POLAR CIRCLE MARATHON  AND HALF-MARATHON  OCTOBER 18, 2008

This tough marathon takes place in Greenland’s where endless ice and snow make up the backdrop of this unusual
race, in which runners pass glacier tongues, moraine landscapes and soundless, arctic desert.

Most of the course is run on gravel road and smaller paths between moraine hills – except for the part that takes place on the 3 km thick
Greenlandic ice cap, of course.

October weather in Greenland is normally beautiful and not too cold. Sunshine is the order of the day, though the occasional light snowfall
may occur. Expect temperatures of around -5º C / 25º F.

The Polar Circle Marathon® is the perfect way to combine a special running event with exploring one of the most remote corners of the
world.

About the Run

The Polar Circle Marathon in Greenland has been previously held in 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006 and the run will fulfil the requirements
demanded for an Adventure Marathon® (refer to Requirements and Conditions of an Adventure Marathon®)

The temperature during October will certainly be cold with mild frosts expected and the odd fall of light snow. We don't expect extreme cold
or deep snow, and participants will be able to run in normal running shoes (with plastic studs (spikes) during the run on the Ice Cap).

The route has two wildly different characteristics. The first is 34 kilometres over a gravel road with many moraine hills spread out between
Kangerlussuaq and the Ice Cap. The other is simply the remaining 8 kilometres that are run on the Greenlandic Ice Cap itself.

The start is as close to the edge of the ice as practically possible at this time of the year. The first part on the ice is technically the most
demanding where the ice can be slippery unless you are so lucky that the ice is covered by a thin layer of fresh snow. Later we continue
between enormous glacier tongues back towards Kangerlussuaq, our goal, where the route takes us through moraine plains, tundra and artic
desert. Along the route we pass glacial lakes and waterfalls and there is a big chance to meet musk oxen and reindeer that graze on the
scattered vegetation along the route.

The first 8 kilometres as mentioned runs through a bewitching harsh ice landscape that at its peak is 3 kilometres above sea level, here there is
nothing but ice for as far as the eye can see together with dog sled's and snow scooters that watch over the runners. We run over crushed ice
that is produced by an ice plough.

After finishing the Ice Cap section we head back towards to the starting point and from here only a further 25 kilometres to run, here we
encounter a dramatic and undulating moraine landscape formed by glaciers and glacial tunnels. It is an incredibly beautiful landscape that
runs for many kilometres along some of the Ice Caps oldest glaciers.
The last stage runs through the relative flat artic desert, valleys of sand drift, past 'Sugar Loaf (with a steep climb) and along the river back to
Kangerlussuaq. The terrain is a continuation of the previous undulating landscape but to a lesser degree. In spite of the routes many hills there
is only a climb of 200 metres during the first 9 kilometres, where after the route falls from about 500 to about 100 metres above sea level. In
general the route is very well kept. The road is fairly even with a stabile surface without too many large stones. The territory is known for its
stabile and relatively comfortable climate where it most likely will be part sunny and the temperature in the neighbourhood of freezing point
(possibly under). There is a little risk of an easterly, which would send a cold wind down from the Ice Cap and increase the degree of difficulty.
As far as clothing is concerned we recommend tights and a windbreaker. We recommend starting with plenty of clothing by the Ice Cap and
there after is it possible to discard extra clothing by the stations situated along the route. It will also be possible to leave changes of clothing at
various posts. It you are unable to run the whole 42 kilometres without resting, it is not recommended to rest for too long in wet clothes.

There will be water stations along the route every 5 kilometres together with energy drinks and provisions on chosen stations along the route.
 

Polar Circle Packages available

Basic Package  Oct 16 to Oct 20
Polar Lodge Euro 1150     Single supplement:      Euro 105
Hotel Kangerlussuaq:  Euro 1.350    Single supplement, hotel: Euro 240
Marathon or

The price include:
• Flight Copenhagen-Kangerlussuaq t/r with Air Greenland
• All flight and airport taxes.
• English speaking Tour Guides.
• 4 nights accommodation in a double room in your chosen hotel.
• Full Board.
• Route Inspection to the Inland Ice, appr. 3 hours

Marathon or Half-Marathon Euro 265 (Must Purchase Basic Package)
Includes:
• English speaking guides and officials
• Time keeping
• Transport to the starting point.
• Manned drink stations including safety equipment
• Starting number, diploma, medal, Tee Shirt
• Qualified doctor and nurse

Extended Package Oct 20 to Oct 23
Accommodation in double room:  Euro 810  Single supplement: Euro 150
Includes
• Flight Kangerlussauq-Ilulissat return w/taxes.
• 3 nights in hotel in shared double with breakfast.
• Tour guide on the whole tour.
• 1 dinner at hotel.
• Guided city walk in Ilulissat.
• Boattrip to the Ice Fjord

Price does not Include:
• Cancellation Insurance due to illness
• Travel & Health Insurance. There is no hospital in Kangerlussuaq, only in Sisimiut (and other coast towns).
A doctor will be present during the race. We strongly recommend you to take out sufficient insurance.
We recommend Gouda Travel Insurance Company.
• Transfer arrangements from European and overseas destinations. Price upon request.
• Accommodation in Copenhagen. Price upon request.
• Additional tours and excursions.
• Personal requirements
• Beverage
• Tips to local guides.
• Invoice charge & Postage, EUR 18,- per booking.
• Everything not listed under ‘The Price Include’


Registration

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