IT IS an extreme sport like no other – but Irish woman Eleanor Dorran managed to scoop a bronze medal in the 2015 Antarctic Ice Marathon.
The annual 26.2 mile race is conducted in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, with runners loading on layers of thermals to keep themselves warm while they run.
But despite the harsh conditions, the Irish runner managed to come third in the women’s race.
“I enjoyed it – surprisingly, weirdly,” she said shortly after crossing the finishing line in five hours 46 minutes.
Ms Dorran was not the only Irish representative in the Antarctic on November 19 for the big race.
Paul Grealish came in 21st place in the men’s marathon; while Joan Grealish managed a bronze medal in the women’s half marathon.
In total, 50 runners from 19 countries across the world took part in the races.
The Antarctic Ice Marathon does not come cheap – with participants shelling out €11,400 to take part – but the incredible experience may perhaps justify it.
Runners depart from Punta Arenas in Chile the day before the marathon to Union Glacier, Antarctica, by private jet.
The marked course is prepared in advance and with snowmobile support, and aid stations and medical personnel on hand, the 26.2 mile race is completely safe.
British men dominated the men’s marathon, taking home gold, silver and bronze – with overall winner Paul Webb coming in with a time of 3 hours 35 minutes.
Now, the gutsy extreme sports enthusiasts will be turning their focus to January, when the 100km race is taking place once again.
Pressure will be on Irish runners for next year, after Keith Whyte and Kevin McGeeney took home gold and silver this year respectively.
Watch this video of the Antarctic Ice Marathon in action
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