The Antarctic Ice Marathon took place at the South Pole on 13th December, with average temperatures of -20C.
Clonmel-born Sean Tobin has smashed records by completing the coldest marathon on earth at the South Pole in the fastest-ever time.
According to Tipperary Live, Tobin established a new Antarctic Marathon record of 2:53:33 hrs.
He reached the three-quarter point check-in zone in two hours, eight minutes. At this stage he was well on his way to setting a new course record and smashing the old record of 3 hours 34 minutes and 12 seconds, set in 2019, Tipperary Live reports.
Via icemarathon.com
The feat was described by race director Richard O’Donovan as “an astounding performance in very tough underfoot conditions.”
The marathon is described as a “formidable and genuine Antarctic challenge with underfoot conditions comprising snow and ice throughout, an average windchill temperature of -20C, and the possibility of strong Katabatic winds to contend with”. The event also takes place at an altitude of 700 metres.
Via icemarathon.com
The Marathon website warns that participants shouldn’t expect to run their quickest time, as winds can blow from the South Pole at 10-25 knots. They also warn there’ll be no one positioned to cheer you on along the route, as even penguins can’t endure the conditions this far south. Snowmobile support, aid stations and medical personnel are on hand for the duration of the race, however.
All of this makes Tobin’s achievement even more impressive. “I had to go deep inside myself, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” he told the Independent. The runner has represented Ireland at global level in cross country in recent years, and is a two-time national champion on the track.
Header image via icemarathon.com
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