Race Coverage

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

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QUICK FACTS

Race dates: 13 – 23 November 2026. The second edition of the Antarctica Ultramarathon and the first edition of UltraLite (Antarctica).

Distances: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, marathon or up to 100 km on a single stage; or UltraLite, up to 100 km over six timed stages of up to six hours each.

Field size: UltraLite (Antarctica) is limited to 25 competitors, ensuring a personal, well-supported experience.

Held alongside: The Last Desert (Antarctica), established in 2006 and now in its 11th edition: the final race of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series and Antarctica’s only multi-stage footrace.

Start point: Ushuaia, Argentina, at the southern tip of South America

Your base: An expedition ship, the M/V Plancius, which crosses the Drake Passage and serves as your base throughout the race.

Possible locations: South Shetland Islands, Wiencke Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour, Aitcho Island, Cuverville Island and Dorian Bay.

Temperature: Can drop to -20°C (-4°F) on the course.

Terrain: Mostly snow, from a few centimetres to over one metre deep.

Truly off-road: The only race in Antarctica held entirely on trails rather than roads.

Culture: Shaped by the history of past explorers, the whaling era and Antarctica’s remarkable wildlife.

Charity: Many competitors raise funds for charities through the race