Antarctic Ice Ultra

The ultimate endurance test. Fly from Cape Town South Africa to Dronning Maud Land for the ultimate endurance test. You can run a half marathon, full marathon, 50k, 50 miles, 100k or 100 miles (within the 24 hour window).

Ilyushin 76-TD90 at Novo Runway — Ilyushin 76-TD90 at the ice runway at Ultima Airbase

Image: Richard Ducker, Antarctic Ice Ultra

You will stay in a tented camp at the Ultima Airbase for the duration of your visit.

Around the nearby Schirmacher Oasis you will enjoy excursions led by an experienced guide team and you will have the opportunity to purchase a seat on a flight on the ski-equipped twin otter to one of two Emperor Penguin colonies within a one hour flight.

Emperor Penguin chicks huddling with an adult at Lazarev Colony — Emperor Penguin chicks huddling with an adult at the Lazarev Colony on the first ever visit to this colony in November 2024.

Schirmacher Oasis, ice free for 160,000 years wedged between the Antarctic ice sheet and the Nivl ice shelf

Image: Richard Ducker – In November it will not get dark but the sun will set for those wishing to race the longer distances and brave colder temperatures when the sun dips below the horizon for a few hours.

7-12 November 2025. Expressions of Interest 2026

Additional info

Price: US$19,500 per person. If part of a team (2 or more people) US$18,500 per person. Non -runners welcome (US$1000 discount).

Day 1 – 7 November 2025

Fly to Ultima Airbase on board the Ilyushin 76 TD-90 a purpose built aircraft configured to carry researchers and cargo to support Antarctic national programs in Dronning Maud Land

Days 3-6

Enjoy excursions around the Schirmacher Oasis and for an additional fee, a seat on a flight to visit an Emperor Penguin colony

Day 6

Return to Cape Town, South Africa

The Schirmacher Oasis abuts the Nivl Ice Shelf. The Oasis has been ice free for 160,000 years and offers endless hiking opportunities and access to an Antarctic ice shelf.

A section of the Astrid Emperor Penguin colony

Visit the Ice Wall, a 45 minute drive across the ice cap from the Schirmacher Oasis.

What’s included

1. Entry to your race of choice.
2. Race briefing in Cape Town, South Africa.
3. Round trip flights from Cape Town to Antarctica.
4. Transfers to and from Cape Town airport for Antarctic flight.
5. Meals and tented accommodation while in Antarctica.
6. A Baggage allowance of up to 50lbs (23kg) on Antarctica flight.
7. Medal, t-shirts, patches and other souvenirs of the race.
8. Professional photos for personal use (and local publication).

What’s not included

1. Medical evacuation insurance (mandatory)
2. Optional Emperor Penguin colony visit by Twin Otter (extra fee applies)
3. Accommodation in Cape Town – we ask that you arrive in Cape Town no later than 4 November to allow time for race, safety and biosecurity briefings and issuance of polar clothing.