Marathon 1 - Antarctica
We flew in our own private plane out to Antarctica and toasted some of Shackleton’s Whiskey when we flew over 60º south longitude. A poignant moment for all of us.
But that was just the start.
After a full day of trekking through the snow around the beautifully stunning and serene King George Island, getting up close and personal with seals, penguins & many other wildlife it was time to hit the sack at the Russian Base Camp - our hosts for the evening. In bed by 10.30pm.
Up again at 2.30am. If we wanted to guarantee getting back to mainland before any risk of adverse weather setting in and potentially scuppering our entire week, we needed be finished early - so the 4.00am Marathon start was set.
This far south, this time of year, it’s pretty much 24 hour daylight so when we arose after our anxious 4 hours kip, it was still light.
The low sun rising slowly over the mountains and icebergs in the distance was the perfect setting for a very special marathon.
The running itself was tough - make no mistake. It was cold. The wind steadily blew harder the longer we ran and the terrain underfoot was slippery, unstable and punishing. To make matters worse, we had to dodge inquisitive penguins springing out of the water to investigate all the alien action. Add that to potentially aggressive and territorial seals who themselves have been known to be nimble on their flippers, and you’ve got a race like no other.
The whole team nailed it. Everyone ran an Antarctic PB! :-)
Dan Honour: 3h24m
Rob Bell: 3h24m
Gareth Williams: 3h42m
Ben Goodburn: 3h45m
Steve Vials (Road Captain): 4h26m
Pete Bocquet: 5h16m
