The Polar Bear Marathon is a special unique adventure in Churchill, Manitoba (Polar Bear Capital of the world). Due to the harsh environment, e.g. the weather conditions at this time of the year, runners will be required to run in pairs. There is also a real possibility of the presence …
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The Polar Bear Marathon is a special unique adventure in Churchill, Manitoba (Polar Bear Capital of the world).
Due to the harsh environment, e.g. the weather conditions at this time of the year, runners will be required to run in pairs. There is also a real possibility of the presence of bear, wolves, etc, so that we will have vehicles accompanying each pair of runners. These vehicles will also serve as mobile aid stations.
From the town of Churchill we will run along the coast of the Hudson’s Bay in the direction of the Study Centre, turning around at the 21 km mark (marathon) and at the Study Centre (25km for ultra marathon).
Called the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill is also known as Manitoba’s beluga whale watching hotspot and is a birder’s paradise. The approach of winter also makes Churchill one of the best places to experience the northern lights. October and November are the best months to see polar bears as they get prepared to move out on the newly formed ice in search of seals. Scientists from around the world have come to Churchill to study the northern lights in the active night sky – Churchill is one of the top three places on the planet to see the northern lights. Located on the edge of the Arctic, Churchill offers the feel of a frontier town with the amenities of an international tourist destination.
In support of Athletes in Action First Nations baseball camps – Polar Hill, ON, Pauingassi, MB. & Tadoule Lake, MB.
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Run the North with Polar Bears
Training for the half marathon was just like any other race but preparing to go to a region of the sub arctic, where weather can be unpredictable is something completely … MORE
Training for the half marathon was just like any other race but preparing to go to a region of the sub arctic, where weather can be unpredictable is something completely different. How to train?
What to bring? What weather conditions to expect? Here in the south, we had had an unusual fall of balmy weather and no snow, so it was very difficult to imagine cold winds and blowing snow.
It was also very challenging as COVID had put a stop to any travel or live races over the last 20 months. Even up to the last minute of boarding the flights to Winnipeg and then Churchill, there seemed to be a possibility that the race may not happen.
The weather was completely in our favour this year for the half marathon. Not too cold to start and the wind at my back to finish the race.
The distances are a half, full and ultra marathon with a total of 15 participants. It was exciting to meet runners from other cities in Canada and one runner from Italy. As Roberto said, being able to travel and participate in a live race gives one hope of the world returning to normal.
Runners were supportive of each other with high fives and waves as we passed each other on the route. We ran along Hudson Bay, an area that is ripe with history in Canada for shipping and trading. We had our own personal volunteer that drove along as we ran and carried our supplies
and ensured that we were safe. To see the beautiful bay, the treeline, polar bears, ptarmigan, and the ravens is a wonder to behold.
Albert Martens, organized the race, transportation, awards dinner party and the volunteers. We were treated to music before our race celebration dinner. A blizzard moved in Saturday night, and we hunkered down in the Tundra Inn, sharing stories, and very happy that the blizzard had waited a day and did not occur on race day. We were treated to breakfast supplies that had been brought in at midnight. Churchill once again reaching out to
care for a group of travellers.
Thank you so very much to Albert and Edna Martens for all the hard work and preparation to make this possible.
I thought it was a once in a lifetime journey and race. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
Thank you Churchill