievements in the last two years include: In 2022, he ran marathons in Sydney, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Singapore. In 2023, he completed one marathon per month, including races in Luxembourg, Rio de Janeiro, Helsinki, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City.

Douglas

Angel

united states

Doug, a 58-year-old veterinarian, has completed the 50 States Marathon circuit, with 20 extra marathons and multiple half-marathons under his belt. Also in his impressive list of accomplishments are three 140.6 Ironman events, along with multiple triathlon events.

David

Angel

united states

David, a 20-year-old, was a multi-sport high school athlete and has accomplished his first marathon and his first 70.3 Ironman event. Currently, David is engaged in practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as well as Wim Hof's cold water immersion and breathing techniques.

Robert

Bauer

united states

Rob is excited to run with the bolttech team in Antarctica! Rob started training for this as a young child by shoveling snow off his parents’ driveway in Buffalo, NY, to get to school. Since then, Rob has run a few marathons in slightly warmer climates like Maui, San Diego, and his hometown of San Francisco, where he also participated in the Marin Century 100-mile road Bike Race.

Daniel

Beck

denmark

Daniel is a 35-year-old adventurer and mountaineer from Denmark, who has successfully summited the highest mountains on five different continents. Antarctica will be his 7th continent to visit. His dream of running a marathon on each continent is slowly becoming a reality. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will be his 7th marathon on the 6th continent, with only South America remaining after Antarctica. Among his previous achievements are marathons at iconic locations such as the Great Wall of China, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Cape Town, Los Angeles, and the Queenstown Mountain Marathon in New Zealand. Daniel is happily married to Jackie, originally from California, and together they reside in Denmark with their two children, Valentin (3 years old) and Micah (6 years old). With an unwavering love for nature and a deep-seated desire for thrilling adventures, Daniel finds joy in exploring the wonders of the natural world.

Kristin

Bennett

united states

Kristin Bennett, a scientist, high-altitude runner, and alpine mountaineer, has a passion for Nepal, ice, and the iceman, Oetzi. She spent many years as a scientist at Los Alamos National Lab shooting thermal neutrons at fun 'things' there, including ice, plutonium, starfish and Oetzi the iceman's 5,300 copper axe. Kristin discovered her love for high-altitude running in her early 20s. In 1992, she competed in the first Himalayan 100-mile stage race in the Indian Himalayas, where she first glimpsed Mt. Everest in Darjeeling's trails. Since then, she has found true joy in spending time in high mountains and among their people. Kristin is the first American woman to summit original ascents of both Tharke and Nupla Khang mountains in Nepal. She summited Mt. Everest in 2021 and in 2022, and she was third U.S. woman to summit the dangerous second highest mountain in the world, K2. Over the years, she as run marathons to train for climbing, including the Marine Corp, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Napa Valley marathons. Kristin is currently the President and CEO of KB Science, a federal business consulting firm helping to advance clean energy for underserved communities. She dedicates her volunteer time to STEM outreach in the U.S. and education for girls in the U.S. and Nepal. She is the only “crystallographer” to summit 4 of the 7 summits, including Mt. Vinson in 2022. She cannot wait to get back on the Union Glacier rock! (While the elevation may be low, her enthusiasm is extra high to be joining long-time Bostonian runner and friend, Race Director Pizzi!)

Kunal

Bhardwaj

india

With the 2023 Antarctica Ice Marathon, Kunal aims to achieve his dream of joining the 7 Continents Marathon Club. As it turns out, he believes he may just be the first gay to have achieved this feat. He participates in marathons for the sheer joy of exploring new cultures, building friendships, and creating lasting memories. Above all, it helps him spread awareness about issues of mental health in the LGBTQ+ community, a cause that he deeply endorses and actively works on. Marathons run by Kunal across the other continents are as follows: 1. Africa: Totalsport Two Oceans Ultramarathon, Cape Town, South Africa, 2022; 2. South America: Movistar 42k, Lima, Peru, 2019; 3. North America: TCS New York Marathon, New York, USA, 2016; 4. Europe: TCS London Marathon, London, UK, 2023 | Schneider Electric Marathon, Paris, France, 2018 | The Authentic Marathon, Athens, Greece, 2015; 5. Australia: Sydney Running Festival, Sydney, Australia, 2017; 6. Asia: Aegis Federal New Delhi Marathon, New Delhi, India, 2022 | TCS Mumbai Marathon, Mumbai, India, 2023 & 2018 | Airtel Marathon, Hyderabad, India, 2016 | Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, Mumbai, India, 2016 & 2017.

Scot

Buell

united states

Scot is an avid runner who has completed marathons on six different continents: Boston, Comrades (RSA), Berlin, Sydney, Tokyo, and Patagonia, making the Antarctic Ice Marathon his seventh continent. He has also completed the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors. Scot is currently working on a thrilling challenge called the Audacious 28, which involves climbing the highest summit, skiing, running a marathon, and cycling on each continent. He has already accomplished 21 of the 28 challenges and aims to reach 25 by December 2023. In 2012, Scot climbed Mt Vinson and skied Union Glacier, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Amundsen-Scott expeditions to the South Pole. His adventurous spirit and passion for exploration continue to drive him forward.

William (Chip)

Cavanaugh

united states

Chip is a 64-year-old real estate lawyer who lives in Dallas, Texas. He has run several marathons in cities like Dallas, Austin, and Chicago. He has also climbed a number of mountains, including Kilimanjaro, Rainier, Grand Teton, and Longs Peak, along with other cool accomplishments. However, he has never attempted anything as ridiculous as running a marathon in Antarctica. Chip will be participating in the Antarctic Ice Marathon with his good friends Rick Kopf, Peter Reilly, and Judson Pankey. Together, they are making the most of the time they have, cherishing the opportunities for exhilarating experiences before they become too old to pursue such remarkable feats.

Man Yin Vivian

Cheng

hong kong

Vivian enjoys running in teams, where each runner can support the others to finish the run. She has participated in several 10km runs and a few half-marathons in the past years. She especially enjoys joining corporate running teams with a common goal, regardless of the background and experience of each runner in a relay marathon.

Alexander

Cleary

australia

Alex, a 26-year-old Australian electrician, is raising funds for suicide prevention and mental health research through The Black Dog Institute. He works in an underground mine in Africa and conducts a majority of his training on a dirt oval in scorching 40-degree heat. Alex picked up running after losing his sister to suicide in 2016 as a form of meditation and dedicates the Ice Marathon to her.

Damien

Cunningham

ireland

Damien is a proud native of Mourne in County Down. Currently 57 years young, Damien has been an avid runner for over two decades, finding immense fulfillment in this rewarding sport. Running has not only brought him joy but also remarkable achievements. Throughout his running journey, Damien has been fortunate enough to not only participate in but successfully complete the World Marathon Majors, the iconic Great Wall Marathon, and many coveted and sought-after marathons, pushing his limits and embracing the challenges they present. In addition to marathons, Damien has also tackled several ultra marathons, with his most recent accomplishment being the Comrades in South Africa. Unfortunately, the global pandemic disrupted his plans in 2020, but he adapted by completing the demanding 56-mile distance at his home in Ireland. Damien's aiming to complete the Sydney Marathon in September, followed by the Antarctic Ice Marathon in December, which will be his 54th marathon, and the seventh continent. Damien finds running to be a fulfilling and social sport that challenges him mentally while offering rewarding experiences. It serves as a great way for him to see the world and raise money for charity along the way.

Stephanie

Estridge

united states

Stephanie, a dedicated distance runner since childhood, ran her first marathon in Athens, Greece during college. She achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming part of the first-ever mother/daughter duo, alongside her mother Mary, to complete marathons in all 50 U.S. states, with Stephanie's finish at the Boston Marathon in 2011. After accumulating 87 marathon finishes by 2015, she took a 7-year break to welcome three wonderful boys into her life. Stephanie has now reignited her passion for marathons and aims to complete 100 marathons by May 2024. She is inspired by her boys, especially her son Maverick, who, despite being diagnosed with autism at the age of 3, faces life's challenges with a beautiful smile and an indomitable spirit. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will be Stephanie's third continent as she continues to pursue her marathon goals.

Kerri

Fulginiti

united states

Kerri Fulginiti, from the USA, is a mother of three children and a former teacher. She holds a Masters in Educational Psychology with a focus on Gifted and Talented Curriculum from the University of Connecticut and taught elementary education in a diverse school setting in Falls Church, VA. She has previously run two Marine Corps Marathons in Washington D.C. Kerri has been fortunate enough to travel the world and often likes to go off the beaten path and make her own way. Perhaps not the best trait for the Antarctic Ice Marathon, she’ll be sure to stay on the designated routes and hopes to cross the finish line before her husband.

Kate

Geraghty

australia

Kate, a Sydney native who prefers playing netball, eating ice cream, and cheering on her kids in sports to running, is embarking on her first (half) marathon in Antarctica of all places. While anxious about freezing temperatures after nine years in tropical Singapore, Kate is embracing the opportunity of a new adventure and a physical challenge to round out the year.

Andrew

Gibbs

australia

Andrew, fueled with a love of being active and seeing new things, has lived and loved life through a passion for family, friends and travel. Being fortunate enough to be surrounded by great people, to work and travel by combining events and sharing experiences, Andrew set his sights on Antarctica to run with Heinrich, Costa and Shane, having shared the magic of Comrades in 2017. A proud father of two teenage girls, Andrew loves supporting their passions and hopes to inspire positive action and strong mental health.

Michael

Higgins

united states

Michael is a longtime avid runner from Dallas, Texas. He is the proud father of three sons and is exited about his upcoming first international marathon!

Michael

Hogan

canada

Mike was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, which is widely regarded as one of the coldest capitals in the world. Despite enduring months of winter each year, he still actively seeks out cold weather adventures. He has completed a half marathon on the polar ice of Greenland, an Ultra in Iceland, and several Hypothermic Half Marathons across Canada. Therefore, when the opportunity to run the Antarctic Ice Marathon arose, it was an obvious choice for him. Running a marathon amidst the ice and wind will undoubtedly be the challenge of a lifetime. As the saying goes, "Through endurance, we conquer."

Sarah

Hoyt

united states

Sarah has been running for 16 years and has completed six marathons and numerous half marathons. Her passion for ultra running is evident, as she recently completed the challenging Bighorn Trail 32-Mile Ultra Marathon in June 2023, held in Wyoming. Sarah ran a marathon in Chile back in December 2021 and is now gearing up for the Antarctic Ice Marathon, making it her third continent to run a marathon.

Renata

Humphrey

poland

great britain

Renata began her running journey in 2018 and has completed four marathons along with several half marathons. Antarctica will be the second continent where she would like to run a marathon, and she has her sights set on completing a marathon on each of the seven continents in the future. Outside of running, Renata finds joy in mountain trekking, including adventures on the Scottish monroes and Kilimanjaro. She also has a passion for cycling and skiing, embracing the thrill and excitement they bring. In addition to her active pursuits, Renata holds a brown belt in karate and is a certified yoga teacher.

Geoffrey

Jones

great britain

Geoff, originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, has made Lafayette, Louisiana his home for the past three decades, gradually forgetting what snow looks like. Despite taking up running later in life, he achieved a remarkable milestone in 2013 by completing his first marathon, the Houston Marathon. Now, at the age of 67, Geoff recently accomplished an impressive feat by earning his coveted Six Stars medal in Tokyo, marking his successful completion of all the major marathons in the Abbott World Marathon Majors. With his sights set on conquering all seven continents, Geoff is training in the sweltering heat of southern Louisiana during the summer, adding an interesting twist to his training regimen.

Jamie

Kirk

united states

Jamie is a 42-year-old native of Southern California who couldn't run a mile in 2015 and had no background in sports. Since then, he has completed 8 full Ironman races, multiple marathons, a 50k, a 50-mile race, and a 100-mile distance running race. Jamie is now aiming to become a member of the 7 Continents Marathon Club and attributes all his achievements to the support and love of his wife and daughter.

Richard

Kopf

united states

Rick is a 67-year-old attorney in Dallas, Texas. Over the years, he has filled his spare time looking for interesting and challenging events to do with his friends and family. Those events, and others, have run the gamut from running the New York and Boston Marathons, the Hood to Coast (a 198-mile 12-person relay running race), canoeing the Texas Water Safari (a 260-mile canoe race from Austin, Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico), mountain climbing (Mt. Baker and twice up Mt. Rainier, and most recently Mt. Kilimanjaro), and backcountry ski racing (a 40-mile Grand Traverse ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen). Unfortunately, those events have not been kind to his knees, and he stopped running events in 2000. It was only when he got to know Peter Reilly while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2020 with Chip Cavanaugh (one of Rick's long-time law partners) and spouses, that the idea of entering this crazy event was added to the list. Jud Pankey, a great friend for more than 30 years, was also intrigued and couldn’t say no. Thus, the four of them are planning on running this race together.

Marcel

Kotrady

slovakia

Marcel is from Slovakia who works in the Furniture Business. He is 49-year-old. He has been playing basketball since he was a teenager for 15 years. About 11 years ago, he discovered his passion for long-distance running and triathlons. Marcel has completed 18 marathons. You can find his achievements at: https://www.behej.com/bezecke-tabulky/zavodnici/58532. He has also finished the World Marathon Majors, making him a Six-Star Finisher. Marcel's running adventures have taken him to extraordinary places, including the Base Camp of Everest and the frozen Baikal Lake. In addition to marathons, Marcel has embraced the world of triathlons, completing several Sprint, Olympic, 9 Half Ironman, and 8 full Ironman races. One of his full Ironman races was an Xtreme challenge: https://svkxtri.com. Marcel's thirst for adventure extends to open-water swimming. He has fearlessly swum in Baikal Lake and the Barens Sea, facing water temperatures as low as 6 degrees Celsius. Notably, he has also taken on challenging swims through the Volga River and the Bosphorus in Turkey. Marcel's ultimate dream is to join the prestigious 7 Marathons Club.

Dinh

Lai

united states

Dinh M. Lai, from the USA, is an avid sports enthusiast who has spent the majority of his life playing competitive soccer. When not on the soccer pitch, you can find him surfing, mountain biking, or snowboarding, all in a losing battle to stay fit and young. He is married with three children, and as a family, they love to explore, travel, and discover the next adventure together. He has completed the Los Angeles Marathon and looks to add the Antarctic Ice Marathon to his very short list of running credits.

Laurent

Lecamp

france

switzerland

Laurent has been passionate about nature since childhood, often finding himself hugging trees even at a young age. Following in the footsteps of his marathon-running grandfather, he quickly embraced the world of running and has never looked back. As a dedicated marathoner, trail runner, and ultra-trail enthusiast, Laurent's true passion lies in outdoor races. His preferred training grounds are the picturesque heights of Crans-Montana in Switzerland. One of Laurent's fondest memories is participating in the ice marathon on Lake Baikal in Russia, which he ran twice, the first time down to minus 42 degrees Celsius and minus 20 degrees Celsius on his second. Nature serves as a constant source of inspiration for Laurent, providing him with the energy and motivation he needs to passionately pursue success in all areas of his life. He firmly believes in the mantra of "giving up will never be an option."

Andy

Lee

great britain

hong kong

Andy, an avid outdoor runner, has always had a passion for running since his teenage years. However, as a young GP, he faced difficulties in maintaining his endurance running due to work and study commitments. After a gap of over 10 years without participating in marathons, Andy's colleague and friend finally persuaded him to run the Chester Marathon on his birthday in 2016. This experience reignited his love for marathons, leading him to run his first international marathon in Berlin in 2017. A significant turning point came in 2018 when Andy completed the Hong Kong Marathon on the day of his father's funeral. This poignant moment inspired him to embark on the goal of running a marathon on each continent. In the same year, he successfully completed marathons in Gold Coast, Australia, and New York. From that point on, Andy continued to combine his passion for running with his desire to explore new places. He ran marathons in cities he had always wanted to visit, such as Santiago and Cape Town. Unfortunately, in 2020, Andy faced an injury setback and struggled with symptoms of long COVID during the pandemic. However, as the running world slowly began to open up in late 2021, Andy eagerly participated in the Manchester Marathon. This was followed by remarkable marathons in Rio De Janeiro and Chicago the following year. Determined to continue pushing his boundaries, Andy traveled to Marrakech and successfully completed his first trail marathon. This year, he set his sights on the Antarctica Ice Marathon, dedicating his seven-continent run to his late father, who was not only a colleague and friend but also a fellow runner.

Benjamin

Letko

united states

Ben currently resides in the picturesque Mohawk-Hudson River Valley in Upstate New York. As a runner, he has completed 4 marathons and 5 half-marathons. An adventurer at heart with a lifelong fascination with polar exploration, participating in the Antarctica Ice Marathon will be a dream come true. When not running, he enjoys cross-country skiing in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains or kayaking in the area's multitude of lakes and rivers, enjoying majestic wildlife such as eagles and osprey. When relaxing, he can be found enjoying time with his 75-pound lapdog – a Rottweiler named Penny.

David

Levinson

united states

David is looking to join the 7 Continent Marathon Club, and the Antarctic Ice Marathon will be his third continent this year. He is also looking to complete all 6 majors and has finished New York and London so far. David's running journey really took hold during the pandemic when he got involved in the Peloton community through virtual happy hours and running groups, and he appreciates all the support he has received from the Peloton community. David has now completed 6 marathons and 1 ultra marathon in Moab, Utah, and is working with his running coach, Jessica Bigio, to try to qualify for Boston at age 51. David lives in Dallas and couldn't complete this journey without the support of his wife, Lauren, and twin girls, Alex and Sammy, who all think he is a little crazy (okay, let's be honest – a lot crazy).

Paul

Maree

south africa

Paul is a proud South African. He has completed the Cape, Swiss, and 4Islands Epic mountain bike challenges. He is also a multiple Comrades Marathon finisher and has completed Ironman South Africa, the 100km Sky Run, Andalus Ultimate Trail in Spain, and two 100-mile trail running events. Paul is excited about upcoming challenges, from running in the desert at the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon to running in the snow at the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

Simon

Messner

italy

Simon, aged 32, studied molecular biology and is a passionate alpinist. At the age of 15, he discovered his love for the mountains in the classic rock and ice routes of the Dolomites. Over the years, Simon has climbed many rock and ice routes and has made first ascents in Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, the Alps and on his home mountains, the Dolomites. For Simon, the style, i.e. HOW a route is opened holds equal significance to the act of climbing itself. He places little importance on sheer numbers, difficulties, or completion times. Instead, he views the mountains as a realm of profound experiences that must be preserved. Alongside his girlfriend Anna, Simon oversees two mountain farms, Oberortl and Unterortl, nestled beneath Juval Castle in the picturesque Vinschgau Valley. It was in this scenic environment that Simon recently discovered his passion for trail running, embracing it as an additional means to explore and connect with the natural world.

Brendan

Nee

ireland

australia

Brendan got his first taste of Antarctica in 2015 when he sailed there on a 28-day expedition from Chile aboard the Dutch Barque 'Europa.' The experience left a profound impact on him, and he promised himself that he would return to the white continent one day. Fast forward to early 2020, he decided at the age of 39 to take up running for the first time in his life to help relieve work stress, get fit and loose some weight before his upcoming wedding. After building from 1km all the way up to his first 42.2km, he stumbled across an article about the ‘7 Continents Marathon Club’ and in turn a promotional video about the ‘Antarctic Ice Marathon, and from that moment, he became hooked on the idea of running in Antarctica again. The upcoming Ice Marathon will only be Brendan's fifth marathon, but it marks his third continent after already running in Oceania and Europe. He has big plans for the future, with Tokyo and Chicago marathons in the pipeline for 2024. Brendan's determination and passion for running have driven him to pursue his dream of running all seven continents and experiencing the thrill of running in the unique landscapes of the world.

Juan Francisco

Nunez

ecuador

April 16, 2018, marked the culmination of Juan Francisco's triumph in the World Marathon Majors, a pinnacle momentarily interrupted by a five-year hiatus, consumed by the rigors of a 30-hour-per-week MBA program at IESE. Balancing work, family, and academia sculpted Juan Francisco's resilience. A 21-month gubernatorial stint ensued, a crucible demanding an unwavering commitment of 110 hours weekly. Renewing Juan Francisco's fitness odyssey in 2023, the focus shifted to the formidable "7 Continents" and "7 Summits" challenges. Kilimanjaro in September was but a prelude; Vinson, Aconcagua, and Denali are meticulously charted for 2023-24. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will herald the commencement of the "7 Continents Challenge," with Africa, Oceania, and South America awaiting their marathon denouements. Critics may deem Juan Francisco's aspirations crazy, doubting his capacity. Yet, Juan Francisco seeks not to prove them wrong but to live a life uniquely designed, pulsating with purpose, grit, and unwavering determination.

Dennis

Ougrin

ukraine

great britain

Dennis, a 1998 medical school graduate from Ukraine, specialized in child and adolescent psychiatry during his post-graduate training at the UK's Maudsley Hospital. He served as a consultant psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, leading intensive community care services. Dennis has held key roles, including editor-in-chief of "Child and Adolescent Mental Health" journal. In 2021, he was appointed to lead the Youth Resilience Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London. His focus includes global mental health studies, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, with a passion for preventing Borderline Personality Disorder and addressing self-harm in youth. Dennis authored "Therapeutic Assessment" and pioneered the Supported Discharge Service model, influencing community care services. He excels in conducting randomized controlled trials in psychological therapy and mental health service models. Additionally, he works on developing modular psychotherapeutic interventions for self-harm in young people and understanding its pathophysiology.

Judson

Pankey

united states

Judson (Jud) started in Memphis, made his way to Dallas and Houston via Nashville, and visited 19 other countries as part of a post-graduate fellowship. He is a 63-year-old CEO of a fund management company specializing in real estate credit and special situations. Jud has never completed a marathon, but he has accomplished 34 sprint triathlons, 3 Xterra races, and numerous 5K and 10K races. He takes pride in participating annually in his company's Dallas Marathon relay team and the company's running club. He has climbed in the Alps and reached the summits of the two tallest mountains in Africa: Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Cameroon. Alongside his wife, they have conquered nine Colorado 14ers and a few 12K peaks. His twins enjoy climbing, and he credits REI for providing the climbing wall and the imaginary M&Ms at the top. Training for the ice marathon has been a community effort, with the Dallas Running Club and White Rock Lake providing leadership and the venue. Jud will be running the Ice Marathon with his longtime friends Rick Kopf and Chip Cavanaugh, as well as a new friend, Peter Reilly. He appreciates their sense of adventure and their shared determination to keep pursuing active lifestyles, not willing to part with their Converse All Stars anytime soon.

Frank

Pare

united states

Frank is married with three adult kids and a dog named Rex. Frank has been in private practice and currently serves as President and Managing Partner at PF Wealth Management Group, an Oakland-based firm founded over 17 years ago with a focus on 'People First.' Frank served as the Financial Planning Association national president and chair in 2018 and 2019. After serving on the national board, in 2020, Frank chaired the FPA Political Action Committee, the only PAC in the nation advocating for financial planners. This will be Frank's 8th marathon.

Andrew

Phelps

great britain

Andy was born in Scotland before embarking on life in various areas such as Coventry, London, the USA, India, and China. He now resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with his beautiful wife Rachel and three wonderful children: Alice, Jamie, and Jack. Andy has always enjoyed sports, with a running career dating back to his high school days when he played constant catch-up with his twin brother in cross-country and track & field. He has run a couple of half marathons in North Korea and Cambodia and can often be found jogging around various countries in Asia and Europe before his workday starts. Andy's main passions, aside from his wonderful family, include curing bacon, gin making, and scuba diving.

Constantinos

Psilogenis

italy

Costa was born in Nigeria with Greek/Cypriot heritage, currently living in Italy. His passion for running has taken him on incredible journeys with a group of friends coming from Australia, South Africa and Europe. Costa's first marathon was Florence in 2012, and the Antarctic Ice Marathon will be his 7th continent. To date, Costa has completed 11 marathons, including: 2014 – Great Hakka Marathon in Fujian, China; 2015 – Chicago Marathon in the United States; 2016 - Gold Coast Marathon in Australia; 2016 – Berlin Marathon in Germany; 2017 – Comrades Marathon in Durban, South Africa; and 2019 – Mar del Plata Marathon in Argentina.

Kavitha

Reddy

india

Kavitha Reddy began her running journey at the age of 39, seeking a casual fitness routine. Over the past decade, she has transformed into a highly respected amateur marathon runner in India. Balancing her roles as a daughter, wife, daughter-in-law, and mother, Kavitha takes immense pride and fulfillment in being recognized as one of India's most consistent marathon runners. Her path to success demanded passion, sacrifice, dedication, and hard work, all of which she considers entirely worthwhile. Throughout her journey, Kavitha has competed in various marathons across India and around the globe. Recently, she achieved a significant milestone by completing all six World Marathon Majors, earning the coveted 6-star medal after the Tokyo Marathon. Looking forward, Kavitha now sets her sights on a remarkable goal: running marathons on all seven continents. Having already finished four continents (Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia), she is brimming with excitement about her upcoming participation in this year's Antarctic Ice Marathon. The anticipation builds as Kavitha eagerly counts down the days to the event!

Peter

Reilly

united states

Peter is 64 years old and lives in Phoenix, AZ. He is a retired businessman and lawyer. Peter ran the North Pole Marathon in 2015. He is running the Ice Marathon with several friends.

Sagi

Rotem

israel

48 years old, happily married with three children, Sagi is the Vice President of Switch Software at Nvidia. Since 2017, Sagi has embarked on an inspiring journey of running marathons. His determination and commitment have led him to achieve a significant milestone by completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Boston. Sagi finds motivation in training alongside the 4Fitness running group. For Sagi, running is a great way to travel around the world and he's looking forward to the running in Antarctica.

Yutaka

Saga

japan

Yutaka is a specialized Labor and Social Security Attorney. He was born on May 9, 1972, in Tokyo, Japan, as the second son of a sporting goods store owner. He wakes up at 5 am every morning to train before work, focusing on judo and mixed martial arts. Yutaka is a father of two sons and a daughter who enjoys both work and personal challenges. During his school days, he was actively involved in yacht club activities. In 1993, Yutaka won a yacht competition in Saitama Prefecture and subsequently participated in national competitions. In 2011, he accomplished the Ultra 100km Marathon in Hokkaido, and in 2015, he completed the Sahara Desert 250km Marathon.

Maria

Sahota

norway

Maria was born in Pakistan, resides in Singapore, and has spent more than half of her life in Norway, where winter is ingrained in the DNA of their athletes. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will be Maria’s first-ever race at this distance, and she is excited to test the limits of her physical and mental strength. She sees the challenge of a marathon as similar to life itself: there will be high and low moments, and you just have to be tough enough to push through the pain to reach the finish line.

Robert

Schimek

united states

Rob enjoys the physical and mental challenge of extreme events. He is a three time competitor in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii (‘15, ’17 and ‘22); three time competitor in the World’s Toughest Mudder - a 24 hour endurance event in Nevada (‘14, ‘16 and ‘17) and he has completed more than ten marathons including London, Boston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Hong Kong, Bintan, Desaru Coast, Michigan and, most recently, Singapore. He currently lives in Singapore where temperatures range between hot and hotter but he has prepared for cold weather over the years by tailgating at Philadelphia Eagles games and drinking ice cold beer with his friends.

Markus

Seppanen

finland

Markus was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland and is currently residing in sunny southern California. A professional aviator, an avid hockey player, a mediocre runner and world traveler - he started his long distance running 11 years ago to combat aging and his love for donuts and other sweets. Combining his passion for winter sports, the outdoors, and running, it makes the Ice marathon a perfect add on to his previous marathon miles including Raleigh NC, Helsinki, Athens, New York and Paris.

Adam

Sherlock

canada

Adam, from Nova Scotia, Canada, is retired, married, and has three children. He has always been a runner with many 5Ks and 10Ks under his race belt. He completed his first half marathon in 2013. Shortly after that, he completed his first marathon that started with a small swim/bike warm up. Adam has always enjoyed the long-distance endurance challenges and has completed a handful of half marathons, full marathons, endurance races (map/compass) and triathlons, including 2 full Ironman distance races. The Ice Marathon will be the second continent where he has run on and is paving the way for him to race on all seven continents.

Courtney

Sherlock

canada

Dr. Courtney Sherlock is a veterinarian and entrepreneur, married with three children from Nova Scotia, Canada. She started running 12 years ago and has completed seven full marathons, 10 half marathons and a variety of shorter distances as well as two half ironman distance triathlons. The Ice Marathon will be the second continent she has run on and the next step in her goal to run on every continent.

Lane

Shimonishi

united states

Lane is an avid marathon runner whose passion has taken him to incredible places around the world. With Antarctica as his next destination, Lane aspires to become a member of the prestigious 7 Continents Marathon Club by completing the Antarctic Ice Marathon. His impressive race record showcases his dedication and determination: 1. 2023 Ultra Trail Australia 100Km finish time 21:08:42 - Australia; 2. 2022 Patagonia Run 110Km finish time 23:45:13 - South America' 3. 2019 Western States Endurance Run 100 miles finish time 29:59:38 - North America; 4. 2019 Ultra Trail Cape Town 65Km finish time 13:09:55 - Africa; 5. 2019 UTMF-Oshino 114Km finish time 28:24:45 - Asia; 6. 2018 UTMB-CCC 100Km finish time 25:31:22 - Europe. Running has opened up a world of exploration for Lane, allowing him to immerse himself in diverse cultures and witness the breathtaking beauty of the places he visits. The race organizers, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic volunteers contribute to the extraordinary experiences Lane cherishes from each event. His three remarkable children serve as a constant source of inspiration, motivating him to persevere and reach the finish line. He's looking forward to the upcoming Antarctic Ice Marathon!

Robert

Sielski

united states

Robert (Bob) Sielski is a 1964 graduate of the University of Michigan with a BS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. He also holds a DSc degree in Structural Engineering from George Washington University. Most of his career was spent with the U.S. Navy in Washington, D.C., where he was involved in ship design, and he still consults part-time with the navy. He resides a short distance from the ocean in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Bob did not start running until he was in his 40s during the 1980s. During that time, he worked his way up to running the Marine Corps Marathon three times before taking a break from marathon running for a few decades. He resumed running marathons in 2010 and recently completed his 50th State in Honolulu in December 2022. In May 2023, he successfully finished the London Marathon, marking his second continent. He is now eagerly anticipating the Antarctic Ice Marathon, which will be his third continent.

Paul

Thomson

united states

Paul Thomson, a Texas-based entrepreneur who sold his company in 2021, has completed many marathons, ultramarathons and ironmen around the world. These include the London Marathon (Europe), The Marathon des Sables and Comrades (both Africa), The Himalayan 100 (Asia), The New Zealand Ironman (Australasia), The Night Moves trail race (Texas, North America) and the Guayaquil marathon (Ecuador, South America) so he hopes to join the 7 continents club by finishing the Antarctica Ice Marathon. His two small children Sesame and Peter are cheering him on from home and hoping he sees some penguins.

Imre

Vekov

hungary

romania

Imre, an avid adventurer, has summited peaks like Mount Blanc, Kilimanjaro, and Elbrus, all while proudly representing the Hungarian Scout Association in Romania. He's no stranger to marathons, both on regular tracks and off-road trails. Now, he's gearing up for his next big challenge: the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

Nilo

Vergara

philippines

Saving patients' lives brings happiness to a neurosurgeon. As a practicing neurosurgeon for the past two decades, Nilo has been jogging and eventually participating in marathons for the last eight years. This pursuit comes with the added bonus of traveling and exploring different parts of the world, which is Nilo's way of unwinding. In 2018, Nilo completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors, namely Tokyo, Berlin, London, New York, Boston, and Chicago. Nilo has finished races on six out of the seven continents: Australia (Gold Coast Airport Marathon), Asia, Europe, North America, South America (Easter Island), and recently completed the Salam Cape Town Marathon in Africa. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will mark Nilo's last continent, and Nilo is eagerly looking forward to finishing this exceptional race. Saving the best for last!

Heinrich

Westenraad

australia

Heinrich was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and moved to Australia in 1999. In 2000 he began his career in the pet industry due to his passion for animals. Heinrich considers himself fortunate to be part of the dedicated team at TimePet, where their collective efforts make a positive impact on pets and their owners. His other passions include surfing, running, wine (drinking) and cooking. Heinrich feels lucky that he has completed marathons on all seven continents, and these achievements have brought him much joy. His return to Antarctica this year is a fulfillment of a promise made to two dear friends, Costa and Gibsy, who have always dreamt of this opportunity. Thanks to them, Heinrich is back for the Antarctic Ice Marathon.

James

Wilde

great britain

James Wilde, a 33-year-old man from Wimbledon, London, embarked on a quest to run around the world in 2023, aiming to run a marathon on each of the seven continents. To date, he has completed marathons in Tokyo, London, Rio, San Francisco, Sydney, and Cape Town, with the Antarctic Ice Marathon remaining. He's running in support of a UK charity, The Samaritans, as he strongly believes in their work. Let's go!

Christopher

Woolnough

great britain

Chris, a 40-year-old from Cheshire, UK, is a seasoned runner who has tackled a range of challenges, from Sahara and Himalaya treks to marathons worldwide. His motivation stems from a heartfelt commitment to support a local autism charity, CHAPS, which provides crucial assistance to children with autism and their families. Chris's connection to this cause is personal, as his 7-year-old son, Thomas, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 4. Currently, he's gearing up to run the Antarctic Ice Marathon to raise funds for this important cause.

Binbin

Xu

china

Binbin has a 20-year career in the toy industry, living a seemingly conventional life. However, in 2019, she fell in love with running while embarking on a weight loss journey, marking the beginning of her life's second phase. As a member of Team A of Xiamen University during the 2017 Gobi multi-day race, she achieved her marathon personal record of 3 hours and 28 minutes. In a world so vast, Binbin aspires to explore it using her own feet and enrich her life experiences.

Hanghe

Yang

china

Edward Yang, an avid outdoor sports enthusiast, enjoys activities like running, climbing, cycling, swimming, and hiking. He frequently participates in marathons and cross-country races, using these events to challenge himself, explore the unknown, and appreciate nature's beauty. Edward believes that outdoor sports not only promote relaxation and good health but also foster friendships with fellow enthusiasts, enriching life's experiences. His motto is: "The mountain is high where the peak is man-made, only if you are willing to climb." He sees life's challenges as opportunities for growth and excitement when met with unwavering determination.

Song

Yang

china

Song began his running journey at the Athens Marathon in 2014 and has since completed 25 races, including a 200-mile trail run and a full Ironman. In 2016, he became the Chinese male champion in the Marathon Des Sables and ranked 127th in the Ultra Trail World Tour. In 2017, he was the sole Chinese runner to finish the Ultra Trail Mont-Blanc and Tor Des Geants back-to-back races. In 2018, Song completed the North Pole Marathon. He is a multifaceted businessman, a sailor, a pilot, a diver, a climber, a future North Pole swimmer, and a runner who simply loves adventures.

Tao

Yao

china

Tao has always loved traveling - visiting glaciers, snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, plateaus, deserts, chasing the Northern Lights, enjoying beautiful starry skies, vast oceans, and traveling around the world to appreciate magnificent architecture and world-famous paintings. But 8 years ago, she fell in love with running irreparably. Running and marathons integrated into her life and became a part of it. She has already run in many beautiful cities in China, along the beautiful coastline of Australia, and through the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. As a general physician and running enthusiast, she once thought that completing a polar marathon was out of reach, but now the Antarctic Ice Marathon is right in front of her, and she's looking forward to this incredible event.

Hua

Zhang

china

Hua has completed the six World Marathon Majors (Boston Marathon, London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, Chicago Marathon, New York City Marathon, Tokyo Marathon) in one and a half years. In 2018, Hua finished the World's Coolest Marathon - the North Pole Marathon, and the Volcano Marathon at an altitude of 4700 meters in South America. Hua has established a running club in her company, the "Seebon Running Group" and led corporate executives and employees to participate in events such as the Honolulu Marathon, and a 3-day 88-kilometer desert hike, among others.

Yufei

Zhu

china

Yufei, currently living in Tokyo, Japan, is an amateur runner. Before turning 30 in 2019, she completed all six of the World Marathon Majors. She thrives on the challenge of demanding races, with her northernmost marathon in Greenland, and her southernmost marathon on King George Island. In June 2019, she embarked on a 14-day trek in Nepal to reach Mt. Everest Base Camp, where she completed a marathon. In the same year, she completed the marathon at Machu Picchu. The Antarctic Ice Marathon will be her first marathon after the pandemic.

Cuiping

Zhu

china

Cuiping has run across the Great Wall, the Da Mao Shan mountains, the Alps, Mount Fuji, and Kilimanjaro, as well as many city marathons. Running in the North and South Poles has become her dream. In 2018, she completed a marathon within the Arctic Circle. Since then, she has been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Antarctic Ice Marathon. As her 100th running competition, she hopes to experience it with everyone and looks forward to a beautiful journey.