The seventh Antarctic Ice Marathon took place in perfect conditions on Friday (December 2).
Thirty-six athletes from 17 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures and completed the 42.2km race at the bottom of the world.
Before the race, every competitor had to have their skin fully protected. Clothing included a full balaclava, goggles, gloves and mittens, long johns, waterproof running pants and several layers of thermal clothing under a 'shell'.
The race started at the Antarctic b Read more

The seventh Antarctic Ice Marathon took place in perfect conditions on Friday (December 2).
Thirty-six athletes from 17 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures and completed the 42.2km race at the bottom of the world.
Before the race, every competitor had to have their skin fully protected. Clothing included a full balaclava, goggles, gloves and mittens, long johns, waterproof running pants and several layers of thermal clothing under a 'shell'.
The race started at the Antarctic base camp of the Union Glacier, in the southern Ellsworth Mountains, just over 600 miles (100km) from the South Pole at 10:00 local time.
Favourable weather produced ideal running conditions as the marathon got underway.
"This one I think it is important to start really really slowly, and everyone is capable of doing it but we need to be really really careful we don't over estimate ourselves given the conditions. I am going to force myself to run half the speed I would normally for the first few miles then see how I feel and then hopefully pick it up at the end," said Elizabeth Chapman, a runner from the United Kingdom.
Hydration for the runners is difficult to manage in the excruciating cold and sweating is one of the biggest issues for all the runners to deal with.
For safety reasons the course itself is laid out around the Union Glacier camp with markers positioned in the snow and ice. This is to prevent anyone wandering off course and freezing to death.
Competitors had to complete one and a half laps of the course but were able to rehydrate themselves with hot drinks and snacks at one of five aid (check point) stations.
Despite the unfavourable terrain, every competitor managed to finish this unique race, beating the elements and for many achieving a personal dream.
In the men's event, Clément Thévenet from France took the lead straight away. The 37 year old private banker was never challenged for first position, setting an ice marathon record time of 3:47:07 some 33 minutes ahead of second place runner Alvin Matthews from the USA.
"It's a wonderful experience," said winner Thévenet. "There is so much stuff to do around the world but I think I will be back on Antarctica because it's amazing being there so maybe I'll be back for hiking or mountain climbing but for the marathon - I do it once that's it."
Nine athletes took part in the women's competition. Yvonne Brown from London, United Kingdom proved a decisive winner in a time of 4:26:10 while Emer Dooley (Ireland) and Alison Hamlett (United Kingdom) finished second and third, respectively.
Results Men's Race
1. Clément Thévenet (FRA) - 3:47:07 hrs
2. Alvin Matthews (USA) - 4:20:31 hrs
3. Matthew Von Ertfelda (USA) - 4:52:58 hrs
Ladies Race
1. Yvonne Brown (GBR) - 4:26:10 hrs
2. Emer Dooley (IRL) - 4:41:30 hrs
3. Alison Hamlett (GBR) - 4:46:39 Close