Race Coverage

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

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The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2026

Dates: 13–23 November 2026

Meeting Place: Ushuaia, Argentina

Distance: Up to 250 kilometers over six stages

Format: Self-supported ultramarathon (participants carry emergency gear -- professional staff and medical support provided)

# of Participants: 50

Entry Fees:

 Category Fee  (USD) 
 Standard Entry  $14,900 
 Late Entry (after 13 May 2026)   $15,900 
 Deposit to Secure Place  $5,000

1. Event Background

The Last Desert was founded in 2006 as the final race in the prestigious 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series. Held in Antarctica—the coldest, windiest, and most remote continent on Earth—The Last Desert is only open to those who have successfully completed at least two other RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathons. Participants traverse glaciers, deep snow, volcanic islands and black volcanic sand, racing in one of the most pristine and protected environments on the planet.

2. Participation Format

  • Participants may run, walk, or combine both.
  • Approximate distribution:
    • 20% run the entire course
    • 60% use a run/walk strategy
    • 20% walk the entire distance

The course is run in circuits ranging from around 2km to nearly 14km, weather permitting. Each Stage is planned according to time. For example, Stage 1 may consist of running / walking up to 12 hours – participants are required to be on the course for this period of time but may take food and toilet breaks. There is no minimum distance required for each Stage. The course is marked with ski poles and pink bags which are filled with snow.Navigation is not required.

3. Distance Benchmarks

  • Most overall completion distance: ~250 kilometers
  • Least overall completion distance: ~50 kilometers racing

4. Environmental & Cultural Features

Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System which protects its fragile ecosystem.

Participants will experience:

  • Icebergs, penguin colonies, and dramatic glacial landscapes
  • Historic research stations and remnants of early polar exploration
  • A deep sense of isolation, reflection, and awe

The race fosters environmental awareness and respect for one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.

5. Course Highlights

The course changes from edition to edition based on weather, permits and other factors.  These are some of the locations where The Last Desert may be held. Note: The Last Desert in 2024 was staged on Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Dorion Bay and Danco Island.

  • Deception Island: volcanic caldera with black sand beaches.
  • Paradise Bay: towering ice cliffs and mirror-like waters.
  • Neko Harbour: dramatic glacier views and penguin sightings.
  • Half Moon Bay: known for its dramatic crescent-shaped shoreline, black cobbled beaches, and steep scree-covered cliffs.
  • Petermann Island: features volcanic terrain, colourful cryoplankton blooms, and stunning views of icebergs and glacial backdrops.
  • Dorion Bay: home to the Damoy Hut, Antarctica’s only protected historic transit facility and skiway, and offers a rare glimpse into early scientific exploration alongside thriving Gentoo penguin colonies.
  • Danco Island: a compact but spectacular slice of Antarctica. Danco has steep snowy slopes, 2,000+ breeding Gentoo penguins, Weddell seals, and frequent whale sightings in the Errera Channel. The hike to the summit rewards visitors with panoramic glacier vistas. In 2024, participants took the polar plunge into the icy waters adding to the unforgettable excitement.
  • King George Island: its relatively mild climate, accessible airstrip, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds, make it a key logistical and ecological gateway to the continent.

6. Weather Conditions: November in Antarctica

November marks the start of the Antarctic summer, with extended daylight and relatively stable conditions.

Temperature Overview (Average)

 Period

 High

(°C / °F)

 Low

(°C / °F)
 13–23 November 

-2 – 5°C

28 – 41°F

-10 – -2°C 

14 – 28°F

Weather Notes

  • Rainfall: Small chance of drizzle (snow very likely)
  • Sunshine: Up to 20 hours of daylight
  • Wind: Strong gusts and katabatic winds possible
  • Altitude: Sea level to ~300 meters (980 feet)

Local Saying:

“Antarctica doesn’t welcome you—it tests you.”

7. Charity & Social Impact

Participants have supported causes including climate research, wildlife conservation, and education initiatives in polar regions as well as charities in support of medical research and other humanitarian needs.

8. Travel & Logistics

Meeting Place: Ushuaia, Argentina

Fly into Ushuaia via Buenos Aires.

Participants board an expedition ship for a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica.

Hotel accommodation in Ushuaia is not included. It is recommended to arrive in Ushuaia, Argentina 1 – 2 days before the ship departs.

9. Participant Reflections

Quotes from previous participants:

“But to coin a well-used phrase, this is 'more than a race'. It really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip combining a passion of running and exploring. I have caught the polar exploration bug, fascinated with the books I read prior to this past week, and reinforced now that I have been fortunate enough to have travelled here.“
“Antarctica was nothing short of magical—untouched, pristine, and profoundly peaceful. The purity of the whites and the vivid blues in the ice were beyond anything I could have imagined. Penguins waddling along the trail, whales and dolphins gliding through the water, and the majestic, dinosaur-like albatrosses flying overhead all felt perfectly normal in this extraordinary place.”

10. Next Steps

11. What’s Included

Your entry includes:

    • International staff and medical support throughout race
    • RacingThePlanet Patches (sewn on jacket, provided for backpack)
    • Race Bib
    • Water for the duration of the race
    • Accommodation on board M/V Plancius Expedition Ship for ten (10) nights / eleven (11) days
    • Meals
    • Awards Banquet (including dinner, awards presentation and photo slideshow)
    • Finisher's medal
    • Souvenir race jacket

Participants are responsible for their own travel to / from the Ushuaia, Argentina.