7 MARATHONS
7 CONTINENTS
1 WEEK
Join us for the adventure and challenge of a lifetime. Limited spots available. November 2026.
7 Marathons
7 Continents
1 Week
7 Marathons
7 Continents
1 Week
Join an extraordinary group of 60 runners for the ultimate marathon around the world.
Limited spots available.
7 Marathons
7 Continents
1 Week
7 Marathons
7 Continents
1 Week
Join an extraordinary group of 60 runners for the ultimate marathon around the world.
Limited spots available.
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

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INFO
Welcome to the The Great World Race ™, the most exciting new event on the international running calendar.
Over a seven-day period from November 15th-21st 2026, competitors have an opportunity to complete a lifetime goal of running a marathon on each of the 7 continents, starting at the end of the world: Antarctica.
The registration fee not only includes travel by charter plane, but medical insurance* for the adventure. Sign up today and join the Global Marathon Club ™ by completing a marathon on all 7 continents in 7 days. We look forward to bringing you on a trip of a lifetime.
Many participants in The Great World Race say it’s a marking point in their life:
There’s their life before The Great World Race and after.
2025 Race Results

MARATHON LOCATIONS
The Great World Race offers competitors the opportunity to run 7 official marathons on 7 continents over a 7-day period.
Antarctica: Wolf's Fang
The first marathon of The Great World Race takes place at Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica.
Africa: Cape town
The second marathon of The Great World Race involves six laps of 7.03 km circuit at Sea Point promenade, an attractive paved walkway.
Australia: Perth
The third marathon of The Great World Race is operated at the West Australian Marathon Club in Burswood, Perth.
ASIA: Singapore
Singapore, the gleaming city-state at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, serves as the fourth stop on The Great World Race, offering competitors a striking blend of colonial heritage and futuristic skyline.
EUROPE: ALGARVE
As the fifth stop on The Great World Race, Algarve, Portugal, offers racers a mix of history, nature, and coastal beauty.
South America: Cartagena
The sixth marathon of The Great World Race will be a six times out-and-back course by the coast in Cartagena.
North America: Miami
The seventh and final leg of The Great World Race will take place at South Beach, Miami.
Wolf's fang: Antarctica
The first marathon of The Great World Race takes place at Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica.
Africa: Cape town
The second marathon of The Great World Race involves six laps of 7.03 km circuit at Sea Point promenade, an attractive paved walkway.
Australia: Perth
The third marathon of The Great World Race is operated at the West Australian Marathon Club in Burswood, Perth.
ASIA: Singapore
Singapore, the gleaming city-state at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, serves as the fourth stop on The Great World Race, offering competitors a striking blend of colonial heritage and futuristic skyline.
EUROPE: ALGARVE
As the fifth stop on The Great World Race, Algarve, Portugal, offers racers a mix of history, nature, and coastal beauty.
South America: Cartagena
The sixth marathon of The Great World Race will be a six times out-and-back course by the coast in Cartagena.
North America: Miami
The seventh and final leg of The Great World Race will take place at South Beach, Miami.
Schedule
- November 12th: Arrive in Cape Town
- November 13th: Race Directors Briefing
- November 14th: Pre-Departure Briefings for Antarctica
- November 15th: Antarctica: Wolf's Fang
- November 16th: Africa: Cape Town
- November 17th: Australia: Perth
- November 18th: Asia: Singapore
- November 19th: Europe: Algarve
- November 20th: South America: Cartagena
- November 21st: North America: Miami
Have A Question?
ENTRY FEE
The entry fee per person is €49,500, which can be paid in three installments of €16,500.
See terms and conditions for full details.
What’s included:
- Round trip flights by a private, charted jet from Cape Town to Antarctica to compete in the first marathon.
- Business charter flights from Cape Town to Perth to Singapore to Algarve Portugal to Cartagena to Miami to complete the remaining six marathons.
- Meals and drinks on charter flights.
- Antarctica emergency evacuation cover*.
- All logistical costs such as transport to and from airports as well as shower and changing facilities at each location.
- Overnight accommodation in Singapore and Miami
- Entry to each of the seven marathons, which includes aid stations, medical support, and official timing as per any regular stand-alone marathon.
- Professional photos of each marathon race for personal use, including social media posts and local media.
- Medals for completing each of the marathons and an overall Great World Race medal upon successful completion of all 7 races.
- A digital certificate of completion of The Great World Race for successful participants.
- Branded Great World Race merchandise.
- Inclusion in the Global Marathon Club, which gives special recognition to athletes who complete marathons or half marathons on all 7 continents over a 7-day period.
We make it easy to make a once-in-a-lifetime journey around the world. We’ll take care of all of the logistics and accommodations so you can focus on running 7 marathons on 7 continents in just one week.
The cost to visit Antarctica alone can cost up to €20,000 to visit Antarctica, making The Great World Race a competitively priced venture.
WHO'S INVOLVED

David Kelly
race director, physician
CEO, Dr. David Kelly – former international athlete, veteran of multiple expeditions to polar regions and global events.
As a race organizer at Ice Cap Adventures Ltd, he combines his passion for international athletics and polar expeditions with his medical background and skills. He founded Ice Cap Adventures and The Great World Race, an innovative and challenging event that takes participants to the seven continents and the polar regions. He is responsible for the logistical and organisational aspects of these events, as well as the safety of the runners and the crew.
He has been a doctor for over 12 years, working for both the HSE and the NHS in Ireland and the UK.
David holds a M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. (medical degree) from Trinity College Dublin and a BComm degree from National University of Ireland, Galway.
He has traveled to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, providing medical support and emergency response for the racers and the staff.

Dermot McDermott
professional athletics coach
Dermot McDermot is an esteemed Athletics Ireland Level 2 coach, proficiently coaching athletes across a variety of disciplines, ranging from the grassroots level all the way to international competitions. He boasts impressive achievements, including coaching a 2.12 marathon runner at the Irish Olympic Trials and mentoring an Irish U-20 60m Record Holder.
Dermot has a notable record in event organization, having managed major events. From development meets and indoor meets to World Record attempts. He has played a pivotal role in organizing international meets and successfully hosted an event where two overseas runners qualified for the Rio Olympics.
Dermot’s passion for athletics and community development shines through in his voluntary work as well. He is the founder and current manager of an innovative and highly successful talent identification program named “Fastest Feet,” which focuses on promoting health and fitness among children. His dedication to this cause has not only benefited the local community but has also garnered international attention, resulting in a strong partnership with the Millrose Games in New York.

JOE GALLAGHER
athlete, trainer, race coordinator
Joseph Gallagher brings elite athletic experience and a passion for participant success to The Great World Race. A dedicated personal trainer and former competitive athlete, Joe represented Ireland on the international stage in cross-country events, showcasing his endurance, discipline, and competitive spirit at the highest levels.
At the junior level, Joe achieved national recognition as the All-Ireland indoor champion in the 1500 meters, a title that speaks to his exceptional speed, strategy, and commitment to excellence. His background in both middle-distance track and endurance running uniquely positions him to support athletes navigating the physical and mental challenges of The Great World Race.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Great World Race is an event in which participants attempt to complete a marathon on each of the 7 continents over a 7-day period. There is also a half-marathon option for those who prefer the shorter distance.
The Great World Race is organised by Ice Cap Adventures Ltd. in association with expert teams at each of the marathon locations. See the ABOUT US section for details.
Participants are required to arrive in Cape Town by November 12th. Following briefings and pre-departure preparations, competitors are flown to Antarctica on November 15th to begin The Great World Race. The event is scheduled to conclude in Miami on November 21st. See the SCHEDULE section for details.
The 7 marathons take place sequentially at Wolf’s Fang (Antarctica), Cape Town (Africa), Perth (Australia), Singapore (Asia), Algarve – Portugal (Europe), Cartagena (South America), and Miami (North America), thereby encompassing all 7 continents. See the LOCATIONS section for details.
No. Safety is paramount and Antarctica weather, in particular, is unpredictable. If the weather is unsuitable for safe flying and operation of the first marathon in Antarctica, we will delay the start of The Great World Race until it improves. However, once the first marathon begins, we will proceed with the goal of travelling around the world and completing The Great World Race within 7 days / 168 hours.
Yes. The Great World Race marathons will be measured by AIMS / World Athletics measurers and sanctioned by respective national athletics federations. The Antarctica race is also recognised by the Antarctica Athletics Federation.
There is a time limit of 8 hours for each marathon, but the Race Director has discretion to change this cut-off time on location. The goal is to have everybody finish!
You can register on this website under the REGISTRATION section.
The Great World Race entry fee is EUR 49,500, which can be paid in three instalments of EUR 16,500. The first instalment secures your place in the event.
The registration fee includes (a) Round trip flights by private jet from Cape Town to Antarctica to complete the first marathon (b) Business charter flights from Cape Town to Perth to Abu Dhabi to Algarve, Portugal to Cartagena to Miami to complete the remaining six marathons (c) Antarctica emergency evacuation cover (d) All logistical costs such as transport to and from airports as well as shower / changing facilities at each location (e) Overnight accommodation in Singapore and Miami (f) Entry to each of the seven marathons, which includes aid stations, medical support, and official timing as per any regular stand-alone marathon (g) Professional photos of each marathon race for personal use, including social media posts and local media (h) Medals for completing each of the marathons and an overall Great World Race medal upon successful completion of all 7 races (i) A digital certificate of completion of The Great World Race for successful participants (j) Branded Great World Race merchandise (k) Inclusion in the Global Marathon Club, which gives special recognition to athletes who complete marathons on all 7 continents over a 7-day period.
Yes. The seven marathons are individual races and the person with the fastest average time over all seven marathons is declared The Great World Race champion in both men’s and women’s categories.
Yes. The Great World Race meets all the criteria for recognition by global and national athletics authorities, including the Antarctica Athletics Federation, as well as Guinness World Records and the Book of Alternative Records.
Yes. There will be substantial global media coverage of The Great World Race. Top photographers and video crew will travel with participants across the world.
Registered competitors will be advised on clothing for Antarctica.
On completing the 7 marathons, every finisher of The Great World Race will become a member of the Global Marathon Club which will have special recognition for those who complete 7 marathons across 7 continents within 7 days / 168 hours.
The Great World Race involves 6 flights per year and the calculated carbon omissions are offset.
1 ON 1 VIRTUAL CALL
Book a call with our team to discuss any questions about The Great World Race.
Register and Join The Great World Race
Entry Fee
The entry fee per person is €49,500, which can be paid in three instalments of €16,500. The first installment secures your place in the event, contingent on timely payment of the outstanding amounts. All payments are by bank wire transfer. Bank payment instructions will be provided after submission of the application form.
Schedule*
Nov 12th: Arrive in Cape Town
Nov 13th: Race Directors Briefing
Nov 14th: Pre-Departure Briefings for Antarctica
November 15th: Wolf’s Fang: Antarctica
November 16th: Cape Town: Africa
November 17th: Perth: Australia
November 18th: Singapore: Asia
November 19th: Faro/Algarve: Europe
November 20th: Cartagena: South America
November 21st: Miami: North America
*Please note that there is no guarantee the event can be operated to schedule. The event may have a delayed start due to adverse weather in Antarctica, for example. Competitors need to anticipate and accept the possibility of such delays or changes.
Included in the Entry Fee
- Round trip flights by private jet from Cape Town to Antarctica to compete in the first marathon.
- Business charter flights from Cape Town, Perth, Singapore, Algarve, Cartagena and Miami to complete the remaining six marathons.
- Meals and drinks on charter flights.
- Antarctica emergency evacuation cover.
- All logistical costs such as transport to and from airports as well as shower and changing facilities at each location.
- Overnight 5 star accommodation in Abu Dhabi, as well as a hotel stay at the end in Miami
- Entry to each of the seven marathons, which includes aid stations, medical support, and official timing as per any regular stand-alone marathon.
- Professional photos of each marathon race for personal use, including social media posts and local media.
- Medals for completing each of the marathons and an overall Great World Race medal upon successful completion of all 7 races.
- A digital certificate of completion of The Great World Race for successful participants.
- Branded Great World Race merchandise.
- Inclusion in the Global Marathon Club, which gives special recognition to athletes who complete marathons or half marathons on all 7 continents over a 7-day period.
Not Included in the Entry Fee
- Flights & travel costs from your home to Cape Town to begin the Challenge.
- Hotel costs in Cape Town before the flight to Antarctica to begin the Challenge. Participants are advised to book accommodation in Cape Town from November 12th-16th.
- Flights & travel costs from Miami to your home at the conclusion of the Challenge.
- Meals / drinks outside of charter flights.
- Trip cancellation insurance.
- Medical insurance, all participants are required to have their own medical insurance for the trip.
Rules & Regulations
- The marathons are operated in accordance with the accepted rules of road running.
- Individual results are posted for each marathon race in men’s and women’s categories.
- The man and woman with the fastest average marathon time over all 7 races will be declared the winners of The Great World Race.
- Athletes on a team are automatically included in the individual competition.
- There is a time limit of 6 hours to complete each marathon.
- The time limit for each marathon may be changed at the discretion of the Event Director in accordance with overall logistical time pressures or lack thereof. The goal is to have everybody finish!
- There is a half marathon option of 21.1 km for those who prefer the shorter distance.
- An athlete can be pulled from a race on medical grounds and must obey the instructions of medical personnel.
- The Event Director’s decisions are final.
CANCELLATION & MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical evacuation from Antarctica is covered for the trip. All participants are required to have their own medical insurance for the trip. Trip cancellation insurance cover for the trip is not included, we recommend you take out cancellation and interruption insurance covering any cancellation or curtailment of the event arising from circumstances such as changes to itineraries, changes in medical conditions, changes to logistical arrangements or any other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If a participant withdraws because they have decided not to take part the financial burden/responsibility is their own. If the withdrawal/cancellation occurs 3 months prior to the scheduled commencement date and the total event price or the first installment has been paid, the total first installment sum of €16,500 will not be refunded, the remaining paid sum will be refunded. If notice of cancellation is given less than 3 months prior to the scheduled commencement date of the event and the total event price has been paid, we will not refund any part of your payment. Upon submission of this application form and your entry fee, your passport details will be obtained from event organisers as well your medical history.
RESPONSIBILITY
Ice Cap Adventures reserves the right to change the dates of The Great World Race if circumstances dictate for any reason. Participants must get flexible flights and accommodation when travelling to Cape Town and for their return home after Miami in case of delays or a date change. Ice Cape Adventures will not be liable for any additional costs incurred by competitors in preparing for the trip if a date change occurs.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
It is incumbent upon participants to have a valid passport and any necessary visas / travel documents, if required, for all destinations on the trip. Ice Cap Adventures Ltd will assist in supplying a supporting letter for visas. Participants will also need to adhere to health vaccination policies for each destination, which may include vaccination certificates and / or PCR tests. *Please note there is no visa required for Antarctica.
BAGGAGE WEIGHT
Participants will only bring hand baggage to Antarctica. For the rest of the trip, the standard business class baggage allowance of 2 x 23kg per person applies. Participants will be able to store excess luggage in Cape Town when travelling to Antarctica.
USE OF IMAGE
I accept that I may be photographed, filmed, and/or interviewed during the Great World Race trip. I agree to allow my name, photo, video or film likeness to be used for any legitimate promotional or broadcast purposes by the event holders, producers, sponsors, organizers and assigns.
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to participate in the The Great World Race and that I have carefully read and understand the description, terms & conditions and recommendations of the event. I certify that I am in good health, have no underlying conditions that make it imprudent for me to take part, and that I will notify organisers if there is any change in this status.
I also understand that Ice Cap Adventures Ltd. works with White Desert, a specialist polar logistics company in the organization of the marathon in Antarctica. I may additionally be required to complete White Desert’s standard polar travel forms and agree to their conditions.
I understand that Antarctica is the most remote and one of the most inhospitable and undeveloped regions of the planet. Logistics problems are enormous, the weather ferocious and unpredictable. Delays of days or longer must be anticipated.
I understand that the risks of traveling and competing in Antarctica include, without limitation, extreme weather conditions that can change rapidly and without warning; that temperatures in November in the Antarctica runway can fall below -40 degrees Celsius, with wind chills even lower; that bad weather and aircraft malfunction could strand a trip for days; and that prolonged exposure to the Antarctic environment can cause loss of fingers, toes, and body parts due to frostbite, or loss of life due to hypothermia, dehydration and other means.
Furthermore, I understand that participating in physical activities such as running in Antarctica may, in a worst-case scenario, place me at risk of death from causes such as the frigid conditions. I fully understand that I am in a remote region devoid of many medical supplies and facilities, as well as rapid evacuation capabilities.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in this trip, I fully assume responsibility upon myself for such bodily, mental, and financial injuries caused by, but not limited to various surface transportation, accidents, aircraft malfunctions, hazards of traveling in the Antarctic environment, forces of nature, civil unrest, terrorism, and other perils. I freely assume these and all other risks inherent in this trip, in exchange for the thrill and adventure of traveling to Antarctica and elsewhere on the itinerary.
I understand that I will undoubtedly suffer from a combination of marathon fatigue, jet lag and sleep deprivation as the event progresses across the seven continents, all of which may have adverse consequences on my health. The impact of wide temperature fluctuations will also be a factor in impacting my health, with a possible variation of 50+ Degrees Celsius. I fully assume responsibility upon myself for these potential adverse health impacts as well as any bodily, mental, and financial injuries caused by, but not limited to various surface transportation, accidents, aircraft malfunctions, hazards of traveling, forces of nature, delays, civil unrest, terrorism, theft, and other perils.
In addition, I am aware that the exact marathon locations and dates may change from those currently outlined in the itinerary.
I understand The Great World Race is unique and without comparison to other logistical and physical challenges and there is a real risk the event may not conclude within seven days and will not hold the organisers responsible for same.
I hereby assume all risks, including those mentioned above, as a result of my decision to participate in The Great World Race.
RELEASE FROM LIABILITY
In consideration of the services of Ice Cap Adventures Ltd, agents, owners, officers, volunteers, participants, employees, sponsors, medical personnel and all other persons, or entities acting in any capacity on their behalf: I hereby agree to release, indemnify, and discharge them, on behalf of myself, my children, my parents, my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and estate as follows:
I release Ice Cape Adventures Ltd, Sligo, Ireland and all of its agents, representatives and other entities acting on their behalf from any and all liability, actions, causes of actions, suits, debts, and demands that I may have for bodily injury, death, or property damage, loss of income, delays and claims of every sort and nature whatsoever which may arise out of or in connection with my participation in The Great World Race.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
The validity, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Ireland. The parties hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Republic of Ireland as regards any claim, dispute, or matter arising out of, or in connection with this Agreement.
