Run against the elements

Since 2001 has adventurous runners from all over the world set course for Greenland to take part in the spectacular race, where ice, snow and frozen tundra form the framework for an experience far from them classic asphalt marathon.

The travel agency Albatros Travel is behind the event - founded by Søren Rasmussen, whose fascination with Greenland's rugged beauty i his time became the start of the race. Today, race director Lars Fyhr is there together with his team carries on the legacy and guides the participants safely through the route.

Since 2001 has adventurous runners from all over the world set course for Greenland to take part in the spectacular race, where ice, snow and frozen tundra form the framework for an experience far from them classic asphalt marathon.

The travel agency Albatros Travel is behind the event - founded by Søren Rasmussen, whose fascination with Greenland's rugged beauty i his time became the start of the race. Today, race director Lars Fyhr is there together with his team carries on the legacy and guides the participants safely through the route.

Among this year's participants is also the experienced runner Felix Osmark, who for for the first time setting up for a marathon in arctic surroundings. For boats organizers and runners, it's not about records - but about taking up the fight against the elements and have magnificent experiences in the Greenlandic nature.

The battle against the elements

The acting race director, Lars Fyhr, together with a dedicated team is ready to guide the participants safely through one of the world's most unique race routes.

- It is not an extreme race, but a race for the mature runner – someone who might be done chasing personal bests and instead looking for great ones nature experiences and true adventure, he says.

And adventure – you get that. The route goes over Greenland, among other things ice sheet and through frozen tundra, and the surface changes between ice, snow, gravel and frozen ground. The temperature is usually well below freezing, and the weather in Kangerlussuaq can be both unpredictable and relentless.

- We would like to offer people the fight against the elements. The combination of harsh nature and a beautiful, quiet ice world make the race completely unique. You can train to much - but you cannot control nature, says Lars Fyhr.

Not without reason, the Arctic Circle Marathon is often referred to as the world's coldest marathon.

A global event with Greenlandic let's go

This year, 177 runners are taking part – all of them seats are torn away. The field of participants counts as many as 30 different nationalities with representatives from, among others, Africa, Asia, North America and Europe. Greenland is also strongly represented: 26 Greenlanders are standing together this year with several Danes living in Greenland.

- The Greenlandic weather conditions make it unpredictable and exciting - the participants never quite know which race they are going to run until they stand there on the day. But one things are certain: It will be an experience, says Lars Fyhr.

Among this year's participants is Felix Osmark, who lives in Nuuk and works as IT consultant. In his spare time, he runs – a lot. With around 60 kilometers in the legs every week, running is not just a hobby, but a lifestyle.

- I have run quite a few marathons over the years - including in Sydney and Amsterdam – but it has mostly been flat asphalt races. That's why I think it could be exciting to try a wilder and different marathon here in Greenland, says Felix.

The Polar Circle Marathon will be his first of its kind in arctic surroundings, and it is precisely the combination of harsh conditions and unique nature experience that has attracted to him.

- The fact that the race is so different – and an experience in itself – was what caught me. I think it will be both a physical and mental challenge to run in the Greenlandic nature, but also a huge visual experience, he says.

Me against nature

Part of the race takes place on the ice sheet, where the participants have to fasten spikes under their shoes to be able to stand firm. It is far from the classic asphalt marathon with thousands of participants and spectators along the route that Felix has previously completed.

- I imagine that you will run large parts of the route alone. There comes naturally a spread between the runners, and unlike other big races, so there are no spectators along the route. So it becomes one's self - against nature, states Felix Osmark.

But that is exactly what makes the race unique for him. The challenge and the silence.

- It will be a trial for both body and psyche, but I am also determined to look up and enjoy the trip along the way, says Felix with a smile.

Despite the battle against the elements, he is not only against nature – he is also with it nature. To let the gaze rest on the white, desolate landscape and take the rough beauty in with every step. The race becomes a kind of conversation between him and it arctic wasteland, where resistance and harmony go hand in hand. The immediate participation in The Polar Circle Marathon has been a big motivating factor behind the many weekly runs that Felix Osmark sets out on - whatever the weather Nuuk.

Arctic adventure

In a world full of great city marathons and the pursuit of personal records, represent The Polar Circle Marathon something completely different - and something very special. Here it is Greenland sets the scene. The raw, untouched nature, the silence, the cold and the unpredictable weather gives the race a character that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. That it is precisely the Greenlandic landscape and its forces that attract runners from the whole globe – people who not only want to complete a marathon, but to experience something unique and genuine.

The race takes place in Kangerlussuaq on the 25th and 26th. October, where a marathon is run on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. Participants can choose to compete in one of the races - or take on the ultimate challenge and run both, also called The Polar Bear Challenge. Felix has chosen the last option and pitches both days. Here, every step becomes a reminder of both nature's greatness and vulnerability. It's not just a race. It is an experience of a lifetime.