38 participants from 14 countries and 6 continents started the 42 kilometer long race. Operated at a drifting Russian ice base at the Geographic North Pole, the event is quite literally run ‘on’ water: the frozen Arctic sea ice, the race’s web site reads.
Evgeniy Gorkov, a vastly experienced Russian extreme athlete, took the lead from the outset to win in a time of 4:27:05. A close battle for second position ensued before France’s Renaud Michel eventually prevailed over Willy Roberts of New Zealand. Michel was one of four brothers who all finished in the top 8 places.
Six women took part in the women’s competition. Pushpa Chandra of Canada edged out Great Britain’s Daniela Spiridigliozzi in the closing stages to win in a time of 7:27:31. Sarah Ames of Germany finished third.
Read here for more results, photos and information on how to sign up for next year’s competition.
