Archive for the '2011. Polar Challenge' Category
10 May 2011 at 17:24
EWR Polar Challenge 2011 - Independently verified as one of the most difficult endurance events ever created.
With the Polar Challenge 2011 now complete, this year has proven this tenfold and highlighted why this race, as a spectacle, is truly peerless: Out of the 5 teams that started only 2 teams went on to fully complete the challenge.
Team 'Chilled Out' and Team 'CSC' with Jill Brangan were able to complete the 320 nautical miles in often challenging conditions but one thing that never changed was their spirit. Racing from Truro Island; crossing Bathurst then on to the sea ice; past the Noice Peninsula to the 1996 Magnetic North Pole - all this takes a lot of courage. If you read the EWR race reports and listened to the daily diary reports, you would have heard the teams delight at receiving messages of support throughout the race.
This is not just a journey for those participating but an adventure that is shared throughout their communities, families and friends;
“We are delighted that Georgy, Jill and Tom put in such a magnificent effort on the Polar Challenge 2011. It will be something they will not forget for a long time. Thanks to all the team at EWR for keeping a close eye on the competitors; ensuring we always had every confidence in their wellbeing; and keeping the anxious relatives closely informed throughout. You run a particularly impressive organisation.”
Glyn Jones, father of Team CSC member Georgy Jones
Throughout the course of 2009/10 a variety of inspired men and women from across the world decided that this was their time, a chance to test their mettle at the top of the world. The events that lay in store for these adventurers were not wholly unexpected; they went in as prepared as you could possibly be. However, nothing can prepare you for the Arctic in all its breathtaking beauty and its’ uncompromising fury.
You have to go back as far as 2009 for some of our competitors to gain enough insight into how far they come...
EWR's ethos of providing ordinary people with the training, equipment, skill and opportunity to visit these spectacular places is the realisation of a life's ambition for most.
The first time the teams had a chance to meet was during an unexpectedly rainy weekend in Wales. Well maybe not that unexpected. It may have delayed The Open, sending hundreds of golfers scrambling for cover but our intrepid bunch were more than up to the task. This was their first taste of training and an indication of what was to come.
The GPS training weekend in the stunning Black Mountains is the first instalment of the lengthy preparation process. This of course, supplemented by a very differing set of race preparations for each of the teams. Not only do you need the physical and mental fortitude to withstand the rigours of Polar travel; you also need the confidence in your ability to use life-saving equipment such as a GPS.
The weekend for some was the first opportunity to eye up the competition. For others this was merely a chance to learn and experience something new. You have to remember that this area of Wales is a challenging landscape. Given the vertical climbs along the course it was no easy task but all made it through and found their way to the pub afterwards!
Then it was on to Norway..... Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Polar Challenge 2011 round-up, coming soon.
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07 May 2011 at 11:12
A huge congratulations to Team CSC and Jill Brangan who have now completed the 2011 Polar Challenge! They have finished in 2nd place behind team Chilled Out and can be immensely proud of their achievement!
Tom Clipston was immensely proud of the fact that their race to the Pole has raised $130,000 for the Children's Surgical Centre in Cambodia.
The team covered the remaining 17 nautical miles (30km) from the pole to the finish in excellent time to cross the finish line at 1920 (local time). Tom, Georgie and Jill who have been working together since CP1 have found the going tough but have braved all that the Arctic could throw at them. Inspired by reaching the Magnetic North Pole they continued on to the finish and are now eating, rejoicing and sleeping!
Everyone at EWR is extremely proud of the effort and determination demonstrated by this team.
To listen to their diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 16
Jill Race Day 16
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
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06 May 2011 at 11:45
They have done it Team CSC and Jill have made it to the magnetic North Pole and have put up their tent for a couple of hours of well earned rest! They have 30km left to the finish line and their aim is to do this as quickly and safely as their tired legs will carry them.
Jill Brangan described the area around the Pole as being 'like an alien landscape' with lots of pressure ridges forming a spectacular other-worldly place.
Jamie and Jack are enjoying their last moments on the ice and would like to extent all of their thanks to their supporters who have helped take them on this fantastic journey of a lifetime.
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 14
Team Chilled Out Race Day 14 Jack
Team Chilled Out Race Day 14 Jamie
Jill Race Day 14
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
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05 May 2011 at 09:10
Day 14 of the race and Team CSC, our last remaining team on the ice have had another strong day covering 20 nautical miles and have reached the Noice Peninsula. This is the last major obstacle before reaching the Pole!
Boosted by the good luck messages they received from friends and family they are fully committed to triumphantly crossing the finish line.
The team have a few more hours on their feet before they tent up so we will keep you informed and post and diary calls as and when they arrive.
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
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04 May 2011 at 11:58
Chilled Out team storm to victory!
It’s official, Team Chilled Out are the winners of the 2011 Polar Challenge winners! This incredible achievement was confirmed at 8.20am (GMT) today via satellite phone. Tired and elated the team are now sitting in their tent at the finish line working through a range of emotions but mostly working through their food stores!
For Jamie and Jack this was the realisation of a dream. Their training, preparation, team work and positive approach to the event has seen them battle through the changeable Arctic weather and across 320 nautical miles of snow and ice to the finish line. This was a superb team effort that has seen them finish first.
“We’re delighted to be here. It’s been hard work but [when we were] 2 miles from the finish line that raised our spirits and it was wonderful strolling across the finish line.” Jamie Chisholm
The friends have always maintained their composure throughout this epic adventure. They described this as ‘the adventure of a lifetime’ and it is something that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. They will take many positive memories from this journey and we are sure their friends and families will be proud of Jamie and Jack’s achievement.
All of the staff at EWR congratulate Jamie and Jack on their monumental achievement. The training team, who worked closely with the team in Norway, are proud to see the first of their teams home.
True to themselves they even took time to congratulate the teams who didn’t make it and offered their support to the teams still out on the ice. The only remaining team is CSC/ Blue Eyes.
They put in a tremendous effort today covering 21 nautical miles. Every step the team takes they draw closer and closer to the finish line. They remain strong and in good spirits. I’m sure Chilled Out will welcome the company!
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 13
Team Chilled Out Race Day 13
Jill Race Day 13
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
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03 May 2011 at 09:38
Day 12 of the race and team Chilled Out have done it! They have stood at the Magnetic North Pole! To this brave team it was more than just a point on the map. It was the realisation of a dream for both Jamie and Jack. They have braved all that the Arctic could throw at them and now they have the finish line in sight!
Team CSC have made it in to CP2. Their wish for an Arctic spa was just a mirage. They did however, receive a bacon sandwich on arrival which raised their spirits tremendously. They expect to reach the Pole in 2 days and then 2 more to the finish.
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 12
Team Chilled Out Race Day 12
Jill Race Day 12
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
View 2011 Polar Challenge.kmz in a larger map
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02 May 2011 at 12:37
Day 11 of the race and team Chilled Out are within approximately 7 nautical miles of the magnetic north pole. It was a good start to the day and after 17 hours on their skis they have decided to bed down for the evening. The winds increased steadily through the day and they sensibly decided to tent-up before the conditions became too harsh. They will reach the magnetic North Pole tomorrow and will have eyes on the finish.
Team CSC should reach CP2 later today and are looking forward to their bacon sandwich and a rest! Still going strong and their spirits are high as they are nearing the pole themselves.
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 11
Team Chilled Out Race Day 11
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
View 2011 Polar Challenge.kmz in a larger map
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01 May 2011 at 12:39
Day 10 of the race and team Chilled Out are within approximately 30 nautical miles of the magnetic north pole. They made excellent progress today although the first 18nautical miles were quite challenging the remaining distance they covered was considerably easier with the improving weather conditions.
Team CSC are approximately 1.5 - 2 days from CP2 and are a little tired but going strong. The 12 hours rest at CP2 will be a welcome break for their team but they have their sights set firmly on the pole! Jill, who joined CSC at checkpoint 1 is looking forward to some flat ground and although the going is tough, is still in awe of the stunning scenery.
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 10
Team Chilled Out Race Day 10
Blue Eyes Race Day 10
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
View 2011 Polar Challenge.kmz in a larger map
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30 April 2011 at 13:38
Day 09 of the race and Chilled Out have safely arrived at CP2. Coming in off the back of 4 great days on the sea ice the guys looked in great condition and were treated to a bacon sandwich from the checkpoint staff! It's been much harder on the boys mentally and physically but their spirits remain high and they are looking forward to reaching the pole in the next couple of days.
CSC and Jill had a visit from an inquisitive Polar Bear but with their training and confidence easily deterred the inquisitive local! They are around 4-5 days from the Magnetic North Pole and are looking forward to arriving at CP2.
Finally, a quick message for George, Happy Birthday!
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 09
Team Chilled Out Race Day 09
Blue Eyes Race Day 09
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
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29 April 2011 at 12:11
Day 08 of the race and the remaining 2 teams are skiing across the sea ice en route to CP2.
The race leaders Chilled Out put in another great stint today and covered another 22 nautical miles. They sound in excellent spirits and should arrive at CP2 by the next update.
Jill Brangan has joined Team CSC, replacing Ian Mullane who was struggling with blisters in his feet. Ian is safe, well and in good spirits relaxing with the checkpoint team at CP1.
Jill managed to get a fleeting glance at some of the local wildlife I'm sure her friends and family will be in awe of what sounds like a pretty cool, but slightly blurry photo!
To listen to the days diary calls click the links below:
Team CSC Race Day 08
Team Chilled Out Race Day 08
Blue Eyes Race Day 08
Stay tuned for more updates from 2011 Polar Challenge here on extremeworldraces.com
View 2011 Polar Challenge.kmz in a larger map
Posted in Extreme Headlines | North Pole | 2011. Polar Challenge | Extreme Races | No Comments
