The Last Desert and Antarctica Ultramarathon Friends and Family Experience

The Last Desert (Antarctica) is typically the final race in the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series. Competitors are invited to The Last Desert when they have successfully completed at least two RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathons. At this race we provide a limited number of places to Friends & Family of both competitors and staff, giving them the opportunity to share this unique experience as we recognise that most people will only ever visit Antarctica once in their lifetime.  In 2024, a very special race is being set up called the Antarctica Ultramarathon which will give individuals the chance to take part in up to 100 kilometers on one stage of The Last Desert (Antarctica). You may also choose the following distances:  5 kilometers, 10 kilometers, half marathon, marathon or ultramarathon.

Activities for Friends & Family and participants in the Antarctica Ultramarathon: You may share a cabin with your friend who is competing, or with another passenger. On the voyage to and from Antarctica you will share experiences with your friend or family member such as watching wildlife, listening to experts talk about specialist Antarctic topics and enjoying meals on the special expedition ship. Once in Antarctica, the ship will move to a different location each day where competitors will complete up to six stages of the race, one stage of which will be the Antarctica Ultramarathon. As a friend or family member you can choose from a variety of special activities each day:

• “Normal” tourist activities (such as zodiac safaris, snowshoeing, visiting research bases, photography, wildlife tours, camping, kayaking, etc.);
• You may also cheer on The Last Desert and Antarctica Ultramarathon competitors or volunteer during The Last Desert and Antarctica Ultramarathon (this is completely optional);
• Or just relax on the expedition ship.

Specific activities include:

• Special hiking courses set up each day by our experts.
• Soft climbing up Antarctica’s steep hills.
• Snowshoe hikes.
• Exploring the many hundreds of photo opportunities.
• Zodiac excursions.
• Land excursions (easy-to-moderate walks and hikes that focus on wildlife).
• Visits to the manned research stations found in the Antarctic.
• Kayaking.
• Camping.
• The Antarctica Ultramarathon, with a chance to complete 5k, 10k, a half marathon, a full marathon or an ultramarathon in Antarctica.

Antarctica Ultramarathon
In addition to special activities in Antarctica listed above, racers and friends and family will have the opportunity to participate in a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, a marathon or an ultramarathon on one stage.   Named the "Antarctica Ultramarathon," renowned course director Carlos Garcia will direct the Antarctica Ultramarathon giving everyone onboard a chance to experience Antarctica in a unique way.  There will be an official winner of this stage and medals provided to all who complete at least 5 kilometers.

Itinerary: You can download the itinerary from this link.

Application: Please complete this application. Under “Select Registration” choose “Friends and Family” and under “Select Race” highlight “The Last Desert (Antarctica) 2024.

Fee: The cost of the Friends and Family Experience is US$12,900 per person before 26 May 2024 or US$13,900 after 26 May 2024.

Payment Options: You can pay by credit card or bank wire. If you would like to pay by bank wire, email us at [email protected] for instructions.

Terms and Conditions:  To reserve a place, you must pay a non-refundable deposit of US$5,000. The balance payment of US$7,900 is due on or before 26 May 2024 (or US$8900 after 26 May 2024). The deposit and balance are non-refundable. We strongly advise you to take out insurance in case of any cancellation.

*Note: A fuel surcharge of US$25 per night / US$250 may be applied if fuel prices exceed US$100 / Brent barrel, or US$50 per night / US$500 if fuel prices exceed US$150 / Brent barrel.