Race to the South Pole

In the early 20th century, the race was on to reach the South Pole, with explorers testing themselves in the freezing Antarctic on the ultimate winter challenge! Britain’s Captain Robert Scott & Norway’s Roald Amundsen both launched expeditions to reach the Pole. It would end in a famous victory for Amundsen who had relied on traditional sledges and ‘man’s best friend’ (dogs) to reach the Pole on 14 December 1911. Scott’s expedition, which incorporated problematic mechanical tractors, ended in tragedy, as whilst reaching the Pole 33 days after Amundsen, he perished on the return journey due to the extreme cold & hunger.

Your New Year Virtual Challenge is to get to the South Pole before Easter Sunday (31 March ’24).  There are 5 Challenge options – from the tough 800 mile route mirroring Amundsen’s original expedition – down the shaper 100 mile East Antarctica Route. Choose your challenge – Walk, Jog, or Run ANYWHERE, ANYTIME from Boxing Day onwards (Tues 26 Dec ’23 ) – log your progress and move along our on our Virtual Map of the Antarctic ice cap.

Share your stories online as you head down & down to the frozen Pole, and you can also Fundraise for a charity if you wish to. Look out for the ‘PRIZE DRAWS’ for all reaching the halfway point of  their route by 14 February, and also for those at the Pole by 31 March.

It’s just £10 to join – and there’s an OPTIONAL South Pole Challenge MEDAL & NECK BUFF to purchase if you wish. If you have a dog – get them involved! Dogs were at the heart of  Amundsen’s successful expedition (albeit as food for the crew in the later stages!), and yours will help you with your challenge. You could even treat them to an optional ‘South Pole Doggy Bandana’!