Race
A deaf man and a serving soldiers intent on winning the 2011/12 South Pole race and entering the record books at the same time.
- 430 Nautical Miles (495 Statute miles)
- Temperature down to -50c
- 16hrs daily skiing
- 70kg pulk
- Crevasse fields
- 9300ft climb
- 12 hour enforced 'stop over'
Journey to the South Pole: Training
Fly to Cape Town, 2 days preparing food and equipment. Flight from Cape Town to Antarctica, to NOVO, a Russian Scientific Base. First few days of training and re-cap previous training: lectures, mini expedition to train and acclimatize.
Training continues with 8-10 day acclimatization and crevasse training - approximately 100 nautical miles, guided trip through crevasse field. Throughout the duration of the training competitors will be surrounded by training staff.
South Pole Race
Journey to the South Pole: Race Leg 1
Flight from End of Acclimatization and Crevasse Training to Race Start. On arrival at the start line all racers will spend a night to prepare, rest and resupply with food and fuel for Race Leg 1 from Start to Mid-way Checkpoint. After Race Start, all teams will separate from the training staff and travel alone. Safety teams will be in place for the duration of the race.
Race Leg 1 will be approximately 215 nautical miles.
Journey to the South Pole: Race Leg 2
On arrival at Mid-way Checkpoint, all teams will fully resupply for final race leg, and take an enforced 24 hour stop. From here to the South Pole is approximately 215 nautical miles. Teams are likely to travel more slowly on the second leg of the race - though they are fitter, the altitude, cold and deeper snow on the plateau is likely to slow them down.
Race Leg 2 will be approximately 215 nautical miles.
Race Finish at the Geographical South Pole
Celebrations and well-earned rest at the finish line at the Geographical South Pole.
Flight South Pole - NOVO, rest at NOVO before flying NOVO - Cape Town and then Cape Town - home.
Timings
Approximate total timings for Training and Race: faster teams 30 days, slower teams 45 days, including 24-hour enforced rest period during race at Mid-Race Checkpoint.
