Only 550 people in the world have ever run the FWD North Pole Marathon. If you are not aware of the North Pole Marathon, it is exactly as it sounds. A full 26.2 mile marathon run each year (where possible) on the Polar Ice above the Arctic Ocean, effectively at the geographical North Pole. In short, it is without doubt the coolest marathon on the planet, and the only one that sees competitors run completely on frozen and literally on top of the world!
Run to the North Pole
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Seth Wise, Goodwood’s Director of Partnership Management, was one of 40 runners lucky enough to secure a place in the 2021 FWD North Pole Marathon.
“My aspirations for the North Pole go beyond running and personal achievement. With the race forming part of a wider project designed to educate, inspire, and facilitate the raising of funds for some exceptionally worthy causes; Love Your Hospital (the Western Sussex NHS Trust), Cancer Research UK and Ubuntu Pathways.”
When Seth received the disheartening news that the 2021 North Pole Marathon was being postponed until April 2022 due to COVID restrictions, instead of being defeated by this turn of events, he seized a different opportunity.
“Although disappointing, the news was not a surprise. It did though present me with an opportunity to reshape my plans and ultimately has given me more time to deliver the 90 Degrees North programme, raise funds for my chosen charities and of course train"
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On February 8th Seth launched a virtual challenge, ‘Run to the Pole’. Over a period of 10 weeks, up to and including April 13th, the date he was due to run the North Pole Marathon.
His aim is simple. Seth hopes to encourage people to join the 90 Degree North project and as a community run, walk or shuffle whatever distance they can and collectively contribute towards a goal of covering 4200 miles. The distance that separates the Goodwood Motor Circuit and the geographical North Pole.
Seth has pledged to cover 426.2 miles across the 10 weeks, and will finish the virtual journey by running a marathon at the Goodwood Motor Circuit on Tuesday 13th April.
If getting out of the house, challenging yourself and raising money for excellent causes wasn’t already motivation enough, Seth will also be giving away prizes after every 500 miles collectively covered. With everyone who has contributed to the goal automatically being entered into the draw.
“The higher the number of people who participate, the better the chance we have of making it to the North Pole and of course the more money we can raise for charity.”
To find out more, or to join the challange visit www.90degrees-north.com and follow Seth’s social media platforms to learn a little more about his journey.
Facebook - @90degrees.n
Instagram - @90degrees.north