2019 | Press Guide
Welcome to Albatros Adventure Marathons In 2019, we celebrate 20 years of excitement, new beginnings, adventure, determination, cheering, motivation, endurance, friendships, strength and victory. That is to say, 20 years have passed since we challenged and conquered the Great Wall for the first time, and we are excited to share this milestone with you.
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WELCOME FROM THE FOUNDER & OWNER
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PUSHING YOUR LIMITS
From experienced runners to “first timers”, The Great Wall Marathon has served as the ultimate test for more than 25,000 runners seeking to challenge their understanding of what a marathon or half marathon is all about. Amid the breathtaking mountains of Huangyaguan and the authentic villages of the northern Jizhou District, we have witnessed these determined runners conquer the wall in one of the toughest running races on Earth.
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THE STARTING LINE
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THE CONCEPT
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COURSE OF EVENTS
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LIFE-CHANGING ADVENTURES
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BRAND ARCHITECTURE
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THE GREAT WALL MARATHON
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BIG FIVE MARATHON
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ICELAND VOLCANO MARATHON
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PETRA DESERT MARATHON
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WORLD’S FASTEST MARATHON
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POLAR CIRCLE MARATHON
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BAGAN TEMPLE MARATHON
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PAST EVENTS
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ALBATROS TRAVEL & CSR
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SOCIAL MEDIA – FOLLOW OUR TRAIL
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CONTACT INFORMATION
For us, these figures are more than numbers, they are a heartwarming achievement and true testament that passion is the best motivation. Over 30 years ago, we opened Albatros Travel, a small, family-operated travel agency in Copenhagen, Denmark. It all began with a passion for travel and experiencing the world. Although we have seen significant growth since the early days, this original passion is reflected in all that we do. As you will quickly realize in these pages, the runners in the first Great Wall Marathon (1999) inspired us to establish Albatros Adventure Marathons and to continue offering empowering, eye-opening and life-changing travel experiences. Like us, the runners have undoubtedly committed many hours pursuing their passion – committing, training, sacrificing and pushing their limits! Family and friends have supported their efforts and joined to celebrate the achievement. Regardless of running skills or chosen distance, runners will face an incredible physical and mental test as they take on challenging elevations, demanding terrain and unpredictable weather that make each of our events one of a kind. BIOLOGIST, EXPEDITION LEADER, FOUNDER & OWNER OF ALBATROS TRAVEL GROUP
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But what is a challenge without a reward? We promise to deliver a rewarding and inspiring adventure that reveals the very best of each destination and leaves each guest feeling enriched and awakened. Welcome to Albatros Adventure Marathons! Søren Rasmussen
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Pushing
limits
Here at Albatros Adventure Marathons, we’re all about taking running to another level. Our philosophy is to offer challenges in beautiful surroundings and varying terrain. The focus is on great experiences, pushing limits and achieving something extraordinary. Albatros Adventure Marathons are not just about the race – the events are also about enjoying time together with family, friends and other running-minded spirits on an active holiday. All the events come together with an entry package providing accommodation, social events and excursions at the destination.
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The Starting Line The Story of The Great Wall Marathon It all began in 1998, when the owner and founder of Albatros Travel, Søren Rasmussen, envisioned a model for The Great Wall Marathon while brainstorming new business ideas. In the days thereafter, a relationship was established between Copenhagenbased Albatros Travel, the Danish Athletic Association and Beijing-based Culturestone Event. It was truly a sprint to finish as the team finalized site selection, measured the route and laid the framework for the first Great Wall Marathon to be held on 26 May 1999. On Race Day, 350 runners from Denmark gathered in Yin & Yang Square of Huangyaguan’s Great Wall Fortress, focused on conquering the Great Wall of China. Some hours after the start signal, 292 Finishers completed the grueling marathon course. Word quickly spread about The Great Wall Marathon and interest grew in running communities around the world, thus inspiring the dawn of a new era at Albatros Travel. The Creation of Albatros Adventure Marathons The initial success of The Great Wall Marathon led to the creation of a new organizing authority, Albatros Adventure Marathons, which set out to unite international runners through challenges hosted in locations of exceptional natural beauty and historical significance. During the past two decades, Albatros Adventure Marathons has planned and organized 10 different running travel events around the world – this equates to a total of over 70 events! Today, our collection includes seven major, internationally-recognized marathon events, each of which are held annually: The Great Wall Marathon, Big Five Marathon, Iceland Volcano Marathon, Petra Desert Marathon, World’s Fastest Marathon, Polar Circle Marathon and Bagan Temple Marathon. Similarly, new adventures are always on the horizon! 4
The Concept “Adventure Marathon” Criteria Albatros Adventure Marathons adheres to stringent standards in the creation, organization and execution of every event. In order for a race to be called an “adventure marathon”, it must meet the following criteria: •
The route must go through unique surroundings with distinctive nature or culture.
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The substrate must be challenging to run with a significant portion on terrain such as rock, sand or ice. Furthermore, the terrain must be varied along the way.
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The route must be extremely physically demanding, so the average completion time is longer than a typical marathon race.
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The route must contain hard ascents and descents, extreme temperatures, or take place at high altitudes.
Destination Selection As a division of Albatros Travel, our origins are deeply rooted in the company’s 30-plus years of expertise as a tour operator. We consider ourselves more than race organizers. The concept of our adventure marathons combines race entry with a tour package, giving runners and spectators the opportunity to visit lesser-travelled areas, know the countries and interact with the local cultures. While offering unique experiences beyond compare, we also aim to generate responsible tourism, build awareness for some of the world’s most remarkable destinations and most importantly, support the local economy.
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Course of Events: Celebrating 20 years in 2019! Continued Expectations: In 2019, Albatros Adventure Marathons expects to hit a number of milestone finishes with the 2,000th finisher in The Polar Circle Marathon, 2,500th finisher in The Big Five Marathon, 1,000th finisher in Petra Desert Marathon and 2,000th finisher at Bagan Temple Marathon.
1998: Founder of Albatros Travel,
1999: The first
Søren Rasmussen, conceives a vision for The Great Wall Marathon. After exploring the Great Wall of China, the Huangyaguan section in the Tianjin Province is chosen for its small villages, demanding elevations, dramatic scenery and authentic cultural experiences. The groundwork is thus laid for the largest, most well-known and longest running event by Albatros Adventure Marathons.
Great Wall Marathon kicks off on 26th May with 350 runners from Denmark. Some hours after the start, 292 Finishers successfully conquer the grueling marathon course.
2004: The building of a dam south of Huangyaguan causes flooding on part of The Great Wall Marathon’s original marathon route. The route is changed to its current form. The 5km and 10km events are added.
2000: The Great Wall Marathon quickly gains international recognition with runners from 8 countries participating in 2000. The first Karen Blixen Marathon in Kenya sees 147 runners cross the finish! Thirteen brave and indomitable runners take part in a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro and subsequently the multistage Kilimanjaro Marathon descent.
Runners accept the challenge of the first Polar Circle Marathon with 121 of 130 participants crossing the finish line.
2003: The SARS epidemic causes organisers to cancel The Great Wall Marathon.
The first Great Tibetan Marathon is run in August with 179 Finishers. The event is held again in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
New events are on the horizon – stay tuned!
2019: Albatros Adventure Marathons celebrates 20 years of running The Great Wall Marathon – that equates to over 25,000 celebratory finish line fist-pumps by brave runners from over 100 countries conquering the Great Wall. Mr. Henrik Brandt (DEN) becomes the only person to run and finish all 20 Great Wall Marathon events - what an achievement! Plans are announced for the World’s Fastest Marathon and registration opens for the first race on 22 September 2019 in Granada, Spain. With four (4) elite runners at the start line, expectations run high that someone will break the yet-to-be-broken 2-hour marathon barrier. Plans debut and registration opens for Iceland Volcano Marathon, premiering in 2020.
The Polar Circle Marathon adjusts the weekend schedule due to extreme weather on the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. Martin Møller (GRL) sets a new course record in the men’s marathon with an incredible time of 2:53:45.
2013: The Great 2012: The once-in-a2009: The first Petra
Marathon is run in the private game reserve of Entabeni Safari Conservancy with 83 Finishers. No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates runners from the wildlife!
of “firsts”! The Great Wall Marathon halfmarathon distance is first introduced with 186 Finishers, while marathon entries increase.
2018: Entries to The Big Five Marathon sell out in under 3 hours!
The first and only Great Cruise Marathon was run afloat in the Caribbean Sea with 47 Finishers.
2005: The first Big Five
2001: This is the year
Desert Marathon is hosted in the UNESCOprotected site of Petra with 121 Finishers. The Great Wall Marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary!
lifetime Solar Eclipse Marathon begins in Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia as the sun emerged from the moon’s shadow. A total of 336 runners finished the marathon and halfmarathon events.
Wall Marathon reaches max capacity of 2,500 runners for the first time! The 5km and 10km competitions are merged into the 8.5km Fun Race. The first Bagan Temple Marathon is a big success with 145 Finishers!
2017: This year’s Great Wall Marathon represents the 60th event organized worldwide by Albatros Adventure Marathons.
2016: The Great Wall Marathon celebrates 22,216 runners successfully finishing the demanding courses since 1999! The event becomes an annual sell-out with more than 2,500 runners from over 65 countries.
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Brand Architecture
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Location
Huangyaguan, China
Climate
20-35°C / 68-95°F
First Run
1999
Max Capacity
2,500
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon, 8.5km Fun Run
Best time: men’s marathon
3:09:18
Best time: women’s marathon
3:32:12
Website
great-wall-marathon.com
“Amazing scenes and impeccable course. Always enough refreshments and everyone that is on this adventure is ace. Despite the brutal steps over the
final sections, I’d do this again for sure!” - FINISHER, 2018 Great Wall Marathon
5,164 steps into history The Great Wall Marathon takes place in the picturesque and rural surroundings of Huangyaguan in Tianjin Province, China. Founded in 1999, this race is more than the average running challenge with steep ascents and descents, not to mention the 5,164 steps to conquer. Deemed one of the toughest races in the world by other runners, The Great Wall Marathon is also one of the most beautiful and extraordinary. Today, it is more popular than ever with runners from all over the world, who travel to China to participate in this unique event. In 2019, Albatros Adventure Marathons celebrates 20 years of running The Great Wall Marathon – that equates to more than 25,000 celebratory finish line fist-pumps by brave runners from over 100 countries to conquer the Great Wall! 9
Where modern life meets ancient, imperial China. The Great Wall Marathon journey beings in Beijing. Before and after the race, one can become fully immersed in the sights, sounds and hastiness of modern Beijing, yet remain ever-surprised by the cultural charms of ancient Chinese dynasties. There is time to visit classic Beijing highlights like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the former Imperial family’s Summer Palace, and even giant pandas in Beijing Zoo. Shopping in the Silk Alley, as well as sampling exquisite local cuisine in the markets and street stalls of old Beijing, offer a full sensory experience. And a must-see topping to any China tour is a Chinese acrobatic performance! For a touch of culture outside the great metropolis, one can spend two nights in Jixian, which is located closer to the race venue. During the pre-race Inspection Day at the Great Wall in Huangyaguan, runners (and their companions) will attend a Race Day briefing and can enjoy a relaxed visit to the Great Wall and take photos – without racing against the clock!
The Route Annually, 2,500 runners participate in The Great Wall Marathon, crossing the Great Wall of China in the adventure race of a lifetime. This accomplishment is certainly a thrill that many only dream of completing! Regardless of running skills or chosen distance, runners will face an incredible physical and mental test as they take on challenging elevation changes and thousands of steps along the Great Wall. Participants have undoubtedly committed many hours preparing for the big day, and now is really time to push the limit! The availability of three distances – full marathon, half marathon and 8.5km Fun Run – offer something for everyone. Despite the arduous courses, runners will be rewarded by the breathtaking surroundings and an energizing spirit. All events in The Great Wall Marathon start from Yin & Yang Square in the old Huangyaguan fortress. Along each route, runners should expect many staircases, rolling trails, historic cobblestone paths, unpaved terrain, and steep ascents and descents. The course showcases China’s natural surroundings and typical countryside villages with supportive locals lining the route, both of which give runners a welldeserved break from the demanding elevations. Marathoners will face the Great Wall two times, first east to west and then, west to east for a total of 5,164 steps on the Great Wall. Half-marathoners and Fun Race Runners take on the Great Wall one time, east to west, for a total of 2,582 steps. In May, spring is in its prime with sunny, blue skies and lush, green vegetation lining the Great Wall. In recent years, the weather during The Great Wall Marathon has been somewhat unpredictable, varying from a low of 16°C (61°F) to a high of 35°C (95°F). On average, the temperature is around 25°C (77°F). Rain is unusual during the race, but can occur. Be prepared for high humidity.
Event Dates 16 May 2020 15 May 2021
Elevation Profiles
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“The scenery is beautiful, thrilling, challenging and inspiring. We watched herds of wildebeest running past, ran past a lake full of hippos, saw amazing birds and ran over all kinds of animal tracks. Although being close to the animals was slightly scary - I felt safe with the rangers close by. ” - Micheleromano, FINISHER, 2016 Big Five Marathon
The wildest of them all In 2005, the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, situated in the World Heritage ”Waterberg Biosphere”, was found to have the perfect setting for a stunning marathon adventure. North of Johannesburg, this 22,000 h.a. malari-free reserve boasts five eco-systems and a stunning mix of mountains, plains, bush and wetlands topped with the majestic wildlife of Africa. It is regarded as one of the most spectacular Big Five game reserves in Africa. In these magnificent surroundings, runners from all over the world are taken on a challenging route through the habitat of the most famous “Big Five” African game: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. No fences, no rivers, nothing at all separates runners from the wildlife. Race entries are limited to ensure safety – the #1 priority of this race. The big five game are closely watched by park rangers during the race, making sure that runners can focus on sighting other animals like zebra, antelope and giraffe, as well as paying attention to the rugged terrain. Before and after the race, guests will encounter African wildlife on some of the most fascinating safari drives South Africa has to offer and learn about the abundant wildlife and unique ecosystem of the Entabeni Game Reserve.
Location
Entabeni, South Africa
Climate
15-25°C / 59-77°F
First Run
2005
Max Capacity
300
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon
Best time: men’s marathon
3:16:01
Best time: women’s marathon
3:47:07
Website
big-five-marathon.com
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Where marathon meets classic African safari. The Entabeni Safari Conservancy is the largest and most diverse private reserve in the Limpopo province, located between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park. Beautiful sandstone monoliths, ravines, waterfalls and diverse wildlife exist within Entabeni's borders, providing the perfect setting for The Big Five Marathon. Within this private game reserve, several accommodation choices are available, varying from wellappointed, tented camps to luxurious lodges. Guests can look forward to a serene, wilderness atmosphere with relatively few tourists. In the days before and after the race, bush walks and game drives in open-air safari vehicles allow for close encounters with African wildlife. Rangers are constantly present to ensure guest safety.
The Route The Big Five Marathon is known for its demanding course, which takes runners through incredible scenery, showcasing South Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife. Runners weave through the African savannah, encountering zebras, elephants, giraffes and antelopes. The route even ventures into lion country and runners could chance upon a rhino! The terrain is varied with sand, loose rocks, pebbles and holes. Significant changes in elevation with a few steep ascents and descents should be expected. The Yellow Wood Valley is the most dreaded part of the course with possibly the steepest slope runners have ever encountered. This sharp, 3-kilometer descent is on a paved surface and will be excruciatingly hard on the quadriceps. Next, runners enter lion country, negotiating the deep sand and flatter terrain. Returning back up the dreaded hill, runners face an average incline of 23.3%, which only intensifies to a punishing 47% at select points. It is virtually impossible to run up this hill. Runners will be happily distracted by the spectacular views over the African savannah, active wildlife and the plateau’s lake. The weather is very dry, sunny and cool at this time of the year. Daytime temperatures hover around 15-25°C (59-77°F), but with variations due to sun, shade, wind and altitude.
Event Dates 20 June 2020 19 June 2021
Elevation Profiles Marathon & Half-marathon
Zip-line excursions, waterfall hikes and a selection of extensions are available to witness more of Africa’s unrivaled natural beauty. Truly a wild adventure!
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ALL NEW - Premiering in 2020!
Be a force of nature! Premiering in 2020, you can be among the first to run this epic race course right in one of Earth’s geological hotspots!
Set near Lake Mývatn at the divergent boundaries of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the route will run directly on the North Volcanic Zone. It’s a hot bed of geothermal activity with geysers, hot springs, and lava fields – what’s more, the volcanic zone is still very much active. With the massive Hverfjall crater at the center of the route, runners will pass through soft, black volcano sand, run in the Martian-red geothermal area of Namarskard, and cross the plains of lava rock and minor volcano craters. With four nights in Mývatn, runners and their travel companions will have ample opportunity to indulge in this otherworldly landscape, visit Europe’s largest waterfall, hike through the castle-like lava formations of Dimmuborgir, and relax in the warm Mývatn Nature Baths. Traveling to Mývatn is a bit like traveling back billions of years to the origins of Earth.... This destination is not to be missed!
Location
Mývatn, Iceland
Climate
10-14°C/50-57°F
First Run
25 July 2020
Max Capacity
500
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon
Best time: men’s marathon
To be set
Best time: women’s marathon
To be set
Website
Iceland-volcano-marathon.com
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The Route Steaming geysers, black lava rock and volcano craters set the scene for this amazing race! We are in the North Volcanic Zone of Northern Iceland where the forces of inner Earth are on full display. Feel the soft crunch of black volcanic sand beneath your shoes while running through this hot spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates divide. Details of the final route are still to be determined, but we can confirm two distances will be available – a half-marathon and marathon. Both events will be run on demanding dirt tracks and trails near Lake Mývatn and the town of Reykjahlid, all within an area pulsating with geothermal activity. The races are scheduled to start at 07:30, and participants have a total time limit of 7 hours to complete their respective distance. Runners still on the route after this time limit will be picked up by a race official or medical car and driven back to the finish area. The Icelandic summer is not known to be warm... Runners can expect temperatures between 5-15°C (41-59 °F). If we’re lucky, we may see temperatures rise to 20°C. Rain is likely at some point during race week, so runners must be prepared for a little bit of everything.
Event Dates 25 July 2020 TBD July 2021
Route Map & Elevation Profile The final route map and elevation profile will be available soon at www.iceland-volcano-marathon.com
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“Wonderful setting, excellent organization, friendly atmosphere.” - Charm Robson, Finisher, 2015 Petra Desert Marathon
Run back in time The Petra Desert Marathon is run in and around the ancient, fabled city of Petra, Jordan. Location
Wadi Mousa, Jordan
Climate
25-35°C / 77-95°F
First Run
2009
Max Capacity
500
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon
Best time: men’s marathon
3:15:03
Best time: women’s marathon
4:06:49
Website
petra-desert-marathon.com
Carved out of red sandstone mountains, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the ”New 7 Wonders of the World”. The route of The Petra Desert Marathon leads runners through well-preserved Petra before venturing into the Jordanian desert. The Petra Desert Marathon is an arduous race, but the reward is a sightseeing tour in the land of the Bedouins – a lunar-like landscape of red, yellow, brown and golden-coloured mountains, in dreamlike shapes where camels and goats are curious spectators.
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Where an Arabian adventure awaits. Being rich in history, culture and scenic nature, Jordan offers its visitors superb possibilities for an exciting vacation. From the splendid ruins of Petra and the vast, aweinspiring Wadi Rum desert to a floating swim in the Dead Sea – Jordan has something for everybody to enjoy, not to mention, the generous Jordanian hospitality! In addition to these exciting excursions, participation in the event includes social happenings, accommodation, and an entry pass to Petra. Guests can also extend their stay with extensions wellsuited for the adventurous or the cultural traveller.
The Route The Petra Desert Marathon offers two distance events, a marathon and half marathon. From the sound of the start signal, runners immediately find themselves transported back in time. The route leads marathoners and half-marathoners through the ancient city of Petra – past the incredible tombs, caves and amphitheater that are carved into the red rose sandstone mountains surrounding the old Nabatean capital. Blanketed by heat beneath the blazing sun, runners will venture into the Jordanian desert, where the Bedouins live, and pass the jagged sandstone mountains that stand gleaming in the bright skies of the late Jordanian summer. With temperatures as high as 25°C (35°F) and a desert route offering very little shade, The Petra Desert Marathon is a strenuous race. The course is hilly with an ascent of roughly 1,200m (3,937ft) and a descent of 1,100m (3,680ft). Participants should expect mixed terrain with gravel and paved roads, as well as sand with loose rocks in the desert stretches.
Event Dates 5 September 2020 4 September 2021
Elevation Profiles Marathon
Half-marathon
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ALL NEW - Premiering in 2019!
It’s fast. Unbelievably fast. Perhaps, the World’s Fastest? Running for a new PR is stepping out of one’s comfort zone and that is exactly what we have done with our newest event, the World’s Fastest Marathon! Albatros Adventure Marathons traditionally place greater focus on the social aspect, the experience of the run and the victory in simply getting to the finish line – rather than one’s “finishing time”. Unlike these events, the World’s Fastest Marathon puts the clock at the forefront. With an almost 100% downhill route (less than 1km is without decline), an altitude drop of 1983 meters (6506 feet), and an average descent of 4.6%, this race course will keep feet flying towards the finish line! It’s fast. Perhaps, the World’s Fastest? Race entry is in combination with a tour package offering accommodation and sightseeing in and around the historic and culturally-rich city of Granada.
Location
Granada, Spain
Climate
12-28°C/54-82°F
First Run
22 September 2019
Distances
Marathon
Best time: men’s marathon
To be set, but fast!
Best time: women’s marathon
To be set, but fast!
Website
Worlds-fastest-marathon.com
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The Route & Elevation The World’s Fastest Marathon starts above the ski resort town of Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The starting line is positioned at an altitude of 2,501 meters (8,205 feet). The route continues around Pradollano. From 8.5 KM the route continues down A-395, a mountain road that leads to the town of Granada. The halfway mark is positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). The route is 100% downhill (less than 1% is without decline) with an average descent of 4.6%, ensuring running tempos remain high. The prime backdrop of this race is the Sierra Nevada, a dramatic, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful mountain range in Sierra Nevada National Park (Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada), which covers over 86,000ha in Spain’s Andalucía region. This mountain range is, in fact, the highest point in continental Spain. Approximately 10 KM before the finish line, runners pass the village of Canales, then turn off A-395 to run through the villages of Pinos Genil and Cenes de la Vega. At this point, the road’s downward gradient will flatten slightly, but continues downhill all the way to the finish line at Celador Del Paseo Del Salon, a beautiful park in the center of Granada.
At the start area of World’s Fastest Marathon in the high-altitude area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the weather can be unpredictable and changeable. At the start, we expect a minimum of 5-10◦C (41-50◦ F), but winds can make it feel colder. During the mountain descent and as the sun rises, the temperatures will increase too. At the finish line in Granada, daytime temperatures can reach up to 29◦C (84◦F).
Event Dates 22 September 2019 TBD October 2020
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Runners in the 2019 World's Fastest Marathon 4 15
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Men
Women
Elite
Total Confirmed Participation: 109 Nationalities include: Austria (1), Cameroon (1), Canada (1), China (1), India (1), Ireland (1), Japan (1), Latvia (1), Poland (1), Romania (1), Singapore (1), Kenya (2), Belgium (2), Denmark (2), Ethiopia (2), Brazil (3), France (3), Germany (3), Netherlands (3), New Zealand (4), United Kingdom (11), Spain (63).
Runner Statistics
Sub-2-Hour Marathon: Attempting the Impossible On September 22, Albatros Adventure Marathons and event-sponsor Mikkeller will host the World's Fastest Marathon in the hopes of finding a runner who can achieve the yet-to-be-done feat of completing a marathon (42.195 kilometers) in under two hours. Four elite runners from Mikkeller's professional running club will try to break that magic sub-2-hour boundary. Of the four elite runners attempting to break the record, two are from Kenya and two are from Ethiopia: Abere Derese Worke (ETH), Chala Bekele Begena (ETH), Julius Karinga (KEN) and Antony Karinga (KEN).
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“Unforgettable experience, incredible race, the coolest and most exciting marathon ever, stunning landscape, perfectly organized, and so much fun with friendly people from all over the world.” - FINISHER, 2018 Polar Circle Marathon
The coolest marathon on Earth Ice as far as the eye beholds. Incredibly fresh air. Blue skies by day, and the Northern Lights celestial kaleidoscope by night. Musk oxen, reindeer and arctic foxes dot the barren terrain. Welcome to Greenland, one of the world’s most fascinating and remote corners! The Polar Circle Marathon is held above the Arctic Circle, where endless ice and arctic tundra make up the backdrop of this unusual race. In 2001, the event premiered with 130 runners taking on the slippery landscape of the Greenland Ice Sheet, and since has become one of the world’s most exclusive races. Due to logistics and to ensure the safety of all participants, entries are capped at 250 and annually, The Polar Circle Marathon sells out within weeks of registration opening. International participants from Australia to Brazil and South Africa to Japan travel to Greenland to battle the freezing temperatures, endless sky and unpredictable weather. It’s a rush beyond compare!
Location
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
Climate
-15 - -5°C / 5-23°F
First Run
2001
Max Capacity
250
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon, Polar Bear Challenge
Best time: men’s marathon
2:57:19
Best time: women’s marathon
3:41:37
Website
polar-circle-marathon.com
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Where nature reigns supreme. Kangerlussuaq, which means “big fjord” in Greenlandic, is in fact situated on a plain overlooking the 170-km (105-mi) long fjord. At the fjord’s midpoint, lies the Arctic Circle. The area’s geological origins combined with its geography present a gift for all explorers – a distinctive nature with abundant plant and animal life, grassy tundra and access to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is only 25km (16mi) from Kangerlussuaq. The Polar Circle Marathon offers the rare opportunity to combine a visit to remote Greenland with a unique arctic race. Excursions can be arranged to Russell Glacier, which stands like a wall of ice reaching up to 60m (197ft) at certain points, as well as into the arctic tundra that lies between Greenland’s gigantic ice sheet and the icy fjord. The tundra is home to many terrestrial species such as Greenland’s largest concentration of musk oxen, in addition to reindeer, the highly-adaptive Arctic fox, hares, the illusive Arctic wolf and multitudes of birdlife. Extensions are available to the neighboring, coastal city of Ilulissat – “the capital of icebergs”. It is home to small colourful houses clinging to the mountainsides, the UNESCO-listed Ice Fjord and picturesque Sermermiut Valley.
The Route The backdrop of The Polar Circle Marathon is characterized by endless ice, arctic tundra and hilly terrain. Runners pass glacier tongues, moraine landscapes and must maintain their resolve amid the soundless, arctic desert. Part of the route weaves onto the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers 80% of the island’s surface and is second in size to the world’s only other ice sheet in Antarctica. Temperatures are at or below freezing and the winds are typically strong. There’s always a possibility that thick dunes of drifting snow will blanket the routes, forcing runners to carefully find suitable footing. Both the marathon and half-marathon start roughly 4km (2.5mi) from the Greenland Ice Sheet on a gravel road, which leads directly onto the frigid and unforgiving ice. Due to the enormous powers of nature and general retraction of the ice sheet, the exact distance on the ice will only be determined a few days before the race, but the goal is a 3km (2mi) loop. While running on the Ice Sheet, one must be attentive and careful. It can be very slippery and the danger of falling into a crevasse is real; therefore, it is strictly forbidden to leave the marked route and deviate further on the Ice Sheet. Upon returning to the gravel (likely snow-covered) road, half-marathoners will enter the final 14km (9mi) stretch of their race, while marathoners run 32-km (20-mi) to the finish in Kangerlussuaq. It is during this leg that both routes pass enormous glaciers and glacial deposits; then press onwards through tundra and arctic desert. There is a great chance runners will spot grazing reindeer and musk.
The Polar Bear Challenge The marathon is held on Saturday and the half-marathon on Sunday, giving runners the chance to participate in the ultimate endurance test – The Polar Bear Challenge. Introduced in 2014, The Polar Bear Challenge is a test for the very fit (or the very brave!). Participants completing both races within the time limits (half-marathon: 4 hours, marathon: 7 hours) will receive the Polar Bear medal, in addition to the half-marathon and marathon medals. Each year, about 50% of the runners push their limits in this twoday test!
Event Dates 24-25 October 2020 30-31 October 2021
Elevation Profiles Marathon & Half-marathon
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A brilliant, but really tough course in such a unique environment. You have to see it, or do it,
to believe it!” - FINISHER, 2016 Bagan Temple Marathon
2,000 wonders await you
Location
Bagan, Myanmar
Climate
25-30°C / 77-86°F
First Run
2013
Max Capacity
500
Distances
Marathon, half-marathon, 10km
Best time: men’s marathon
2:53:34
Best time: women’s marathon
3:27:20
Website
bagan-temple-marathon.com
Tucked away in central Myanmar on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the ancient site of Bagan is home to more than 2,000 Buddhist temples. Rising above the palm trees, these red brick pagodas glimmer in the sun, standing in bright contrast to the green countryside. This magical, mystical landscape is the ”heart of Myanmar”. Runners will have ample opportunity to admire the beautiful temples of Bagan and be distracted from the scorching heat and sandy route. The area’s small, traditional villages exude an aura of yesteryear and offer a sense of daily life from one hundred years ago. Multiple tour options are available for The Bagan Temple Marathon, giving participants the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical diversity of Myanmar.
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Where time stands still. The adventure that is The Bagan Temple Marathon starts in the cultural hub of Yangon and Mandalay.
The Route The Bagan Temple Marathon features three competitive distances: marathon, half marathon and 10k. All events start and finish at Htilominlo Temple, which was constructed in 1211.
Prior to the race, guests can look forward to seeing one of Yangon’s most iconic symbols, the intricately adorned Shwedagon Pagoda, which is believed to be more than 2,500 years old. A lunch of exquisite Myanmar cuisine is preempted by a tour on the Karaweik Royal Barge, a floating palace on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake.
The beginning of each event follows along the same route. The journey begins on dirt roads and the plains of Bagan towards historic Old Bagan. The views of impressive marvels like Sulamani Temple and Ananda Temple are magnificent. Runners continue across a temple-studded wonderland into the countryside and through small villages, where time has seemingly stood still.
Guests on the 8-day tour will cruise from Mandalay to Bagan via the serene Irrawaddy River.
Runners encounter relatively flat terrain with a mixture of dirt and sand paths, as well as some paved roads. Typically, November is hot and humid with temperatures reaching highs around 30°C (86°F).
Arriving into “the heart of Myanmar”, Bagan is home to majestic temples of worship, which showcase the glorious era of 11th century kings.
Along the way, runners pass monks both young and old, ox laden carts carrying grain along the sandy tracks, farmers tending to their rice and peanut fields and curious children outfitted in festive clothing. Their warm smiles, friendly cheers and energy-boosting high-fives provide much needed encouragement.
The combination of heat and dusty terrain is challenging for most; however, the beautiful temples, friendly villagers and other-worldly atmosphere make The Bagan Temple Marathon a special experience.
Event Dates
The historical significance and beauty of Bagan is unsurpassed, and this temple-studded landscape just happens to be the setting for The Bagan Temple Marathon.
28 November 2020 20 November 2021
Guests can also extend their stay, including a one-of-a-kind visit to Inle Lake, famous for their special leg rowing technique and beautiful floating gardens. There’s also an opportunity to travel further afar to the remote areas of Mount Victoria and the Chin State Villages. On the other hand, those seeking exotic, palm-fringed shorelines, snorkeling and relaxation, will quickly discover that Ngapali Beach is the place to be.
Marathon
Myanmar has experienced increased interest from travellers worldwide, but the way of life has remained largely intact and travelling to Myanmar is like turning back the clock.
Half-marathon
Elevation Profiles
10k
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Past events 24
Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia 14 November 2012 At 06:40:09 AM Local Time
An intergalactic starting signal. A grand stand view of the sun and moon’s impressive solar light show. One of the most unique running events the world had ever seen: The Solar Eclipse Marathon. Early on the morning of 14 November 2012, over 400 runners and spectators from 20 countries worldwide gathered on the shores of the beautiful 4 Mile Beach in Port Douglas, Queensland. Armed with special glasses for safe solar eclipse viewing, their gazes turned to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime event, the solar eclipse’s phase of totality, the point when the moon completely covers the sun. This cosmic event could only be viewed from a very narrow window of the world, specifically a 200km (124mi) wide strip of land in Northern Australia, only for a period of 2 minutes and 5 seconds – from 6:38:04 AM to 6:40:09 AM. As the first rays of the sun re-emerged from behind the moon, race officials signaled the start of the marathon event, followed by the half-marathon. Steve Moneghetti, an Australian marathon running legend who participated in 4 Olympic Games, as well as won the Berlin Marathon in 1990, Tokyo Marathon in 1994 and placed 3rd in the 1997 World Championships, served as event ambassador hosting various group runs through the week-long event. In addition to the race, the tour package included an exciting series of activities showcasing Australia’s quintessential natural beauty – snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, hiking and swimming in the Daintree Rainforest, and sightseeing in Port Douglas.
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Somewhere afloat in the US Virgin Islands 23 February 2004
An event for every kind of runner and walker. Flat terrain. An endless horizon of cerulean-blue seas and skies dappled by wispy, white clouds. Gentle waves mirroring the beaming sunlight. Invigorating breezes carry the Caribbean Sea’s salty spray. In the summer of 2003, plans for a new, one-time marathon event were announced – The Great Cruise Marathon. The event was to be held in February 2004. During this special arrangement, cruise guests departed from the Port of Miami, sailing to Caribbean gems like St. Thomas, USVI; St. Martin/St. Maarten; Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and several stops along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Outfitted with a 480m (1575ft) track that encircled the top deck , the cruise ship provided the ideal platform for a race on the Caribbean Sea. Promising to be an event for every type of runner, The Great Cruise Marathon offered three distances: marathon, half-marathon and 4.8K Fun Race.
In addition to cheerful friends and family, 15 marathoners, 7 half-marathoners and 25 fun runners took part in the festivities at sea.
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The Kilimanjaro Marathon
Tarekea, Tanzania 2000 Few marathons can stake claim to the impressive backdrops, technical challenges and physical tests that distinguish an adventure marathon quite like The Kilimanjaro Marathon, organized by Albatros Travel in 2000. This event ticked every box on the “adventure marathon” checklist – not only did The Kilimanjaro Marathon push runners through the ultimate physical challenge, but it offered a unique, active touristic experience that only a fortunate handful had the chance to take on. Thirteen daring and determined runners faced altitude-related challenges, thin air, blustery winds, cold temperatures and mixed terrain of rock, hardened volcanic ash, lava, ice, dirt, and more – all in pursuit of the ultimate adventure marathon.
These participants spent the first six days trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, to its highest point, Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895m (19,341ft). On the seventh day, the multi-stage marathon descent began in frosty temperatures from Kibo Huts, situated at an elevation of 4,700m (15,419ft) and concluded in the heat of Tarekea, Tanzania, located near the Kenyan border.
Ngong Hills, Nairobi, Kenya November 2000 In search of a new marathon concept, Albatros Travel took to its Danish roots and love for Africa’s matchless narrative, to organize The Karen Blixen Marathon in 2000. It not only presented the opportunity for a new running event in extreme conditions, but also served as a fitting tribute to Karen Blixen, a famous Danish author and humanitarian with migrated to Kenya (then British East Africa) in 1914. Entry to the marathon and half-marathon event was available to runners in Denmark, as well as locals from Kenya. The pre-race inspection day revealed a strenuous route through sunbaked, hilly, dusty and pebble-filled terrain. Adding to the challenge, the equator runs directly through Kenya, making it one of Earth’s hottest regions. At an elevation of 1600m1800m (roughly 1 mile) above sea level, the route winded through Kenya’s semi-arid savannah, home to the vibrantly colored, proud Maasai and beautiful African wildlife. The winner and first man to cross the finish line in 2:25:01 was Nairobi’s Suleiman Kihagi, who’s first marathon was The Karen Blixen Marathon. Ruth Kalunba was the first woman across the line with a time of 2:58:08. In all, 147 runners finished the demanding event.
Ladakh, India August 2003, 2007, 2008 & 2009 Called the “Roof of the World”, and for good reason, the Tibetan Plateau stands at 3,400-3,800 meters (over 3 miles) above sea level. It is surrounded by the breathlessly awe-inspiring and supernatural peaks of the Great Himalayas, including two of the world’s highest summits, and adorned by colorful prayer flags quivering in the mountain breeze. In 2003, the first Great Tibetan Marathon began at 5:45am beside the Hemis Monastery, the area’s largest monastery dating back to the early 1600s, with ritual blessings and dances performed by Buddhist monks. Traditional Tibetan long horns echoed through the valley, signaling the start of the race. The route ventured through traditional villages, past monasteries and through a landscape of rocky mountainous outcrops where goats, cattle and sheep stood to feed. In addition to demanding terrain, runners were challenged by the high altitudes and thin air. In its first year, 147 Finishers crossed the finish line. The first three runners crossed the line in quick succession with the fastest earning a time of 2:59:43.
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QUALITY TRAVELS SINCE 1986 A Scandinavian travel company with a global wingspan, Albatros Travel has grown from a small office in Copenhagen, Denmark to offices around the world. ‘Albatros’ is the Danish spelling of ‘albatross’ - the globetrotting bird with the big wingspan! From safaris and cruises, to Arctic voyages and Adventure Marathons in the African bush, Albatros Travel spans the world with our unique packages. From our humble beginnings in 1986, the family-owned company now employs more than´250 full-time staff in branches across three continents. All of Albatros Travel’s different business operations are united under the same set of principles that govern the Albatros Way: a commitment to quality, responsible travel and customer satisfaction. Albatros Adventure Marathons Our challenging running events take participants to a whole new level! Albatros Adventure Marathons organizes annual races, each characterized by locations of exceptional natural beauty and historic significance. Our concept offers race entry along with a tour package, creating the perfect opportunity to share the journey with family and friends. We also aim to provide you with a lifetime experience while creating responsible tourism, raising awareness for these remarkable areas and giving back to the local communities. Albatros Expeditions Albatros Expeditions specialises in expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica. With icestrengthened hulls, our small ships provide access to the most remote polar regions.
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PRESS Press releases are issued on an ongoing basis in connection with all Albatros Adventure Marathons activity. For stories, special requests or press accreditation: Steen Albrechtsen Press Manager sa@albatros-travel.dk For photographs and logos: Submit your request to info@adventure-marathon.com
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