Disclaimer
Marathon Tours & Travel reserves 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.
Visa
Please note that it is each traveller’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 traveller.
Passports
You must have a valid passport that matches the name on your airline tickets and the name on this confirmation for the ship manifest. Your passport should be valid for six (6) months after your return date. No visas are necessary for US, Canada and most countries. Please check online to see if you need a visa. IMPORTANT: enclose a copy of your passport photo page and page that lists date of issue, etc. with your paperwork.
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
Medical evacuation insurance for a minimum of US$200,000 in coverage is mandatory for all passengers. For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants.
Event Waiver
In consideration for my entry acceptance, I hereby for myself my heirs, executors and administrators release any and all rights for damages I may have against the sponsors, organizers, government officials, Marathon Tours, Inc. and Albatros Expeditions A/S or its affiliates, or any individual associated with the event. I attest that I am physically fit to complete in this challenging event. I grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use my likeness in all media including photographs, pictures, recordings, or other record of this event for any legitimate purpose. I also understand that I am traveling to a very remote destination and that weather, acts of God and other forces beyond any person’s control may prevent the event from taking place. If the event is not held due to circumstances beyond our control such as but not limited to weather, acts of God or force majeure, I understand that no refund of my travel expenses or entry fees will be reimbursed.
Responsibility
These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft. All race participants must sign the trip application which acts as the race entry form and liability waiver.
Event Information
Race Date: March 25, 2025
Race Time: 7:00 AM Wave 1, 1:00 PM Wave 2
Course:
The course will likely start and finish about 200 meters from Bellingshausen, the Russian base. The final course is measured and prepared the day before the race. The bases activity, the road conditions and / or the weather can alter our racecourse. We prefer a course that includes all four bases in the area (China, Chile, Russia, and Uruguay), which allows for a three-loop course for the marathon. 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.
Environmental Commitment:
The course on King George Island has marked gravel roads that connect the scientific research bases of Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia. Great care is taken to leave behind zero impact on the environment in this sensitive ecosystem. As part of this, we are restricted to having a maximum of 100 passengers ashore for the event at any one time. Marathon Tours & Travel takes their part seriously and in fact has raised more than $600,000 for Oceanites, the non-profit scientific organization that monitors the effects of climate change and the impact of tourism on Antarctica.
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 30 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!
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 six (6) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. You must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish under four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. Course marshals have the responsibility to stop any runner from continuing who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration.
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.
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.
Recommended Packing List: see here.
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.
