Polar Challenge - The Starting Line

The race is scheduled between the months of April and May – which coincide with the Arctic summer. You’ll depart from London Heathrow on a flight to Ottawa, from where you’ll catch a flight to Resolute Bay, which is as far north as you can fly.

Resolute Bay in the Nunavut province of Northern Canada is the most northerly established town in the world. This frontier township sits on the edge of the vast, frozen plains of the Arctic and is home both to the local Inuit community and explorers alike. The South Camp Inn is famous amongst the exploration community and has been the base for some of the world’s most famous explorers.

Your race begins here.

At Resolute Bay, you’ll receive additional training and get acclimatised to Polar conditions. This not only serves as an aide memoir but also readies you for the task at hand. You will be assessed and monitored continually by our instructors to ensure your safety and to avoid injury.

This is a frantic period of activity. Navigation, food, fuel, and equipment preparation all take place here over the course of a week. Plotting your route across famous Islands such as Bathurst and Isaachsen is no mean feat. This is extremely challenging terrain and your chosen route will greatly affect your race.

To further acclimatise you to the very different ice conditions, you are taken on a mini-expedition in the Resolute area to refine your skills.