Polar Challenge

Polar Challenge - to the magnetic North Pole

Mid April - Mid May 2009 (plus training events)

A 350 mile competitive race to the magnetic North Pole (as located in 1996), and beyond.

This is an annual event over four weeks (including two weeks training and acclimatization) during mid-April to mid-May.

The competition is between teams of three, with many of the teams formed during training (so you do not need to already be in a team to apply).

Besides the training event in the artic, there are also a variety of day/weekend/week events in England or elsewhere - these are compulsory, or at least strongly recommended. These are for physical preparation (pulk pulling, skiing) as well as technical skills (polar bear safety, ice break drill) and team building.

September: Training Evening

A focus point for your personal training plan and a chance to meet everyone else. You'll also get a GPS and the training to use it.

October: Training development day

A variety of tasks (both physical and mental) to challenge you and push you towards your personal training goals

November: Navigation weekend

Covering 25km over the mountains (eg in Wales) with a light rucksack, including navigational skills.

January: Artic skills training week

A 4 day mini-expedition (eg in Norway) to develop your daily routines for the artic enviroment. Training in effective use of the team equipment, skiing, and survival techniques includes polar bear safety and ice breaking.

February: Shotgun training and medical check

A final race fitness check the the challenge medial team, as well as learning to use a weapon.

Early April: Artic training

Fly to the base camp at Resolution for several days of acclimatization and final training. Following a three day exhibition to establish your artic routine, there is a final day of preparation at Resolution as well as a one-to-one interview. Finally, a 4 day 65 mile training expedition to the challenge start point to perfect your skills.

Mid April: The challenge - Stage 1

110 miles to the first checkpoint (rest for 12-24 hours and food & fuel resupply)

Stage 2

95 miles to the second checkpoint (rest for 12-24 hours and food & fuel resupply)

Stage 3

63 miles to arrive at the 1996 magnetic North Pole

Stage 4

16 miles to the finish, a location where it is possible to collect you by plane.

You will be fully trained by Artic experts to have the safety skills you will need. During pretraining your progress will be monitored to ensure that you are capable of completing the challenge. Throughout the artic training you have 24 hour access to instructions and previous competitors for full advice.

The event is covered by mobile (skidoo, air and ski) safety teams staffed by highly experienced Arctic trained staff to cope with all emergencies. Medical teams are extreme challenge specialists, who have covered previous challenges (and maybe competed in them also).

Polar Challenge Entry Fee: £18,000

Included in the price are:-

• All equipment and training for the Weekend and week training events as well as the challenge itself.
• Gloves underclothes, sleeping bags, masks goggles, suits
• On loan for the challenge: pulk, ski's, GPS
• On load to your team during the challenge: tent, stove, medical kit, iridium phone, gun.
• Travel, insurance, accommodation, food during the event
• Full safety and medical cover during the challenge

Optional events and items

• Cross country Ski Training and GPS issue
• Training Development Day

click here to enter the next Polar Challenge