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 350 nautical miles (650 km; 400 mi) 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.
In 1996, polar adventurers Jock Wishart and David Hempleman-Adams organised The Ultimate Challenge,[1] 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: 78°35′42″N 104°11′54″W / 78.59500°N 104.19833°W.[2] In 2007, the latest survey found the pole at 83°57′00″N 120°43′12″W / 83.95000°N 120.72000°W.[3]
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 North Magnetic Pole.
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:
Teams included Special Forces soldiers, Richard Dunwoody (professional jockey), Steven East, Mike Krimholz, Jock Wishart. Extreme cold temperatures were recorded at minus 47 [clarification needed] and a 4-day whiteout situation.
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 (which later healed fully). The overall results were:
The third Polar Race started on 9 April 2007. All six teams successfully reached the pole. The overall results were:
The fourth Polar Race started on 9 April 2009. All five teams successfully reached the pole. The overall results were:
The fifth Polar Race started on 9 April 2011. Both teams successfully reached the pole.