The Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon take place at Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. It is very unlike anywhere you will have been before. The endless ice and arctic tundra of this vast country make up the backdrop of this unusual race, which is surely one of the coolest races around. It is the epitome of a once in a lifetime trip and adventure. During your run you will pass glacier tongues, moraine landscapes and experience the soundless arctic desert. Part of the route takes place on the 10…
The Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon take place at Kangerlussuaq in Greenland. It is very unlike anywhere you will have been before. The endless ice and arctic tundra of this vast country make up the backdrop of this unusual race, which is surely one of the coolest races around. It is the epitome of a once in a lifetime trip and adventure.
During your run you will pass glacier tongues, moraine landscapes and experience the soundless arctic desert. Part of the route takes place on the 100,000-year-old ice sheet, but most of the miles are run on gravel roads, often covered in snow, that connect the inland ice with the small township of Kangerlussuaq, just north of the Polar Circle.
The limitation for numbers at the Polar Circle Marathon is the availability of snow adapted vehicles to transfer runners from the accommodatoin blocks to the Ice cap for the start. This has been eased by splitting the event over the weekend so that the Marathon is now be held on the Saturday and the Half Marathon on the Sunday. Runners can run one or other of the races, or both if you enter the the Polar Bear Challenge. However, as there are only 140 seats in the all-terrain vehicles there is a maximum of 150 runners for each distance.
There are two accommodation options on our trip the Kangerlussuaq Hotel and the Old Camp. The Old Camp is hostel-style accommodation but we have rooms in the Tuukkaq Wing which has standard beds rather than bunk beds. The Old Camp is located 2km from the Kangerlussuaq Hotel - transportation is included to move you to and from all activities. Be aware that you are in a remote location and while all our accommodation in Greenland is warm and comfortable, it is farily basic by the standards of hotels you may find in most European cities
Also please be aware that due to the likely weather and underfoot conditions prevalent during the Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon, there are minimum kit requirements for all runners. You will not be allowed to run if your kit does not comply with those standards
For full details go to the race website www.polar-circle-marathon.com
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OLD CAMP
The Old camp is a hostel-style accommodation and is located 2km from the Kangerlussuaq Hotel. Our rooms are the Qajak and Tuukkaq wings which have standard beds.
KANGERLUSSUAQ HOTEL
Adjoined to the airport the Kangerlussuaq Hotel offers 3 to 4-star accommodation in warm rooms that are a good size and have private bathrooms. The hotel cafeteria serves a full breakfast buffet and the supermarket is across the street. Wi-fi is available for purchance in the rooms.
EXTENSION
The hotel used for the extension package is the Hotel Hvide Falk. Located in the town centre, guests have easy access to the picturesque harbour shops and museums.
Participants can choose between standard and bay view rooms with the latter costing more. Single and double rooms are available for both categories.
Wednesday 21 Oct - Pre-Tour Day in Copenhagen
Kick off your adventure with a day in Copenhagen! Though the journey officially starts on October 22nd, we recommend arriving a day earlier in Copenhagen to limit all stress and spend a time in this splendid city. A night in the Hebron Hotel Copenhagen is included in our package.
You can also join an optional running tour through the city’s historic streets with a local guide, and explore Denmark’s capital in the best way - on foot.
In the evening, you're invited to an informal welcome dinner at the race organiser's headquarters, where you will meet fellow participants and pick up your race pack.
Meals - Welcome Dinner
Thursday 22 Oct - Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq. Arrival day and excursions.
You need to make your own way back to Copenhagen Airport, Terminal 2 to meet up with other competitors taking part in the Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon.
The flight to Greenland departs early in the morning and check in closes one hour before departure. It's a four and half hour flight to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland where you arrive in the morning, local time (GMT –2 hours). Approximately 500 people make up the permanent population of this township, which was established by the American army during the Second World War before being handed over to the Government of Greenland in 1992.
Upon arrival check into your chosen accommodatoin. The tour leaders will give you a brief welcome at each place before the optional excursions start. For those who haven’t booked an excursion it is possible to follow the tour leader on a hike to Mount Hassel or simply explore the area on your own.
The guided walk up to Mount Hassel is a 3 hour hike that follows the ridge eastwards towards the inland ice. The higher we go the more beautiful it gets and, weather permitting, you will have a fantastic panoramic view from the fjord to the inland ice. If there is too much snow/ice the tour leaders will try to find an alternative route at a lower level.
In the evening dinner is served at Restaurant Roklubben.
A meal onboard the flight, lunch at your respective accommodation, and dinner are included today.
Friday 23 Oct - Route inspection
Today all participants will depart for the route inspection in the morning to get an idea of the challenge of running on the ice cap. Non-runners can also participate in the tour and can use the day as a sightseeing trip to the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The inspection tour is 35km east of the airport to Point 660 from where participants can walk the marked route on the ice cap. Remember that this will be a cold walk in freezing temperatures and a warm winter jacket, ski pants or similar, hiking or winter boots, hat and gloves are essential. Runners may wish to bring their running shoes to test run them in the conditions, but it is advisable to bring other, warmer footwear too. You will drive in large all-terrain vehicles, which will take you along Watson River through the fantastic landscape varying from lakes, fertile moor and dense scrub to large stretches of dunes and barren rock devoid.
The road from Kangerlussuaq to the ice cap was originally built by German carmaker Volkswagen who had a testing centre on the ice and needed easy access from the harbour in Kangerlussuaq to the extreme conditions on the ice cap. The testing centre, however, is now closed and the road is now under the supervision of Sisimiut Municipality. The condition of the road is therefore not as good as it has been, but more like an adventure marathon route. The access to the ice cap has also declined over the years, partly because of lesser maintenance and partly because of the retraction of the ice cap.
In the evening all runners gather at Hotel Kangerlussuaq for the race briefing where the race officials and medical team will give the final information about the marathon and half marathon races.
If you wish to change distance* or make late registration for the Polar Bear Challenge* this is also the time to do it. It is not possible to make late registration to the Polar Bear Challenge after the marathon race on Saturday.
*Both full and half marathons are each limited to 150 runners, so a change of distance and registration for the Polar Bear Challenge is dependant on availability and on a first come, first serve basis.
After the race briefing a pasta dinner is served at Hotel Kangerlussuaq.
Breakfast, sandwich lunch, and pasta dinner are included today.
Saturday 24 Oct - Marathon race day
Marathon and Polar Bear Challenge runners leave the hotel at 7am in the morning for the drive to the race starting point near the inland ice, once again using all-terrain vehicles to get there. The marathon is scheduled to start at 9:30am and has a time limit of seven hours.
The marathon finish line is located in front of Polar Lodge, which is close to Hotel Kangerlussuaq, If you are staying there you can walk to your rooms while a bus will take runners staying at Old Camp back to their accommodation.
Runners will be offered water and refreshments at stations posted along the route. In the finish area a BBQ lunch will be served for all participants between 11:30am and 3:30pm.
Half marathon runners and non-runners can spend the day exploring the area on their own, but are also encouraged to cheer on the runners at the finish line. It is not possible to go to the start line to cheer the runners off, as the all-terrain vehicles are in full use.
In the evening a pasta dinner is served at Hotel Kangerlussuaq.
Breakfast, BBQ lunch, and pasta dinner are included this day.
Sunday 25 Oct - Half marathon race day
At 7:00 in the morning half marathon and Polar Bear Challenge runners drive to the starting point near the inland ice, once again using all-terrain vehicles to get there. The half marathon is scheduled to start at 08:30 and has a time limit of 4 hours.
At the finish line the all-terrain vehicles will be waiting to take all runners back to Kangerlussuaq. The last vehicle departs when the last runner has finished. The runners will be offered water and refreshments at stations posted along the route. At the finish area a light lunch is provided.
Marathon runners and non-runners can spend the day going on an optional tour or explore the area on their own. It is not possible to go to the route and finish line, as the all-terrain vehicles are in full use for the half marathon.
In the evening we will celebrate the completion of The Polar Circle Marathon & Half Marathon with a festive Greenlandic dinner in Roklubben. An awards ceremony for the top three finishers in each category will also take place before the party starts under a northern lights lit night sky.
Breakfast, and celebration dinner are included tdday. In addition participants running the half marathon have a post-race meal included.
Monday 26 Oct - Farewell Greenland
After breakfast and check out we travel back to Copenhagen. The flight leaves just before noon so we have a final opportunity to enjoy a last stroll or jog around Kangerlussuaq.
We arrive in Copenhagen in the evening so we have booked you a second night at the Hebron Hotel to enjoy another evening in Copenhagen, if you are leaving Denmark on Tuesday, although you need to make your own way to the hotel from the airport.
Breakfast and a meal onboard the flight is included this day.
Tuesday 27 Oct - Goodbye Denmark
Make your way your way from the Hebron Hotel to the airport for your flight home.
EXTENSION
Ilulissat extension – 4 days
Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s most picturesque towns and the best place to see one of nature’s true wonders – the Ice fjord.
What makes Greenland a truly unique destination is the combination of wild nature and the inuit culture adapted to it through hundreds of generations. Most people in Greenland live along the coast, which is where you will find the towns and settlements of “the real Greenland”. Small colourful houses cling to mountainsides, culture and architecture enriched and limited by nature and surrounded by one of the world’s last and biggest wildernesses. If you take just a few steps outside the town you’ll find yourself almost completely isolated.
Ilulissat offers a variety of tour possibilities. If we are lucky with the weather there might be enough snow for the dog sledges to operate otherwise a helicopter flight over the Ice fjord is a stunning experience. These extra excursions can be booked upon arrival to Ilulissat. Please note all optional tours are weather dependant and therefore cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Monday 26 Oct - Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat
Check in for Air Greenland’s flight to Ilulissat. After arrival and transfer to the town check in at Hotel Hvide Falk. The hotel is situated at the waterfront of the world famous Ice fjord with an impressive view over Disko Bay, an area of great natural beauty. Restaurants, museums, shops and the harbour are all within walking distance. Ilulissat is situated in the heart of the famed Disko Bay and the town itself is picturesque, lively and inviting. By Greenland standards it offers many cultural sights. Since the foundation of Ilulissat more than 250 years ago, it has grown steadily and is today Greenland’s third largest city with more than 4000 inhabitants. The main occupation is fishing. Your tour leader will guide you on a walking tour, giving you an overall introduction to the town and the possibilities available in the area. Breakfast is included.
Tuesday 27 Oct - Ilulissat and the Icefjord
Ilulissat is rightfully called the capital of icebergs. In Disko Bay the gigantic icebergs linger. South of the city the enormous Ice fjord cuts its way through the country. It starts 32 kilometres further inland, where the huge Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, with a front more than 5 kilometres wide and several hundred meters high, is calving icebergs with a speed of 25 metres per day. That is equivalent to 20 million tons of ice or more than 10% of all icebergs in Greenland. This makes the glacier the most productive outside Antarctica. These facts and the stunning setting have put the Ice fjord on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
After breakfast walk to the harbour and embark for a 2½ hour boat trip on the Ice fjord where you will see the spectacular icebergs. You will be really close to these impressive “floating mountains” and see their true greatness. It's a good chance to get some stunning photos and an experience you will never forget. Remember warm clothes. The afternoon is free to shop or walk to one of the nearby hilltops overlooking the Ice fjord or go on some of the optional excursions if available.
Meals: Breakfast is included.
Wednesday 28 Oct - Ilulissat and Sermermiut Valley
We will go for a walk down to the Sermermiut Valley, approximately 2 kilometres south of Ilulissat. Sermermiut means “The People by the Ice”, and the place has been inhabited from 1400 BC to 1737. In 1727 when the first Danish commercial expedition arrived at the Ice fjord and 'discovered' Sermermiut, some 250 people were living there. From the valley and the small bay, we walk along the fjord and up onto the hills with a grand view of the Ice fjord. The rest of the day is at your own leisure with the opportunity to book one of the optional tours. Breakfast is included.
Thursday 29 Oct - Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq – Copenhagen
In the morning we will fly back to Kangerlussuaq and board a flight to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening (CET). Due to connection times, we do not recommend booking a same day flight home. Post-nights can be booked at Hotel Hebron in Copenhagen.
Meals: Breakfast, Flight meal
5 Day package
| Double / Twin | Single (supplement) | |
| Old Camp (Qajak & Tuukkaq) | £2899 | £569 |
| Hotel Kangerlussuaq | £3169 | £999 |
PRICES ARE PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES, ALTHOUGH IF YOU ARE WILLING TO SHARE WITH ANOTHER RUNNER OF THE SAME GENDER WE WILL TRY TO FIND YOU A TWIN TO SHARE.
Price includes:
RACE ENTRY FEES (payable in addtion to the pacakge fee)
Full or Half Marathons £318
Polar Bear Challenge £454 (Both Marathon and Half Marahton on consecutive days)
Entry fee includes:
Extension Package to Illussiat
| Double / Twin | Single (supplement) | |
| Standard | £1450 | £180 |
| Bay view | £1630 | £318 |
Price includes:
TOUR DEPOSITS
A deposit is payable at the time of booking:
Standard Tour £750
Standard tour + Extension £1000
Final balance is due 10 weeks before travel
EXTRAS
Optional excursions in Kangerlussuaq:
Tundra & City sightseeing Tour - £72
4 hour tour in Kangerlussuaq with visits to the harbour and the sled dog kennel (sled tours not available in October)
Russel Glacier - £90
4 hours to the impressive Russell Glacier
Northern Lights - £45
A 2 hours excursion to a secluded spot to gaze at the spectacular light show in the sky
Optional excursions in Ilulissat:
Oqaatsut Settlement - £204
Formerly known as the trading post Rodebay, Oqaatsut is a charming village just a short boat ride north of Ilulissat. Sail up to see the town and hear about the local history.
Meet the Sled Dogs - £57
Learn about the life as musher and meet the renowned sled dogs
Running Copenhagen Special Tour:
Per person - £54
On this 8km running tour your guide will show you the best of Copenhagen
WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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