The 2006 Polar Challenge

The Polar Challenge is a competitive, team race, in April 2006, to the 1996 location of the Magnetic North Pole, located at 78º35.7'N 104º11.9'W. The race is organized by a group of experienced adventurers, polar experts and team specialists.

Team members must haul a 90kg sledge, containing their food and equipment, over the 320 miles of the race course shown below. Through the harsh Arctic environment where the average air temperature during the race will be between -20 and -35 Celsius. With wind chill it can drop to -65 Celcius. Adequate preparation before the race, and competence and confidence during it, will be central to the team's success.

Prior to the race, each team will undergo training in the use of GPS (Global Positioning System) in Wales , followed by a week-long comprehensive ski, tent and snow training course in Austria . Then it's off to Resolute Bay , Canada , from where the teams will start a mini-expedition, with final training, to reach the start line of the race in April 2006.

Polar Challenge Limited is the race organizers. They are responsible for all competitors' safety and security during the race - ensuring that emergencies are dealt with appropriately. Two GPs with polar experience will be on the ice at all times and full skidoo and safety cover will also be available. Each team will carry a satellite phone system to ensure they can contact support if required.

There are 3 categories of entrants to the race which are Expert, Expedition and Completers and our team will be entering in the Expedition category however don’t let that fool you into thinking we aren’t in with a good chance of winning, the 2005 winners were from the Expedition category!