Since 2024

Antarctic Ice Ultra

Registration open
2026 Race: Nov. 7 – Nov. 12
2027 Race: Nov. 11 – Nov. 15

The Ultimate Polar Ultra

why we run

One start line.
A thousand reasons.

Chasing the Impossible

Yusheng Ni ran 100 miles in 22:40:47 in the 2025 Antarctic Ice Ultra, a new continental record.

Read the AIMS Report

Running for Something Bigger

After running across America for veterans, Paul Johnson took the challenge at the bottom of the world.

Watch on WTVM

For Her Daughter

Gretchen Swarr took on the ultra to
show her daughter that extraordinary things are possible.

Read on Cape Cod Times
For His Father

Rainer Predl

For the 7th Continent

Mike Wondu

Faith Through Every Mile

Sean McKaveney

Testing Her Limits

Min Chen

For Guinness World Records

Henk Moen

Beyond the Boardroom

Daqing Mao

cancer survivor to inspire other women

Woutri Mugglestone

Fast Facts

By the numbers.

70°S

Ultima camp

24

Hours of sunlight

-35°C

WIND CHILL

5 DAYS

IN ANTARCTICA

Records from the white desert

Antarctic ultra records

100k Finishers in Antarctica

68 to date at 2 sister events: Antarctic Ice Marathon and Antarctic Ice Ultra

Men's 50k Record

Michael Wardian:  4:24:48, created at the 2026 777 Challenge

Women's 50k Record

Nahilia Hernandez:  5:15:43 at the  2017 777 Challenge

Men's 50-Mile Record

Marcin Aslanowicz:  10:11:05, 2024 Antarctic Ice Ultra

Women's 50-mile Record

Min Chen: 14:51:44, 2025 Antarctic Ice Ultra

Men's 100k Record

Yusheng Ni:  9:20:28, 2024 Antarctic Ice Marathon

Women's 100k Record

Julianne Young:  15:31:10, 2012  Antarctic Ice Marathon

Men's 100-Mile Record

Yusheng Ni:  22:40:47, 2025 Antarctic Ice Ultra

New records

Multiple records will be challenged or pursued during the 2026 race.

Read More
logistics

Travel & Flights

Before flying into Antarctica, the group will meet at Cape Town, South Africa.

Preparation

Training & Gear

For an ultra marathon in extreme conditions, a strategic layering system is essential. It balances warmth and insulation with lightweight, breathable materials, ensuring you stay comfortable and agile throughout the endurance challenge.

Activities

Excursions & Expeditions

Apart from running, enjoy an ice-tunnel expedition, a visit to the emperor penguin colony, the sauna, hiking, golf, and many more unique experiences during your time in Antarctica.

Antarctic Ice Ultra The Documentary


Heritage

2 Editions.
The Ultimate Polar Ultra.

The Antarctic Ice Ultra has produced 2 editions since 2024. The next race, taking place in November 2026, will mark the event’s third edition.

2024

Inaugural Edition

100 Mile Record:  Paul Johnson & Roberto Sembiante

2025

100-Mile Continental Record

Yusheng Ni sets new 100 mile record: 22:40:47

2026

World Record Attempts

Multiple world records will be challenged or pursued during the 2026 race.

The organizers

Delivered by Team Runbuk.

The Antarctic Ice Ultra is operated by Runbuk, a specialist team that designs, builds and runs world-class endurance events on every continent.

01

Race Management

Race direction, course certification, timing, results, and athlete operations in Antarctica.

02

Global Logistics

Antarctica flights, ground transport, and coordination on the White Continent.

03

Medical & Performance

On-site medical teams, hydration, recovery support, and coordination.

04

Media & Broadcast

In-house photo, video, and press operations. Handles media, embeds, and live story feeds.

05

Athlete Services

Briefings, gear check, and around-the-clock support for every competitor throughout the event.

For interviews with named team leads, race management, logistics, medical, or media, contact the press desk below.

who we are

Discover New Worlds Within & Beyond

The mission of Runbuk® is to help you explore the world through running. From deep inside Antarctica to the top of the world at the North Pole, or anywhere between, Runbuk can be found.