Wednesday 28 November 2012

GB, Australia racers win Antarctica Marathon

Great Britain's Andrew Murray in the men's division and Australia's Demelza Farr in the women's field won the gruelling Antarctic Ice Marathon in sub zero temperatures.

Both athletes completed the double after winning the North Pole Marathon earlier this year.

The 8th Antarctic Ice Marathon took place in perfect conditions.

Forty-six athletes from 15 countries braved the sub-zero temperatures and completed the 26 mile course at the bottom of the world.

The race was a battle between the Spanish runner Luis Marcos and the 2012 North Pole marathon winner Doctor Andrew Murray from Scotland.

The lead was constantly changing between the two until Murray pulled away after the 22-mile marker.

In the end it was a comfortable win for the Flying Scot in a course record time of of three hours, 41 minutes and 15 seconds.

"Amazing conditions actually, it's only -15 degrees (five fahrenheit). Amazing visibility all the mountains are out. It's not bad under foot there are soft bits but what a experience, it's amazing, fantastic race."

Luis came in eight minutes later.

Douglas Wilson from Australia finished third in a time of four hours, 17 minutes and three seconds.

With Britain's Steve Birnie in fourth:

"Thank goodness that's over."

Eleven ladies took part in the women's competition.

Demelza Farr from Australia proved a decisive winner in a time five hours, nine minutes and 43 seconds.

"God I wanted it so bad I never thought I would do this. My back was in so much pain, I had a bad training run a few weeks ago. I never thought I would do it, I can't believe it."

While Nancy Moundalexis from USA and Amanda Barlow from Australia finished second and third, respectively.

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