The Polar Challenge

In April 2008 Lost Penguins set off on a race across the Arctic to the Magnetic North Pole: The Polar Challenge!

The Polar Challenge is one of the toughest races in the world; a 350 mile race to the Magnetic North Pole across the High Arctic, possibly the world’s most extreme environment with temperatures as low as –70˚C.  Teams will face a daily battle against crevasses, pressure ridges, frostbite, hypothermia, polar bears, arctic gales and white out conditions.

The Polar Challenge route runs from Resolute in Canada to the Magnetic North Pole in the High Arctic.  Uneven terrain at the Pole, making it difficult for planes to land, forces the finish line to be positioned 25 miles further north at Issachen Mine.

 

The Polar Challenge will take place between April and May 2008.  Competitors will be in the Arctic for approximately 5 weeks, undergoing some final training and a six day expedition to the start. Teams navigate their own routes, passing through two check points. They also man haul their own food and equipment in 'pulks' weighing approximately 55kg.

Two and three man teams from around the world will compete in the Polar Challenge. However between only a third and two thirds of teams are expected to reach the Pole. The cold, the wind, the sheer overwhelming and relentless physical demand, and fear are all equal obstacles to finishing as injury, making the race as much of a mental challenge as physical one. Being able to cope as a team at the limits of mental endurance is as key to success in the race as exceptional fitness.