Forty runners complete the 2012 North Pole Marathon

This unique Marathon covering the full 42.2 km distance was held recently on the 6th of April at the Geographic North Pole. A total of 40 athletes from 18 countries took part in the event. Contestants had to run 10 loops of a 4.22 km course marked out on the ice as armed personnel kept an eye out for polar bears.

The first three finishers were Andrew Murray from Scotland in 4:17:08, Luis Alonso Marcos of Spain in 4:19:38 and James Matthews (GBR) third in 4:41:01.  
The women's race was won by Demelza Farr of Australia in 6:06:36 followed by Great Britain's Rebecca Newmann (6:11:39) and Julie Brailsford (6:14:40) in second and third, respectively.

If you are thinking about doing the 2013 race then you better start saving as it costs a 'cool' €11,900! This includes accommodation in Spitsbergen, return flights from Spitsbergen to the North Pole camp; accommodation while at the Pole, entry to the official North Pole Marathon; helicopter flights in the polar region; t-shirts, medals and souvenirs; professional photos of each competitor in action; a DVD of the race; and hotel accommodation on return from the Pole.

Video of the 2012 race here...