Polar Race
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The Polar Race is a biennial race from Resolute Bay in northern Canada to the Magnetic North Pole. Teams of two, three or four walk/ski 350 miles pulling their food and equipment on sleds. Although not unsupported, there are strict rules on the carrying of equipment, with only food, fuel and camera batteries permitted to be replenished at the three checkpoints along the route.
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[edit] Background
In 1996, polar adventurers Jock Wishart and David Hempleman-Adams organised The Ultimate Challenge, in which they chose 10 arctic novices from over 500 applicants and successfully led them to the Magnetic North Pole. On the same trip, they made the first scientific measurements by magnetometer and theodolite for many years to determine the exact location of the Magnetic North Pole: 78°35.7'N 104°11.9'W. This is the most recent certified position, although it as certainly moved since.
Following the success of the 1996 expedition, which proved that novices could be trained and equipped for a Polar expedition, the two men established The Polar Race. As of October 2006, two races have been run with 25 out of 26 competitors successfully reaching the Pole.
[edit] Race History
[edit] Polar Race 2003
The first ever Polar Race was held in 2003, with four teams taking part. All four teams successfully reached the pole. The overall results were:
- 1st Place: Initial Style Explorers with a total time of 10 days 9 hrs 45 mins
- 2nd Place: Polar Team with a total time of 11 days 18 hrs 4 mins
- 3rd Place: Extreme Steps with a total time of 16 days 0 hrs 55 mins
- 4th Place: ViP3 with a total time of 19 days 8 hrs 32 mins
[edit] Polar Race 2005
The second Polar Race was held in 2005, with six teams taking part. All six teams successfully reached the pole, but with one competitor retiring early due to minor frostbite (which later healed fully). The overall results were:
- 1st Place: Neways Polar Team with a total time of 13 days, 17 hours, 2 mins
- 2nd Place: Gentlemen Adventurers with a total time of 13 days, 22 hours, 38 mins
- 3rd Place: C&W Polar Team with a total time of 14 days, 22 hours, 7 mins
- 4th Place: Northern Stars with a total time of 15 days, 14 hours, 49 mins
- 5th Place: Pole Position with a total time of 17 days, 9 hours, 5 mins
- 6th Place: Ikey Icemen with a total time of 20 days, 6 hours, 1 min
[edit] Polar Race 2007
The third Polar Race is scheduled for April 2007. As at November 2006, the following teams have entered the race:
- Carpe Diem: Jan Meek, Dan Byles, Richard Profit.
- Team Refuge: Jake Morland, James Turner.
- The Blue Tits: Charlotte Eddington, Sarah Lucas.
- The Brass Monkeys: Charlie Cooper, Danny Munden, Chris Wilkinson.
- Polar Horizon: Alex Henney, Emlyn Evans, John Barker.
- Pole Dancers: Raymond Aaron, Rody Caxton-Spencer.
