Disclaimer
Marathon Tours reserve the right to change the itinerary, times and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Reservations and Payments
To confirm your space on the tour we require a 35% deposit at the time of booking. 45% of the package price is then due 220 days prior to departure (01/08/2024). The remaining balance is due 130 days prior to departure (30/10/2024).
Cancellations
Up to 280 days prior to departure the deposit paid is refundable minus 25%. Between 279 days and 221 days prior to departure, the deposit paid is refundable minus 50%. Between 220 days and 131 days prior to departure, the cancellation charge is 75% of the total package price. At and after 130 days prior to departure the cancellation charge is 100% of the package price. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices and will be effective from the date on which we received it.
Visa and passports
Please note that it is each traveler’s responsibility to check visa and passport requirements and ensure that they comply. Obtaining a passport and, if required, a visa, is solely the responsibility of each traveler.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend travellers to take out comprehensive travel insurance with sufficient healthcare cover, including cover for existing medical conditions and any activities you plan to do.
If you are unsure where to start, we’ve teamed up with Bikmo. Bikmo offer tailored insurance packages that cater for both competitive and non-competitive trips, covering you for many of our running events. If you wish to book insurance through Bikmo, you can benefit from an exclusive 5% discount*, simply use the code?DESTINATIONSPORT5?at their checkout. More information can be found here.
*7 days European travel cover from £16.85. Bikmo non-competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA number 300317 Bikmo competitive travel insurance is arranged and administered directly by Jackson Lee Underwriting (JLU). This promotion is provided by Bikmo Ltd Glendale House Sandycroft Industrial Estate Flintshire CH5 2QP
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID coverage for quarantine or hospitalization is required by the government of Argentina. Please read carefully the Insurance Advisory Form. All travelers must complete and sign the Insurance Advisory Form. Note: insurance should be booked 15 days from receiving your official confirmation to avoid loss of some benefits.
Race time
7:00 AM Wave 1, 1:00 PM Wave 2
Course
The course will be routed over a roller coaster course toward Artigas, the Uruguayan Base at the western end of Collins Glacier. The course is entirely on dirt roads, which often can be muddy. The course changes each year based on the base operations as well as road and weather conditions. All runners must be self-sufficient and cannot expect any access to indoor facilities.
Temperature
Average temperatures range between 15F-34F minus the wind chill, which can lower it by about 10F. Heavy snow is rare but light flurries are common.
Course time limit
Marathoners must finish under 6.5 hours, weather permitting. You must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish under 4 hours, weather permitting. Course marshals have the responsibility to disqualify any runner who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration.
Charitable objective
Each year Marathon Tours & Travel offers runners the opportunity to sponsor an official Antarctica Marathon™ and Half-Marathon Mile Marker(s). The proceeds of the Mile Markers are donated to Oceanites, which is the official non-profit organization of the Antarctica Marathon™ and Half-Marathon. In return, the runner gets to keep his/her sponsored mile marker after the race as a great souvenir! You can sponsor a mile marker by completing the Antarctica Marathon™ Mile Marker Sponsorship Form. Oceanites has been researching the effect of climate change and tourism on Antarctica for more than 20 years. They have collected valuable data on wildlife and plant populations to support further research on this most pristine part of our planet. In addition to the sponsored mile markers there is a live on-board auction during the tour with all proceeds also going to Oceanites!
Number Pickup
Race check-in and the briefing with emphasis on the environmental rules and regulations governing this event will be held at the welcome dinner in Buenos Aires. Attendance is mandatory for participation in the race.
Recommended Gear List
Expected temperatures:
Buenos Aires: 70-90F / 20-32C
Ushuaia: 45-60F / 7-16C
Antarctica: 0-35F / -18-2C
We recommend the following based on the expected temperatures as noted above (modify based on your personal preference):
In Buenos Aires, in addition to your regular comfort wear don’t forget something a little nicer for our Welcome Reception and Dinner (you can also use for our farewell dinner on the ship).
In Ushuaia, a warmer jacket and you should always have a waterproof jacket handy.
On the ship, in addition to casual clothing:
Farewell dinner attire mentioned above
Swimsuit
Binoculars if interested, some are available when you are on the bridge
Converter for European electric outlets
For zodiac excursions, kayaking and landings:
- Three (3) layers for warmth:
- wicking base layer insulating fleece layer
- insulating waterproof outer layer
- A moisture wicking sock liner and a heavy wool outer sock
- Boots will be provided
Legs
- Thermal layer
- Medium weight pants
- Waterproof outer pants (i.e. ski pants)
Torso
- Long-sleeved wicking tech shirt base layer
- Medium weight fleece ¼ to full zip tech shirt or puffy down jacket insulating layer
- Waterproof jacket w/ hood if possible (i.e. ski jacket)
Hands
- Glove liner
- Outer gloves or mittens (big enough to accommodate liners)
- Neoprene glove for kayakers if you have them
Neck and Head
- Neck buff
- Balaclava or facemask
- Thermal hat
- Sunscreen
Eyewear
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles (especially if you wear contacts)
Other gear
Shoes
You will not need any special shoes. A training shoe designed for off-road running is best. Bring two pair since it might be wet and muddy. Racing flats are not recommended. NOTE: trekking poles or any other aid are not allowed in either event.
Eligibility
All runners must be at least 18 years of age on race day for participation in the marathon. There is no age limit for the half-marathon.
Awards
The top three overall for males and females in both races will be recognized. In the marathon, the top two in each age category will be recognized (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over). All finishers will receive a finisher certificate and a medallion.
Difficulty
Very difficult, very hilly with constantly changing weather and running surface.
