survival of the farthest®

Welcome to the races of your life. The North Pole, an ocean covered by snow and ice shifting
restlessly underfoot. Antarctica, the haunted, wind-blown expanses that end in a brilliant blue
sky. Polar Running Adventures ®

EVENTS

Polar Running Adventures® delivers world-class running experiences. For 20+ years, we have brought 1,400 adventure athletes to the most remote parts of the planet. We are the world’s foremost authority on polar sports, and we are delighted to introduce our new premier running events:
the Arctic Polar Race™, and the Antarctic Polar Race®.

ARCTIC POLAR RACE

The Arctic Polar Race™  takes place at the Geographic North Pole. Polar Running Adventures has successfully delivered 16 marathon races at the  Pole, and we now offer the opportunity to run at a floating polar ice camp once again. 

Join Now

ANTARCTIC POLAR RACE

The Antarctic Polar Race® hosts the official Antarctica Athletics Federation® Championships. Polar Running Adventures has delivered 35 marathon and ultramarathon events in Antarctica, and now athletes can compete for official Antarctica continental titles.

Join Now

Event Details

Date: Annually in April

Location: North Pole

Distance Options: Marathon / Ultra

Event Details

Date: Annually in December

Location: Antarctica

Distance Options: Marathon / Ultra

THE 7 CONTINENTS MARATHON CLUB

The 7 Continents Marathon Club™ honors athletes who have completed a marathon on all 7 continents. The Club has been operated by Polar Running Adventures since 2006. To be eligible for membership, you must complete an officially recognized marathon on each of the 7 continents.

The 7 Continents Marathon Club

POLAR MARATHON CLUB

The Polar Marathon Club™ is operated by Polar Running Adventures and recognises those who have run in Antarctica and the Arctic / North Pole. Members of the Polar Marathon Club are entitled to receive an exclusive Polar Medal. The Polar Medal can also be awarded to those who have made significant contributions to polar running in various categories, including photography, cinematography, literature, research, exploration, and medical and logistical support.

THE MARATHON GRAND SLAM CLUB

The Marathon Grand Slam Club® honors athletes who have completed a marathon on all 7 continents and at the North Pole. The Club has been operated by Polar Running Adventures for 24 years. To be eligible for membership, you must complete an officially recognized marathon on each of the 7 continents and at a Geographic North Pole camp.

About Us

POLAR RUNNING ADVENTURES

Polar Running Adventures® has pioneered polar running over the past 20+ years, bringing 1,400 adventure athletes from 70 countries to the most remote locations on the planet. We also pioneered the operation of marathon events across 7 continents in 7 days using charter aircraft. No other race organiser matches this level of expertise and experience in the Arctic and Antarctica. We work with a network of associate specialists, including the world’s leading polar logistics operators.

RICHARD DONOVAN

Richard Donovan operates Polar Running Adventures. He has completed 40 trips as organiser and group leader to the North Pole and Antarctica. In 2002, he became the first person in history to run marathons at both the North and South Poles. In 2012, he set a world record for running marathons on all 7 continents in 4 days 22 hours 3 minutes. He has also completed transcontinental runs across Europe (2016), South America (2017), and the USA, twice (2015 & 2022). A Race Director at numerous Commonwealth and World Championships at ultramarathon running, Richard has additionally competed for Ireland at international level. He holds a primary degree in Classics, two postgraduate degrees in Economics, and a Doctorate in Project Management. Richard is an elected member of The Explorers Club, a leading society of explorers, and a co-founder of the Space Athletics Federation®.

Safety

We have a thorough understanding of the equipment, clothing and needs of athletes when competing in cold-weather conditions in extreme environments. Our safety record is second to none and our logistics partners have well-established evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of participants in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Expertise in Cold-Weather Athletics
Unmatched Safety Record
Seamless Evacuation Procedures
Participant Safety at the Core

ANTARCTICA ATHLETICS FEDERATION

The Antarctica Athletics Federation® is the governing body for athletics performances in Antarctica, an initiative led by Polar Running Adventures. The Federation also monitors records in the Arctic, specifically at the North Pole. The Arctic Polar Race and Antarctic Polar Race are officially recognised by the Antarctica Athletics Federation for record-setting purposes.

The greatest moment was when I carried the Marathon Flame from Greece and handed it to Race Director Richard Donovan. His polar races are something that will change your life forever.

Nasos Ktoridis (Cyprus)
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

My Antarctica trip with Polar Running Adventures was everything I wanted. It not only allowed me to go to Antarctica, but it also gave me a chance to get into the heart of the continent, stay on the ice, and really experience life there.

Beibei Fan (China)
Marathon Runner

Richard’s North Pole race was a unique combination of two things I enjoy: polar challenges and marathon running. Best of all, I didn’t have to haul a sled there. A fantastic experience that I would highly recommend.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes (UK)
Polar Explorer

Thank you for opening new horizons for so many people, for giving us unforgettable memories and emotions in such unique locations on the planet.

Gulia DeFelice (USA)
Marathon Runner

Richard has unified the world through his races, with participants of different faiths and races, different statures in life, disabled or not. He reaffirmed in my heart that I can dream big and make it happen.

William Tan (Singapore)
Paralympian

Polar Running Adventures events are the ticket to fulfilling your dreams. They are professional, straightforward, and built for athletes by athletes.

Mike Wardian (USA)
International Ultra Runner

Get in touch with us

Have questions, ready to become a Polarnaut™ and embark on an extraordinary journey? We're here to assist you every step of the way.

address

Polar Running Adventures

95 Rosan Glas

Galway City

Ireland 

EMAIL

polarrunningadventures@gmail.com

phone

+353 87 6882614

social
Facebook Youtube Instagram
Main Menu
Facebook Youtube Instagram

© 2003 – 2026 Polar Running Adventures. All rights reserved.

back to top button