Welcome to a tough, unique marathon in truly magnificent scenery. Greenland's 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.
It is a truly magical place; you might experience the Northern Lights, see Musk Ox and Arctic Fox, see Huskies and most of all experience the strange silence of the Ice Cap. There's the opportunity to visit the Russell Glacier and extend to see the Ice Fjord at Ilulissat.
Wed 16 Oct: Fly to Copenhagen today on a choice of flights (not included) - arrive during the day so you can visit the city centre. Overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located near the airport and with a Metro Station that can take you into central Copenhagen in 15mins (free shuttle from Copenhagen Airport to the Hotel).
Thu 17 Oct: Morning flight from to Kangerlussauq (Søndre Strømfiord) departing at 09.00 (check-in 07.00), where we arrive at 09.40 in the morning, local time. After checking in at Polar Lodge or the Kangerlussauq Hotel the rest of the afternoon will be free with the opportunity to purchase a number of excursions to view the local area or the spectacular Russell Glacier. There is also an opportunity to hire a mountain bike and explore the surrounding area on your own. Dinner will be a unique BBQ with meat and fish from Greenland - truly delicious.
Fri 18 Oct: Today you start out with one of the highlights of the tour - inspecting the marathon route. The road passes by the 400 metre high cone formed hill, Suger Loaf. We continue through the fantastic landscape of lakes, fertile moor and dense scub until you arrive at the edge of the ice cap where we park the vehicles and take a tour on the ice cap itself. This evening enjoy the Pasta Party
Sat 19 Oct: Breakfast, before we drive to the starting point near the inland ice at 7:30 am. Both the 1/2 and full marathon will start 9:00am. Medical support on the route and regular drink and feed stations with drinks kept from freezing in flasks. Time limit 7hrs. Lunch pack at end of the race. Dinner on your own tonight (there's a takeaway pizza shop and a restaurant at Hotel Kangerlussauq.
Sun 20 Oct: The day's program offers a guided walk up to Mount Hassel and, weather permitting; you will have a fantastic panoramic view from the fjord to the inland ice. If there is too much snow the guides will try to find alternative route at a lower level.
Mon 21 Oct: Flight back to Copenhagen departing 12.00 and arriving in Copenhagen at 20.00. On arrival in Copenhagen free transfer and check in to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the night.
Tue 22 Oct: Return flight to regional airports to suit you (not included).
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO ILLULISSAT
Mon 21 Oct: Optional Extension to Ilulissat
Visit one of Greenlands most picturesque towns and see one of nature's true wonders - the Ice Fjord.
Depart on an Air Greenland flight to Ilulissat - as you fly you'll see the marathon route and Ice Cap to your right, and on a clear day - the Ice Fjord, about 10 mins before arrival.
Transfer to the Hotel Hvide Falk - newly modernised and one of the best hotels in Greenland, located on the waterfront of the spectacular Ice Fjord with views of Disco Bay.
Tue 22 Oct: Walk down to the harbour for a 2 1/2hr boat trip on the Ice Fjordwhere you will see icebergs - you'll get close to the floating monsters so you can see their true greatness.
Afternoon free to shop or walk in the hills near the town.
Wed 23 Oct: 2km walk to the Sermermuit Valley - Sermermuit means 'people of the ice' and has been habitated since 1400BC. Afternoon free to join a number of optional tours.
Thu 24 Oct: Flight to Kanderlaussaq and on to Copenhagen and overnight at Crowne Plaza Hotel (if booked on full package) - flight arrives Copenhagen at 21.15.
Fri 25 Oct. Return to your regional airport to suit you (not included).
Polar Lodge The Polar Lodge is a cosy hostel centrally located in Kangerlussuaq. The building was renovated, modernised and refurbished as a hostel in 2006. The total capacity is 14 rooms (all non smoking and without private facilities). Toilets and bathrooms are available in the hallway. Each room is decorated according to a special Greenlandic theme.
Hotel Kangerlussauq
The hotel consists of a main building in the airport complex. It contains nice and fairly large double rooms with private bathrooms. Breakfast, which consists of a refreshment bar, is served in the cafeteria and Kangerlussuaq's most exclusive restaurant is situated in the main airport building.
In Copenhagen
Crowne Plaza Hotel Copenhagen Towers****
Located with easy access by free shuttle bus to Copenhagen Airport and 10mins by rail from Central Copenhagen, the modern Crowne Plaza Hotel is perfect as a stop-over for this tour.
The hotel rooms all have bathrooms ensuite, hair dryers, colour TV, wi fi connectivity and air conditioning. There is a restaurant and bar. Breakfast included.
