Baikal Ice Marathon is a very special race. It takes place at Lake Baikal in Siberia. Runners have the choice to run either 42k (from one shore of the lake … MORE
Baikal Ice Marathon is a very special race. It takes place at Lake Baikal in Siberia. Runners have the choice to run either 42k (from one shore of the lake to the other) or 21k (finish is in the middle of the lake). Around 150 runners from all over the world take part in that race and the atmosphere is unique. Temperatures of minus 20-30 degrees Celsius make the race a very tough one and it´s very important to dress accordingly. This year there was more snow than usually which made it even harder as we had to run through snow almost all the race. The night before the race we all stayed at Baikalsk from where we were brought to the start of the race by bus (45 minutes drive). A very good breakfast was provided in the hotel. At the start we had the chance to use restrooms, to get dressed and to have a warm tea. The start was at 10.30 in the morning. Runners who want to run this race must prove that they are able to run a marathon in less than 4 hours or a half marathon in less than 2 hours. Along the course there were refreshment stations at km 7, 15 and 21, where fruits, chocolate, water and tea were offered. Due to a Siberian hurricane that came up during the race the race had to be stopped and the lake had to be evacuated. Fortunately this happened shortly after we had finished our half marathon. It was the first time that this happened and it was the 14th edition. All runners got a medal, a T-Shirt, beanie and a certificate at the Gala-Dinner in the evening. All in all a super great experience!!!
Once in a lifetime!
Baikal Ice Marathon is a very special race. It takes place at Lake Baikal in Siberia. Runners have the choice to run either 42k (from one shore of the lake … MORE
Baikal Ice Marathon is a very special race. It takes place at Lake Baikal in Siberia. Runners have the choice to run either 42k (from one shore of the lake to the other) or 21k (finish is in the middle of the lake). Around 150 runners from all over the world take part in that race and the atmosphere is unique. Temperatures of minus 20-30 degrees Celsius make the race a very tough one and it´s very important to dress accordingly. This year there was more snow than usually which made it even harder as we had to run through snow almost all the race. The night before the race we all stayed at Baikalsk from where we were brought to the start of the race by bus (45 minutes drive). A very good breakfast was provided in the hotel. At the start we had the chance to use restrooms, to get dressed and to have a warm tea. The start was at 10.30 in the morning. Runners who want to run this race must prove that they are able to run a marathon in less than 4 hours or a half marathon in less than 2 hours. Along the course there were refreshment stations at km 7, 15 and 21, where fruits, chocolate, water and tea were offered. Due to a Siberian hurricane that came up during the race the race had to be stopped and the lake had to be evacuated. Fortunately this happened shortly after we had finished our half marathon. It was the first time that this happened and it was the 14th edition. All runners got a medal, a T-Shirt, beanie and a certificate at the Gala-Dinner in the evening. All in all a super great experience!!!