The Polar Race was a biennial race from Resolute on Resolute Bay, Nunavut in northern Canada to the North Magnetic Pole. Teams of two, three or four walk/ski pulling their food and equipment on sleds. Although not unsupported, there were strict rules on the carrying of equipment, with only food, fuel and camera batteries permitted to be replenished at the three checkpoints along the route. This event should not be confused with the Polar Challenge, which was a different event taking a different route, and run by a different organisation.
Background
In 1996, polar adventurers Jock Wishart and David Hempleman-Adams organised The Ultimate Challenge, in which they chose 10 Arctic novices from over 500 applicants and successfully led them to the Magnetic North Pole. On the same trip, they made the first scientific measurements by magnetometer and theodolite for many years to determine the exact location of the Magnetic North Pole:. In 2007, the latest survey found the pole at. Following the success of the 1996 expedition, which proved that novices could be trained and equipped for a Polar expedition, the two men established The Polar Race. As of May 2011, 5 races have been run with 60 out of 61 competitors successfully reaching the 1996 location of the NorthMagnetic Pole.
Race history
Polar Race 2003
The first ever Polar Race was held in 2003, with four teams taking part. All four teams successfully reached the pole. The overall results were:
1st Place: Initial Style Explorers with a total time of 10 days 9 hours 45 minutes
2nd Place: Polar Team with a total time of 11 d 18 h 4 min
3rd Place: Extreme Steps with a total time of 16 d 0 h 55 min
4th Place: ViP3 with a total time of 19 d 8 h 32 min
Teams included Special Forces soldiers, Richard Dunwoody, Steven East, Mike Krimholz, Jock Wishart. Extreme cold temperatures were recorded at minus 47 and a 4-day whiteout situation.
Polar Race 2005
The second Polar Race was held in 2005, with six teams taking part. All six teams successfully reached the pole, but with one competitor retiring early due to minor frostbite. The overall results were:
1st Place: Neways Polar Team with a total time of 13 d, 17 h, 2 min
2nd Place: Gentlemen Adventurers with a total time of 13 d, 22 h, 38 min
3rd Place:Cable & Wireless Polar Team with a total time of 14 d, 22 h, 7 min
4th Place: Northern Stars with a total time of 15 d, 14 h, 49 min
