The allure of the North Pole Marathon has defied a five-year hiatus due to the cancellation of the tourist winter season. However, organisers of the renowned "World’s Coolest Marathon" ingeniously introduced a novel way to satisfy adventurers seeking this extreme challenge.

Embarking from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the runners journeyed on an icebreaker for six days before reaching the Geographic North Pole. Upon arrival, they put on their running gear and life vests, undertaking the 17th edition of the North Pole Marathon.

Eleven fortunate participants from six nations etched their place in history as they conquered the first-ever marathon held at the North Pole during the summer season. Among them were six marathon competitors, four half-marathon entrants, and one runner completing the North Pole 10-Miler.

Competitors navigated laps around the icebreaker, marked by snow and ice indicators, finding solace in an aid station tent for hot drinks to keep hydrated and snacks for energy levels.

Runners had to protect their skin against harsh conditions but wore one layer of thermal clothing to make sure they could regulate their body temperature. Negotiating energy-sapping soft snow and slushy ice posed a unique challenge. Despite the location at the Geographic North Pole, temperatures hovered at 2C, with a wind chill of -2C. In the interest of safety, life vests were mandatory, and vigilant polar bear guards stood watch during the event.

In the men's marathon, Patrick Charlebois from Canada clinched victory with a time of 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 41 seconds. Xiaobin Qiu from China secured second place in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 50 seconds. Notably, Charlebois is no stranger to extreme events having previously conquered the World Marathon Challenge in 2017 (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, in 7 Days).

The women's division saw Melissa Kullander of the United States triumph, finishing in 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 39 seconds. Remarkably, 14-year-old Nolan Wang from the US completed the 10-mile race in 2 hours and 35 minutes, he is set to commence his freshman year of high school shortly.

Amid the polar expanse, all the runners conquered their challenges. Patrick Charlebois and Xiaobin Qiu also earned a spot in the Grand Slam Club, having completed a marathon on every continent and the North Pole.

The allure of the North Pole Marathon has defied a five-year hiatus due to the cancellation of the tourist winter season. However, organisers of the renowned "World’s Coolest Marathon" ingeniously introduced a novel way to satisfy adventurers seeking this extreme challenge.

Embarking from Longyearbyen, Svalbard, the runners journeyed on an icebreaker for six days before reaching the Geographic North Pole. Upon arrival, they put on their running gear and life vests, undertaking the 17th edition of the North Pole Marathon.

Eleven fortunate participants from six nations etched their place in history as they conquered the first-ever marathon held at the North Pole during the summer season. Among them were six marathon competitors, four half-marathon entrants, and one runner completing the ‘North Pole 10-Miler.’

Competitors navigated laps around the icebreaker, marked by snow and ice indicators, finding solace in an aid station tent for hot drinks to keep hydrated and snacks for energy levels.

Runners had to protect their skin against the harsh conditions but wore one layer of thermal clothing to make sure they could regulate their body temperature. Negotiating energy-sapping soft snow and slushy ice posed a unique challenge. Despite the location at the Geographic North Pole, temperatures hovered at a relatively balmy 2°C, with a wind chill of -2°C. In the interest of safety, life vests were mandatory, and vigilant polar bear guards stood watch during the event.

In the men's marathon, Patrick Charlebois from Canada clinched victory with a time of 3 hours, 48 minutes, and 41 seconds. Xiaobin Qiu from China secured second place in 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 50 seconds. Notably, Charlebois is no stranger to extreme events having previously conquered the World Marathon Challenge in 2017 (7 Marathons, 7 Continents, in 7 Days).

The women's division saw Melissa Kullander of the United States triumph, finishing in 5 hours, 24 minutes, and 39 seconds. Remarkably, 14-year-old Nolan Wang from the US completed the 10-mile race in 2 hours and 35 minutes, he is set to commence his freshman year of high school shortly.

Amid the polar expanse, all the runners conquered their challenges. Patrick Charlebois and Xiaobin Qiu also earned a spot in the Grand Slam Club, having completed a marathon on every continent and the North Pole.