Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half 2024 Voyage Two
Enter the Antarctica Marathon 2024
Marathon Tours & Travel has been offering the Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half-Marathon since its inception in 1995. As the proud event organizer and the exclusive tour operator, we are excited to bring a total of 360 runners and their supporters to this authentic event in 2024 on our two voyages.
The Antarctica Tour Package begins with three nights in Buenos Aires for time to meet your running peers, participate in a few training runs and attend the mandatory race briefing and welcome dinner. We will fly you to Ushuaia which is located at the southern tip of Argentina. It is here where you will start your journey to Antarctica aboard the Ocean Atlantic ship. Over the course of several days, you will sail through the Beagle Channel across the Drake Passage, and through the Shetland Islands before reaching King George Island – the location of the Marathon and Half-Marathon!
During your travels you will explore the most pristine corner of the planet, coming face-to-face with Antarctic gems such as glaciers, icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. Historians and scientists will provide lectures on board your ship and you will experience wildlife excursions during landings in remote areas, such as seal colonies and penguin rookeries as well as the research bases.
Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch, dinner & a welcome reception
Guide
Support from our team during your stay
Transfers
Specific airport transfers are included (see itinerary)
Trip Extension
Extra nights at Buenos Aires hotel on request
Accommodation
Excellent deluxe hotel & ship accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available
Celebration Party
Pre race dinner get together included
Excursions
Selection of sightseeing opportunities are included
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Friday15th March, 2024
Flights arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina and passengers are transferred to the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel. There will be an optional light training run in late afternoon. Most flights will arrive at the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and transfers are arranged for only those arriving at this airport between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. You have this evening to explore some of this city’s famous restaurants just a short walk to Puerto Madero.
Saturday 16th March, 2024
Following breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour, which will introduce you to the vibrant capital of Argentina. There is an optional 4:00 PM light training run in the National Park.
We look forward to seeing you at the evening cocktail reception, followed by a welcome dinner and the important mandatory race check-in/briefing at the hotel. (breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday 17th March, 2024
Enjoy today to explore more of Buenos Aires and/or participate in a group light training run at 4:00 PM in the National Park. You have this evening to explore some of this city’s famous restaurants just a short walk to Puerto Madero. (breakfast included)
Monday 18th March, 2024
Guests on the Ocean Victory will be transferred to the airport for an early morning flight to Ushuaia in the province of Tierra del Fuego, the world’s southernmost city. Depending on flight arrival time, it’s possible you will have time to explore this interesting town with plenty of shops and restaurants; and then be ready to board the ship in the afternoon for your departure to Antarctica. Once you are settled in your cabin, we will regroup with a Welcome Reception and briefing on shipboard safety. (breakfast and dinner included)
Tuesday 19th & Wednesday 20th March, 2024
These two days are spent at sea crossing the Beagle Channel and Drake Passage. The open bridge policy invites everyone to get a bird’s eye view of the navigational activity alongside the Captain and his crew. Videos and lectures will introduce visitors to the wildlife, climate and history of Antarctica. When we arrive at King George Island on the second afternoon, the race operations crew will go ashore to set up the course for the following day. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday 21st March, 2024
The course has been prepared with flags and mileage markers. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kind with the weather. The Wave 1 race will start at 7:00 AM and Wave 2 will start at 1:00 PM with both starts subject to change based on weather. Marathoner’s should plan on a six (6) hour and thirty (30) minute time limit and Half-Marathoner’s will have a four (4) hour and thirty (30) minute cutoff (weather permitting). After this major accomplishment, enjoy a post-race party and celebration this evening! The ship heads south overnight toward the Antarctica Peninsula. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday 22nd March, 2023
We awake to the panoramic views of glaciers mountains and pristine bays and channels. Weaving among the icebergs, our destination is Paradise Bay, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A sunny afternoon will permit us to have a barbecue and race awards ceremony on the stern deck. The zodiacs will bring us to shore for a visit to the vacated Argentine base nestled at the base of a hill where visitors are welcome to climb to the peak for a bird’s eye view of the area. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th March, 2024
These next three days we hope to find ourselves in the fjords near the Lemaire Channel where humpbacks cruise for krill (small crustaceans). The third afternoon we leave the “White Continent” to re-cross the Drake Passage. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday 26th & Wednesday 27th March, 2024
We spend two days at sea on our return voyage hoping for calm seas to glorify in the memory of accomplishing a life-changing experience. We first sight land at Cape Horn, Chile where we will approach our return port at Ushuaia. (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday 28th March, 2024
This morning will find us in Ushuaia at about 8:00 AM, where we disembark and check-in for our return group flight to Buenos Aires and then onward to your individual international flights back home. Flights departing from Buenos Aires to your home city should not depart before 8:30 PM. You should consider booking a one night (or more) stay on the return to relax before your long flights home. (breakfast included)
Marathon Tours & Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary due to flight schedule changes, weather or any other reason that it deems necessary for the safe and enjoyable execution of this trip. It may be necessary for some guests to overnight in Ushuaia on the return due to delays, flight availability or other reasons. In this case, the guest is responsible for the additional hotel cost, which will be approximately $190 per person in a double room.
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Packages & Rates
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Prices for 2024 TBA
Marathon Tours & Travel 2024 Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half Voyage Two Package Includes:
- PACKAGE FEATURES:
- Three nights hotel accommodations at the Alvear Icon in Buenos Aires from March 15 to March 18
- All hotel taxes
- Full breakfast each morning at the hotel
- Airport Transfers (see note below)
- Half-Day Guided City Tour in Buenos Aires
- Welcome Reception and Dinner
- Roundtrip flights to Ushuaia
- Ten nights on the Ocean Victory – Explore the ship and staterooms HERE
- Three meals daily, afternoon tea, and happy hour on board your ship
- Drink Package during lunch and dinner
- Special VIP Package for Premium Suite, Category A and B Suite
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Reception
- Official Expedition Parka
- Official Antarctica Marathon Tech Race Shirt
- Lecture program on board your ship
- Zodiac and wildlife excursions
- Kayaking with whales option (additional cost)
- Ocean Victory Staff Tips
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Race entry fee is $250 additional
Not Included:
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips, unless noted
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Airfare to/from Buenos Aires
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Single occupancy on the ships is not available, all cabins are shared. If you are traveling alone, we will match you with another runner of the same gender. You may elect to have a single hotel room in Buenos Aires for a single supplement.
NOTE: AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers are provided for guests on arrival day (March 6) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from the Ezezia International Airport (EZE). Outside of these days/times, you are responsible to get to the Alvear Icon Hotel in Buenos Aires on your own. Airport transfers are included for your roundtrip flights to/from Ushuaia. Transfers are also included from the airport back to the Alvear Icon Hotel if you book extra nights after the cruise. Transfers back to the airport are on your own.
As the exclusive Tour Operator to this event, we are very pleased to offer guaranteed entry into the Antartica Marathon for the distance of your choice. Please note, this event typically sells out two years in advance.
- Extra nights at Buenos Aires hotel from £105pp
Future Dates
Interested in securing your space on a future Antarctica departure? Contact our team of experts to learn more. Payment plans are available.
- PACKAGE FEATURES:
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Hotels
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Ocean Victory
This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions and is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages.
With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatross Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
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Event Information
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Race Date: March 12, 2023 (2024 TBC)
Race Time: 9:00 AM
The Course: The course will be routed over a roller coaster course toward Artigas, the Uruguayan Base at the western end of Collins Glacier. The course is entirely on dirt roads, which often can be muddy. The course changes each year based on the base operations as well as road and weather conditions. All runners must be self-sufficient and cannot expect any access to indoor facilities.
Charitable Objective: Each year Marathon Tours & Travel offers runners the opportunity to sponsor an official Antarctica Marathon®️ and Half-Marathon Mile Marker(s). The proceeds of the Mile Markers are donated to Oceanites, which is the official non-profit organization of the Antarctica Marathon®️ and Half-Marathon. In return, the runner gets to keep his/her sponsored mile marker after the race as a great souvenir! You can sponsor a mile marker by completing the Antarctica Marathon®️ Mile Marker Sponsorship Form. Oceanites has been researching the effect of climate change and tourism on Antarctica for more than 20 years. They have collected valuable data on wildlife and plant populations to support further research on this most pristine part of our planet. In addition to the sponsored mile markers there is a live on-board auction during the tour with all proceeds also going to Oceanites!
Temperature: Average temperatures range between 15F-34F minus the wind chill, which can lower it by about 10F. Heavy snow is rare but light flurries are common.
Course Time Limit: Marathoners must finish under 6.5 hours, weather permitting. You must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish under 4 hours, weather permitting. Course marshals have the responsibility to disqualify any runner who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration.
Number Pickup: Race check-in and the briefing with emphasis on the environmental rules and regulations governing this event will be held at the welcome dinner in Buenos Aires. Attendance is mandatory for participation in the race.
Shoes: You will not need any special shoes. A training shoe designed for off-road running is best. Bring two pair since it might be wet and muddy. Racing flats are not recommended. NOTE: trekking poles or any other aid are not allowed in either event.
Recommended Packing List: Gear List
Eligibility: All runners must be at least 18 years of age on race day for participation in the marathon. There is no age limit for the half-marathon..
Awards: The top three overall for males and females in both races will be recognized. In the marathon, the top two in each age category will be recognized (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over). All finishers will receive a finisher certificate and a medallion.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
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Registration & Booking
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Disclaimer
Marathon Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary, times, and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Visa
Please note that it is each traveler’s responsibility to check visa and passport requirements and ensure that they comply. Obtaining a passport and, if required, a visa, is solely the responsibility of each traveler.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is an essential part of any holiday you take, and we highly recommend that you purchase suitable insurance for your trip.
Comprehensive travel insurance that includes COVID coverage for quarantine or hospitalization is required by the government of Argentina. Please read carefully the Insurance Advisory Form. All travelers must complete and sign the Insurance Advisory Form. Note: Insurance should be booked 15 days from receiving your official confirmation to avoid loss of some benefits.
Passports
You must have a valid passport that matches the name on your airline tickets and the name on this confirmation for the ship manifest. Your passport should be valid for six (6) months after your return date. No visas are necessary for the US, Canada, and most countries. Please check online to see if you need a visa. IMPORTANT: enclose a copy of your passport photo page and page that lists the date of issue, etc. with your paperwork.
Race time
7:00 AM Wave 1, 1:00 PM Wave 2
Course
The course will be routed over a roller coaster course toward Artigas, the Uruguayan Base at the western end of Collins Glacier. The course is entirely on dirt roads, which often can be muddy. The course changes each year based on the base operations as well as road and weather conditions. All runners must be self-sufficient and cannot expect any access to indoor facilities.
Temperature
Average temperatures range between 15F-34F minus the wind chill, which can lower it by about 10F. Heavy snow is rare but light flurries are common.
Course time limit
Marathoners must finish under six (6) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. You must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish in under four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. Course marshals have the responsibility to stop any runner from continuing who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia, or dehydration.
Shoes: You will not need any special shoes. A training shoe designed for off-road running is best. Bring two pairs since it might be wet and muddy. Racing flats are not recommended. NOTE: trekking poles or any other aid are not allowed in either event.
Recommended Gear List
Expected temperatures:
Buenos Aires: 70-90F / 20-32C
Ushuaia: 45-60F / 7-16C
Antarctica: 0-35F / -18-2C
We recommend the following based on the expected temperatures as noted above (modify based on your personal preference):
• In Buenos Aires, in addition to your regular comfort wear don’t forget something a little nicer for our Welcome Reception and Dinner (you can also use it for our farewell dinner on the ship).
• In Ushuaia, a warmer jacket and you should always have a waterproof jacket handy.
• On the ship, in addition to casual clothing:
– Farewell dinner attire mentioned above
– Swimsuit
– Binoculars if interested, some are available when you are on the bridge
– Converter for European electric outlets
• For zodiac excursions, kayaking, and landings:
– Three (3) layers for warmth:
– wicking base layer insulating fleece layer
– insulating waterproof outer layer
– A moisture-wicking sock liner and a heavy wool outer sock
– Boots will be provided
• Legs
– Thermal layer
– Medium-weight pants
– Waterproof outer pants (i.e. ski pants)
• Torso
– Long-sleeved wicking tech shirt base layer
– Medium weight fleece ¼ to full zip tech shirt or puffy down jacket insulating layer
– Waterproof jacket w/ hood if possible (i.e. ski jacket)
• Hands
– Glove liners
– Outer gloves or mittens (big enough to accommodate liners)
– Neoprene gloves for kayakers if you have them
• Neck and Head
– Neck buff
– Balaclava or facemask
– Thermal hat
– Sunscreen
• Eyewear
– Sunglasses
– Ski goggles (especially if you wear contacts)
• Other gear
– Dry bag, for camera
Eligibility
All runners must be at least 18 years of age on race day for participation in the marathon. There is no age limit for the half-marathon.
Difficulty
Very difficult, and very hilly with constantly changing weather and running surface.
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