As the spring weather warms, a multitude of great marathons reappear on calendars nationwide. Those who love running and competing rejoice, and trails, courses, and roads abound with runners. Whether you are a once a year marathoner or a marathon junkie, there is a new marathon on the block that is gaining some attention—the North Pole Marathon. While it has actually been around for several years, interest in this challenging marathon is growing.
Before you grab your running shoes and log on to sign up, there are a few things to consider.
This year’s North Pole Marathon takes place on Wednesday, April 9, and it literally takes place at the Geographical North Pole. It takes 9 laps to complete the 26.2 mile course, but there are guards to keep the polar bears away. Sadly, it is too late to run in this year’s race. However, if you are intrigued, you have some time to plan for participating in 2015.
This is no kid’s play marathon—there is extreme cold, running on ice and snow, and the danger of polar bear attacks. You have to helicoptered in (can’t drive and park your car!), and you need some warm, high-quality running gear and about $20,000 to pay for the marathon package. Did I mention that the 12,000 ft. Artic Ocean is 6 to 12 feet beneath the running trail?
So, if you are interested, start your training and saving now. This race lives up to its nickname as the “coolest marathon.”
Wood River Rock 