Flight Preparations
The following day is busy with flight preparations. In the morning, you are invited to join us for an Antarctic presentation followed by refreshments. The presentation will include information on your flight south, the current weather situation and what to expect on your arrival in Antarctica. This will be the trip of a lifetime and we want to ensure that you are well prepared to enjoy it to the fullest. There will be time to ask any questions you may have and get to know your fellow travellers.

After the presentation we will agree a time to check your Antarctic clothing to ensure nothing has been inadvertently forgotten and collect your checked baggage for loading on to the aircraft ready for departure the following day. Please ensure that your baggage complies with international air transport regulations. No hazardous goods such as fuels may be packed in your checked bags.

You are going to the interior of Antarctica, one of the most difficult places in the world to fly to. Every effort will be made to keep to the scheduled departure date, but please note that all flights are dependent on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. Days of delay are part of the Antarctic travel experience and should be expected. Our Punta Arenas staff will keep you informed of any schedule changes.

Please also note that in exceptional circumstances, if logistics permit and weather is exceptional, we may depart the evening PRIOR to our scheduled departure date.

No two Antarctic adventures are exactly the same. This is part of the magic and excitement of Antarctic travel. The itinerary below is intended to outline general program objectives and highlight typical activities and experiences. Exact timeline, activities, and program details will vary from trip to trip.

Day 1— Departure For Antarctica
In the morning, we will call you at your hotel to advise you of current conditions in Antarctica. If the weather is suitable for our flight to Patriot Hills, you will be given just under an hour to prepare before being picked up at your hotel by bus.

At the airport we will pass through security, including x-ray of all hand luggage. As on regular scheduled flights, no sharp objects may be carried on board in your hand luggage or on your person. We then complete immigration formalities and proceed to the aircraft, allowing time for photos before climbing on board. After a safety briefing by the flight crew we will fly south.

The flight time from Punta Arenas to Patriot Hills is approximately 4.5 hours. The initial part of our flight passes over Tierra Del Fuego, or “ Land of Fire”, so named by Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães (Ferdinand Magellan), for the native Yahgan people’s campfires that illuminated its shores. The ocean south of Tierra del Fuego, the Drake Passage, has been notorious throughout modern history for its wild storms, violent winds and heavy seas.

At approximately 60˚ south we reach the winter limits of frozen seas. This area of ocean is called the Antarctic Convergence and is rich in plankton and other tiny creatures that form the base of the food chain for Antarctica’s rich bird and wildlife colonies. We are now entering the area governed by the Antarctic Treaty.

At 66˚ south we cross the Antarctic Circle. Along this circle the sun never sets at the austral summer solstice and never rises at the austral winter solstice. Further south, Antarctic days and nights lengthen until at the South Pole the sun rises and sets only once a year.

Continuing our flight south and if cloud conditions co-operate, below us we may see tabular icebergs and the ice shelves from which they calve.

Our first sight of the icy continent is Charcot Island close to Alexander Island, at 71˚ south. These islands lie in the Bellingshausen Sea, west of the Antarctic Peninsula.

The ice sheet continues to stretch inland until in the distance appear the spectacular Ellsworth Mountains, the highest range in Antarctica. We fly south along the Ellsworths to their southernmost extension, the Patriot Hills, where our runway comes into sight. The wheeled aircraft lands on an area of blue ice that is approximately 2600 ft (800 m) above sea level. The blue ice remains clear of snow due to katabatic winds that funnel down from the mountains with great force. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and directed to our camp approximately 1/2 mile (1 km) away. Transportation is readily available, but most travellers enjoy walking up to camp as it provides an opportunity to stretch their legs and take photos. Be sure to stay away from the active loading zone at the back of the aircraft, as well as off the ice runway.

At camp you will meet our friendly staff who will show you to your accommodation and settle you down to a welcoming meal.

Day 2 onwards - Ice Marathon Events, Patriot Hills Antarctica
Today the action begins. All runners will meet in the morning for a group breakfast and briefing. Our race coordinator will update you on race logistics and our field guides will explain safety and environmental considerations for your time on the ice. Bring a pen, paper and any questions you may have to the meeting.

We plan to run each event on a separate day, however our final race schedule remains flexible and responsive to local conditions.

If conditions are suitable, we will run the marathon today. Competitors are guaranteed a genuine Antarctic marathon experience. The 26.2-mile circuit will meander along a groomed and marked route that encompasses long stretches of open, white terrain and of course the Patriot Hills themselves. Throughout the race you can expect snow and ice underfoot, sub-zero temperatures, gusty katabatic winds, and unlimited views out toward a noticeably curved horizon. As you set off, the silence and beauty of Antarctica begins to work its magic.  All you can hear is the crunching of feet on snow and the breath of your fellow runners.

Support personnel and medical assistance will be at hand and participants will be monitored for any signs of cold-related problems such as hypothermia.

The 80 South Half Marathon, Patriot Hills Antarctica
The following day we run the 80 South Half Marathon of 13.1 miles. This race offers an alternative for those who prefer a shorter distance. The half-marathon is also open to the marathon competitors at no additional cost.

Route and conditions will be similar to those of the marathon – snow and ice underfoot, sub-zero temperatures and katabatic winds. Don't expect to run your quickest time, as winds can blow from the Pole at a steady 10-25 knots. Also, forget about penguins or crowds cheering you along the route - no penguins live this far south and you will have to rely upon yourself to push onward in the hushed, indomitable surroundings. Of course, at the finish line, you will be warmly congratulated on your outstanding achievement by fellow competitors and our Patriot Hills staff. Once again we'll toast the spirit and resolve of all competitors and finish the day with a celebratory dinner.

The 100k Ultra Race, Patriot Hills Antarctica
Our penultimate day holds exciting prospects – the first ever 100k race in Antarctica. Undoubtedly, “the world’s coldest 100”, this ultramarathon challenge is reserved for only the toughest of endurance athletes. The 100k (62.1 miles) distance will seem endless, run under a sun that never sets against the backdrop of Patriot Hills and the Ellsworth Mountains. As you complete a 100k event and cross the finish line, you and your fellow ultra-athletes will make history and will create the prospect of a 100k Seven Continents Club for global ultra athletes. A truly extraordinary feat.

Return to Punta Arenas
Weather permitting, the aircraft from Punta Arenas will arrive in Patriot Hills on the scheduled departure day with a new collection of avid explorers and will take off with your group for the final leg of your Antarctic journey. Once the flight is confirmed, our client service staff in Punta Arenas will make hotel reservations on your behalf. In Punta Arenas you will be met at the airport by ANI staff who will arrange for transfer to your hotel. We will assist wherever possible with any questions you may have.

Please note that you are travelling to an expedition base camp situated in the interior of Antarctica, the most isolated and windiest continent on earth. Every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary but it is offered subject to change at the discretion of ANI staff based on weather, aircraft serviceability, and local conditions. You will be accommodated and looked after in Patriot Hills during any flight delays to Punta Arenas.

Days of delay are a normal part of Antarctic travel. DO NOT plan anything important for a minimum of two weeks after your scheduled return. Give yourself time to enjoy this unique experience without the stress of pending commitments.