Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half 2025 Voyage One
Enter the Antarctica Marathon® 2025
Marathon Tours & Travel has been offering the Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half-Marathon since its inception in 1995. As the proud event organizer and the exclusive tour operator, we are excited to bring a total of 360 runners and their supporters to this authentic event in 2024 on our two voyages with the addition of an Ultra 50K on Voyage One!
The Antarctica Tour Package begins with three-nights in Buenos Aires for time to meet your running peers, participate in a few training runs, and attend the mandatory race briefing and welcome dinner. We will fly you to Ushuaia, which is located at the southern tip of Argentina. It is here where you will start your journey to Antarctica aboard our significantly enhanced new ship, the Ocean Victory. Over the course of several days you will sail through the Beagle Channel across the Drake Passage, through the Shetland Islands and before reaching King George Island – the location of the race events.
During your travels you will explore the most pristine corner of the planet, coming face-to-face with Antarctic gems such as glaciers, icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. Historians and scientists will provide lectures on board your ship and you will experience wildlife excursions during landings in remote areas, such as seal colonies and penguin rookeries as well as the research bases.
The course on King George Island has marked gravel roads that connect the scientific research bases of Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia. Great care is taken to leave behind zero impact on the environment in this sensitive ecosystem. As part of this, we are restricted to having a maximum of 100 passengers ashore for the event at any one time. Marathon Tours & Travel takes their part seriously and in fact has raised more than $550,000 for Oceanites, the non-profit scientific organization that monitors the effects of climate change and the impact of tourism on Antarctica.
To race on all seven continents is a goal of many runners and we can make that happen for you! On average we have runners from more than 25 countries represented each year including: Canada, United States, Norway, Germany, Great Britain, Bermuda, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Chile, Colombia, Russia, Poland, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Hungary, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Bermuda, Bahamas, Venezuela, Colombia, Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Japan, China, India, Uruguay, Guadeloupe, Pakistan and New Zealand.
Due to the incredible popularity of this event, we are currently accepting booking forms for 2026 and 2027. We still welcome you to apply to be on the waitlist for 2025. A completed booking form and a deposit of $300 per person must be submitted to request reservations.
Meals Included
Daily breakfast at hotel; three meals per day aboard ship
Guide
Services of Marathon Tours & Travel Team
Transfers
Airport transfers included
Accommodation
Excellent deluxe hotel & ship accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed race entry with a choice of distance available, paid extra
Celebration Party
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Reception
Excursions
Zodiac & wildlife excursions included with package
Medal Bling
All finishers receive a certificate and a medal
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Sunday, March 9
Flights arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina and passengers are transferred to the Alvear Icon Hotel. There will be an optional light training run in the late afternoon. Most flights will arrive at the Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and transfers are arranged for only those arriving at this airport between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM. You have this evening to explore some of the city’s famous restaurants, which are a short walk from your hotel.
Monday, March 10
Following breakfast, enjoy a half-day city tour, which will introduce you to the vibrant capital of Argentina. There is an optional 4:00 PM light training run in the National Park. We look forward to seeing you at the evening cocktail reception, followed by a welcome dinner and the important mandatory race check-in/briefing at the hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Tuesday, March 11
Enjoy today to explore more of Buenos Aires and/or participate in a group light training run at 4:00 PM in the National Park. You have this evening to explore some of this city’s famous restaurants just a short walk to Puerto Madero. (Breakfast included)
Wednesday, March 12
Guests on the Ocean Victory will be transferred to the airport for an early morning flight to Ushuaia in the province of Tierra del Fuego, the world’s southernmost city. Depending on flight arrival time, it’s possible you will have time to explore this interesting town with plenty of shops and restaurants; and then be ready to board the ship in the afternoon for your departure to Antarctica. Once you are settled in your cabin, we will regroup with a Welcome Reception and briefing on shipboard safety. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Thursday, March 13
Today is spent sailing down the Beagle Channel and at sea crossing the Drake Passage. Videos and lectures will introduce visitors to the wildlife, climate and history of Antarctica. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Friday, March 14
At sea. Enjoy the free time as well as videos and lectures that will introduce you to the wildlife, climate and history of Antarctica. When we arrive at King George Island this afternoon, the race operations crew will go ashore to set up the course for the following day. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, March 15
Race Day! The course has been prepared with flags and mileage markers. Hopefully, Mother Nature will be kind with the weather. Those running the Ultra 50K should plan on an eight (8) hour time limit. Marathon runners should plan on a six (6) hour and thirty (30) minute time limit and half-marathoners have a four (4) hour and thirty (30) minute cutoff (weather permitting). After this major accomplishment, enjoy a post-race party and celebration this evening! The ship heads south overnight toward the Antarctica Peninsula. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday, March 16
We awake to the panoramic views of glaciers mountains and pristine bays and channels. Weaving among the icebergs, our destination is Paradise Bay, one of the most beautiful places on Earth. A sunny afternoon will permit us to have a barbecue and race awards ceremony on the stern deck. The zodiacs will bring us to shore for a visit to the vacated Argentine base nestled at the base of a hill where visitors are welcome to climb to the peak for a bird’s eye view of the area. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday, March 17
Today will be a day of exploring. We hope to find ourselves in the fjords near the Lemaire Channel where humpbacks cruise for krill (small crustaceans). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday, March 18
Today will be a day of exploring. We hope to find ourselves in the fjords near the Lemaire Channel where humpbacks cruise for krill (small crustaceans). (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, March 22
This morning will find us in Ushuaia at about 8:00 AM, where we disembark and check-in for our return flights to Buenos Aires and then onward to your international flights back home. Flights departing from Buenos Aires to your home city should not depart before 8:30 PM. You should consider booking a one night (or more) stay on the return to relax before your long flights home. (Breakfast included)
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Marathon Tours & Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary due to flight schedule changes, weather or any other reason that it deems necessary for the safe and enjoyable execution of this trip. It may be necessary for some guests to overnight in Ushuaia on the return due to delays, flight availability or other reasons. In this case, the guest is responsible for the additional hotel cost.
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Packages & Rates
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Prices for 2024 from $14,850 per person
Antarctica Marathon® Package | 13 Night Package: March 9 – 22, 2025
Features
- Three nights hotel accommodations at the deluxe Alvear Icon Hotel in Buenos Aires from March 9 to 12
- All hotel taxes
- Full breakfast each morning at the hotel
- Airport Transfers (see note below)
- Half-Day Guided City Tour (and tips) in Buenos Aires
- Welcome Reception and Dinner
- Roundtrip flights to Ushuaia
- Ten nights on the Ocean Victory – Explore the ship and staterooms HERE
- Three meals daily, afternoon tea and happy hour on board your ship
- Drink Package during lunch and dinner
- Special VIP Package for Premium Suite, Category A and B Suite
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Reception
- Official Expedition Parka
- Official Antarctica Marathon® Tech Race Shirt
- Lecture program on board your ship
- Zodiac and wildlife excursions
- Kayaking in Antarctica option (additional cost)
- Photographic package including race, excursion and trip-log
- Ocean Victory Staff Tips
- Services of Marathon Tours & Travel staff
- Race entry fee is $250 USD additional
Not Included:
- Meals unless noted on the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips, unless noted
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
- Airfare to/from Buenos Aires
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Single occupancy on the ship is not available. All cabins are shared. If you are travelling alone, we will match you with another runner of the same gender. You may elect to have a single hotel room in Buenos for a single supplement fee. See pricing below.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are provided for guests on arrival day (March 9) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from the Ezezia International Airport (EZE). Outside of these days/times, you are responsible to get to the Alvear Icon Hotel in Buenos Aires on your own. Airport transfers are included for your roundtrip flights to/from Ushuaia. Transfers are also included from the airport back to the Alvear Icon Hotel if you book extra nights after the cruise. Transfers back to the airport are on your own.
Airfare
You are responsible for booking your own airfare to Buenos Aires. Airfares are constantly changing and we can quote you the lowest available rates and most convenient flights for this package.
- Extra nights at Buenos Aires hotel from $240pp
2024 Rates (all prices are per person in AUS dollars) – 2025 Rates Available Soon
Antarctica Tour Package
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category E French Balcony Stateroom $15,345.00 Category D Porthole Stateroom $14,850.00 Category C Balcony Stateroom $16,335.00 Category B Balcony Suite $18,810.00 Race Entry $412 Single Supplement: Buenos Aires Hotel Only $825 Additional Night: Buenos Aires Only $240 2024 Antarctica Tour PackageDouble Occupancy Single Occupancy Category E French Balcony Stateroom $15,345.00 Category D Porthole Stateroom $14,850.00 Category C Balcony Stateroom $14,850.00 Category B Balcony Suite $18,810.00 Race Entry $412 Single Supplement: Buenos Aires Hotel Only $825 Additional Night: Buenos Aires Only $240 Additional Options
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Hotels
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Ocean Victory
This stylish cruise ship is ideally suited for our business model of small ship expeditions and is deployed and dedicated to varied Antarctic region voyages.
With a total of 93 comfortable staterooms for our guests, all with a view of the ocean, (and 90% with their own balcony), several restaurants, a wellness area, an Albatross Nordic Bar, an open deck dining facility, a modern lecture lounge, and other amenities, the vessel will also be environmentally-friendly onboard, with an implementation of the Green Initiative Program, ensuring both absolute comfort and sustainability for our guests.
Alvear Icon Hotel - Buenos AiresEnjoy a luxurious escape in this newly built 5-star hotel owned and managed by the Alvear Group. You are a walk away from many restaurants at Puerto Madeira. With elegant guest rooms, gourmet restaurants, and five-star amenities it’s the perfect location to kick-off our Antarctica Tour. You are also just a few blocks away from great running trails in the park along the Rio de la Plata.
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Event Information
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Race Date: March 15, 2025
Race Time: Two Waves (approx. 7:00 AM and 12:30 PM)
Course: The course will be routed over a roller coaster course toward Artigas, the Uruguayan Base at the western end of Collins Glacier. The course is entirely on dirt roads, which often can be muddy. The course changes each year based on the base operations as well as road and weather conditions. All runners must be self-sufficient and cannot expect any access to indoor facilities.
Environmental Commitment: The course on King George Island has marked gravel roads that connect the scientific research bases of Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia. Great care is taken to leave behind zero impact on the environment in this sensitive ecosystem. As part of this, we are restricted to having a maximum of 100 passengers ashore for the event at any one time. Marathon Tours & Travel takes their part seriously and in fact has raised more than $550,000 for Oceanites, the non-profit scientific organization that monitors the effects of climate change and the impact of tourism on Antarctica.
Charitable Objective: Each year Marathon Tours & Travel offers runners the opportunity to sponsor an official Antarctica Marathon®️ and Half-Marathon Mile Marker(s). The proceeds of the Mile Markers are donated to Oceanites, which is the official non-profit organization of the Antarctica Marathon®️ and Half-Marathon. In return, the runner gets to keep his/her sponsored mile marker after the race as a great souvenir! You can sponsor a mile marker by completing the Antarctica Marathon®️ Mile Marker Sponsorship Form. Oceanites has been researching the effect of climate change and tourism on Antarctica for more than 20 years. They have collected valuable data on wildlife and plant populations to support further research on this most pristine part of our planet. In addition to the sponsored mile markers there is a live on-board auction during the tour with all proceeds also going to Oceanites!
Temperature: Average temperatures range between -9.5°C-1°C minus the wind chill, which can lower it by about 12°C. Heavy snow is rare but light flurries are common.
Course Time Limit: Ultra-Marathon runners must finish in under eight (8) hours, weather permitting. Marathoners must finish under six (6) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. You must pass the halfway mark in three (3) hours and 10 minutes. Half-Marathoners must finish under four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes, weather permitting. Course marshals have the responsibility to disqualify any runner who might endanger himself or herself through fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration.
Number Pickup: Race check-in and the briefing with emphasis on the environmental rules and regulations governing this event will be held at the welcome dinner in Buenos Aires. Attendance is mandatory for participation in the race.
Shoes: You will not need any special shoes. A training shoe designed for off-road running is best. Bring two pair since it might be wet and muddy. Racing flats are not recommended.
NOTE: trekking poles or any other aid are not allowed in either event.
Recommended Packing List: Gear List
Eligibility: All runners must be at least 18 years of age on race day for participation in the marathon. There is no age limit for the half-marathon..
Awards: The top three overall for males and females in both races will be recognized. In the marathon, the top two in each age category will be recognized (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over). All finishers will receive a finisher certificate and a medallion.
Difficulty: Very Difficult
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Registration & Booking
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How to Book
Please do submit an enquiry or proceed through to our booking portal when live bookings are available. Ensure that you select the correct number of rooms and types for all members in your party plus any desired extras. When you book, we will require a deposit to confirm your place. You must be a Seven Continents Club member to book this voyage.
Disclaimer
Marathon Tours & Travel reserves the right to change the itinerary, times, and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather.
By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Visa
Please note that it is each traveler’s responsibility to check visa and passport requirements and ensure that they comply. Obtaining a passport and, if required, a visa, is solely the responsibility of each traveler.
Passports
You must have a valid passport that matches the name on your airline tickets and the name on this confirmation for the ship manifest. Your passport should be valid for six (6) months after your return date. No visas are necessary for US, Canada and most countries. Please check online to see if you need a visa. IMPORTANT: enclose a copy of your passport photo page and page that lists date of issue, etc. with your paperwork.
Event Waiver
In consideration for my entry acceptance, I hereby for myself my heirs, executors and administrators release any and all rights for damages I may have against the sponsors, organizers, government officials, Marathon Tours, Inc. and Albatros Expeditions A/S or its affiliates, or any individual associated with the event. I attest that I am physically fit to complete in this challenging event. I grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use my likeness in all media including photographs, pictures, recordings, or other record of this event for any legitimate purpose. I also understand that I am traveling to a very remote destination and that weather, acts of God and other forces beyond any person’s control may prevent the event from taking place. If the event is not held due to circumstances beyond our control such as but not limited to weather, acts of God or force majeure, I understand that no refund of my travel expenses or entry fees will be reimbursed.
Responsibility
These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft. All race participants must sign the trip application which acts as the race entry form and liability waiver.
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