Fifteen competitors braved Antarctica’s freezing cold to compete in a first-of-its-kind ultra-endurance race that began on Thursday around Ultima Base Camp, where temperatures plunged as low as -25°C (-13°F).

The gruelling Antarctic Ice Ultra race is designed to test resilience and fortitude in the bone-chilling winds of the icy continent but in the interest of safety, competitors raced on a 4.2 km loop around the camp.

Participants also had the option to rest and refuel at a mess tent during the race, which was designed to push runners to their limits over three distances — 100 miles, 100 km and 50 miles.

“After 23 hours, 22 minutes and 57 seconds, Paul Johnston and Roberto Sembiante, both from America, crossed the line and smashed the world record by more than an hour for the 100 miles in Antarctica,” organizers said in a statement.

China’s Yusheng Ni, who had competed in the New York City Marathon over the weekend, flew down to Antarctica and won the 100 km Ultra class, clocking 10 hours, 40 minutes and 15 seconds.

The event will be organised again in November next year. REUTERS