Record Field Finishes 7th Antartica Marathon in Record Heat
Posted Saturday, 12 March, 2005
Contact:
Thom Gilligan
(617) 242-7845
Patrice Malloy
(760) 635-2833
KING GEORGE ISLAND, Antarctica - Blame it on global warming. A record field of 179 marathoners from 15 countries completed the 7th Antarctica Marathon on King George Island, Antarctica, amid rare above freezing-temperatures and light breezes. The Antarctica Marathon and Half Marathon was held February 26, 2005, in the Antarctic summertime.
The race start temperature was estimated to be 39 degrees but dipped to 28 degrees at times. "It was the warmest weather we have ever had for the event, "said Thom Gilligan, race director and expedition leader. The race is normally known for its bone-chilling cold, drifting snow and gale-force winds. This is the first time since 2001 we had runners tackle the course in running shorts. Two runners braved the day's heat sporting shorts.
The tepid temperatures caused the course to thaw in parts and transform into thick mud, creating a mucky hazard that sucked the shoes off more than one participant. "I should have packed duck tape to help secure my shoes," said one competitor.
Darryn Zawith of Gibsonia, PA, led all finishers in a time of 3:49:19 while Alyn Park, 54, of Denver, Colorado, was first for the women in 4:33:28. Park was the oldest winner in the event's history.
In order to abide by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) restrictions prohibiting groups of 100 or more to be in one place at the same time, two separate race starts were enacted . All women, all half marathoners and all men over sixty started the race three minutes before all male marathoners.
The biennial event started at the Russian research base, Bellingshausen, on King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctica Peninsula. The ½-mile ascent of Collins Glacier at mile 3 was the most demanding section of the two-loop course. Most runners were slowed to a walk up the 17-degree slope. The course also wove through Russian, Chilean, Uruguayan and Chinese research bases.
Dr. William Tan of Singapore, the first wheelchair competitor to attempt the grueling course, did complete the half-marathon held in conjunction with the marathon in 5:40:41. Despite customized mountain bike tires adapted to his racing chair, the unusually wet and muddy conditions prevented him from completing the full 26.2 miles.
The half-marathon was won by Jane Serues of Springtown, PA in 2:13:08. She was followed by a field of 36 runners. Staff from both the Russian and Chilean bases participated in the only sporting event held in Antarctica. Complete results are available at www.marathontours.com/antarctica .
The next Antarctica Marathon is scheduled for February 24, 2007. For more information call (617) 242-7845, visit www.marathontours.com or write to marathon@shore.net.
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