McMurdo Ice Marathon

One of the many activities that the recreation office puts on at McMurdo is the annual Ice Marathon.

Full Marathon Start

 The route was slightly different than previous years because of the movement of the road to the Pegasus runway. The route this year was to start at mile 1 of the Pegasus road, go out to the runway(mile 14), turn around and return to the start. The half marathon started at the runway and went to mile 1. There was also the option to ski either the full or half.

Roommates! Nate, Jon, and Craig- All ran the full Marathon!

The need for aid stations was evident as there is nothing on the side of the road in Antarctica. So a few volunteers, including myself signed up to run aid stations.

 

 

 

Another aid station. Beer and BBQ tempting runners and skiers to finish early.

My aid station. That's me in the middle waving!

  We had a van as a warming station, a table, two chairs, water and Gatorade, and a few snacks. And the all important pee bottles! We headed out and dropped off the folks running the half marathon start then set up our station.

Offering up some refreshments

 Karen and I got our things together and not long after we had the first full marathon skier show up.
We were busy from then on with the skiers and runners. We danced around and cheered folks, handed out drinks, and broke up the long route.

Some frosty hair!

Deany traditional cross country skiing the full marathon. And no he doesn't have a shirt on!

The Kiwi team pulling the sled!

Jon

Jon ran the full marathon. He reported having some pain in his leg/foot towards the end but still had a great time. 

Jon with a frosty beard!