Runners Brave Extreme Conditions in 2017 Antarctic Ice Marathon

Runners from around the globe face extreme conditions in the annual Antarctic Marathon at the bottom of the world.

Winners of the men’s race at the 2017 Antarctic Ice Marathon. (Photo Courtesy: SNTV/HUTC screengrab)

Snow, ice and temperatures of -20C with wind chill aren’t ideal conditions to run any marathon, but fifty athletes from 17 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures and completed the 12th annual Antarctic Ice Marathon (26 mile) race at the bottom of the world on the 25th November.

Every runner came prepared for the extreme elements. Running clothing included full faced balaclavas, goggles, gloves and mittens, long johns, waterproof running pants and several layers of thermal clothing underneath their shells.

For safety reasons they ran two laps around the Union Glacier exploration camp based just 600 miles from the South Pole.

The stunning arctic scenery only adds to the splendor of this unique event which most acknowledge as the one of the most extreme races in the world.

All fifty (50) runners completed this year's marathon and 15 of the runners joined the 7 continents marathon club by finishing the race.

(With inputs from AP/SNTV/HUTC)

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman