Summary

North Pole MarathonDate - 7th April 2009Location – North PoleSource:Hot Under the Collar ProductionsN.B. No Archive or Library Use North Pole Marathon – Coolest Marathon in the World Competitors in the coldest marathon in the World battle against - 37C.  Story -The world’s coolest marathon, the North Pole Marathon, lived up to its billing when competitors endured temperatures of -37C at the North Pole.  Thirty-eight (38) participants from 14 countries and 6 continents started the 26.2 mile race on Tuesday April 7th at 15:30 GMT. Operated at a drifting Russian ice base at the Geographic North Pole, the event is quite literally run ‘on’ water: the frozen Arctic sea ice. Contestants must negotiate energy sapping soft snow and small ice pressure ridges to complete the race. Every competitor had to have their skin fully protected. Clothing included a full balaclava, goggles, gloves and mittens, longjohns, waterproof running pants and several layers of thermal clothing under a "shell". Hydration is difficult to manage in the excruciating cold. Sweating is one of the biggest issues for the runners to worry about. Mainly for safety reasons the course itself was laid out around the Russian camp where markers were positioned in the snow and ice. Competitors had to complete 9 ‘laps’ of the course but were able to retreat into a refreshment tent every lap to regain body warmth and hydrate themselves with hot drinks and snacks. The elite runners made far fewer ‘tent breaks’. 47 year old Evgeniy Gorkov, a vastly experienced Russian extreme athlete and former skydiver, took the lead from the outset to win in a time of 4:27:05. A close battle for second position ensued before France’s Renaud Michel eventually prevailed over Willy Roberts of New Zealand. Michel was one of four brothers who all finished in the top 8 places. Six women took part in the women’s competition. Pushpa Chandra of Canada edged out Great Britain’s Daniela Spiridigliozzi in the closing stages to win in a time of 7:27:31. Sarah Ames of Germany finished third. Seven of the competitors completed the Grand Slam of marathons, having run on all continents and at both Poles. The race also featured its youngest ever finisher in Stefanie Petterrson of Brazil. The sixteen year-old was accompanied by her father on the course. In addition, Sixty-eight year old Dan Hamner (USA) became the oldest finisher in the seven year history of the race, but in a time just over 13 hours! This race is not for the faint hearted. Despite the correct clothing and preparation there were several cases of frostbite, but this was closely monitored by the Russian medical team who were to hand on-site. For those who successfully conquered the cold, it was a completely exhilarating and unique running experience.  Results:Men’s Race1 Evgeniy Gorkov (Russia) 4:27:052 Renaud Michel (France) 4:44:133 Willy Roberts (New Zealand) 4:44:59 Ladies Race 1 Pushpa Chandra (Canada) 7:27:31