Updates from the Ice
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE PEACE MISSION
With loving greetings from Tess Burrows & Pete Hammond
“Team Southern Lights”, THE SOUTH POLE RACE
23rd Jan 2009 - After months of preparation and arduous training and the struggle of pulling heavy pulks throughout the race, we skied, like Captain Robert Scott nearly 100 years before us, with great anticipation and emotion up to the South Pole. Our GPS read S 89˚59.999’. The wind-chill temperature was -42˚C.
Captain Scott had been greeted by the sight of the Norwegian flag and the bitter knowledge that he had been beaten on this the first race to the South Pole. His dreams were shattered.
We were greeted warmly by Stian and Rune the two young Norwegians who had brilliantly won this the first race to the South Pole since Scott and Amundsen. Our dreams were fulfilled. We had been racing to help the Earth. We were carrying with us 1,300 personal messages of peace and pledges for the environment to speak out here a couple of days later as a focus for peace and harmony on the planet.
In addition we had spoken them out with representatives from 6 different nations on New Year’s Eve at 72˚S at the end of our 100 mile training leg. The ceremony had taken nearly 3 hours huddled into a draughty mess tent. Our ultimate hope was for the survival of the Earth and all beings. As 2008 became 2009 the blowing blizzard became a raging storm and the howling wind threatened to eat everything in its path sending shifting snow to bury us alive. Terrifying, oh yes, and our heartfelt New Year’s Resolution was indeed to survive.
Unlike Captain Scott, we did survive! We were able to accomplish our mission, with thanks to modern equipment and the excellent South Pole Race expertise. We felt so honoured that we had been allowed to tiptoe across this stunningly beautiful wilderness that graces the end of our Earth; to experience the solitude of nothing but ice to the curve of the horizon 360˚around; the warmth of the sun when the temperature is -50˚C; the promise of no darkness; the joy of rainbow sparkling ice crystals dancing in the air; to know the ceaseless play of wind and snow, snow and wind; and to feel the fragility and preciousness of life on the edge…
We would like to thank sincerely all those who wonderfully supported and encouraged us with their peace messages and pledges for the environment, by sending emails and by tuning in with their thoughts for peace. We are continuing to have a special tune-in for peace on the 6th of every month at 6pm for 6 mins. Do please join us and help make the process more effective.
It means a lot to us to make a difference at a practical level too, so thank you so very much to all who have been able to donate charity sponsorship. We are raising funds for our ‘Climb For Tibet’ schools in Tibet programme with the Tibet Relief Fund. Tibetans need a huge amount of support at this moment. Secondly we are helping the Earth via the excellent Climate Change programme with the World Wildlife Fund. Thirdly we are offering contributions for the compassionate assistance given by the Multiple Sclerosis Society. We are still welcoming cheques, or donations on Justgiving:-
www.justgiving.com/tessburrows1 to support Tibet and Children with CLIMB FOR TIBET & TIBET RELIEF FUND
www.justgiving.com/teamsouthernlightswwf to support Climate Change and the Earth with WWF
www.justgiving.com/teamsouthernlightsms to support Compassionate Action with the MS SOCIETY
www.teamsouthernlights.org
1 Plumtree Cottages, Hammer Vale, Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1QN
tessburrows@yahoo.co.uk, 01428 724060
Arrival at the South Pole - 23rd January 2009
Tess and Pete have made it to the South Pole!!!
They arrived on Friday 23rd in the afternoon to a 'warm' welcome.
The Peace Message Ceremony was held at 9pm GMT on Monday 26th January. Thank you for tuning in wherever you were. You helped make the peace message process as powerful as possible. (You can tune in at 9pm GMT on any of the next few days with your thoughts for peace and harmony for the Earth.)
Click here to listen to a message from Pete and Tess on arrival at the South Pole!!!
Click here to listen to a message from the South Pole from Pete and Tess on 24th January
Click here to listen to Tess and Pete's final message from Antarctica on 26th January
Tuesday 3rd February - Tess and Pete have arrived home safely to the UK and are both in good shape and recovering well. They were the only team not to suffer frostbite! They look forward to catching up with everyone in due course and sharing their incredible story.
Click here for the race map! If you don't have Google Earth installed, follow the on-screen instructions to view the map.
31st January - Safe arrival in Cape Town
All competitors have arrived safely in Cape Town and are awaiting their flights back to the UK.
30th January - Going Home
Competitors are due to fly out of Novo tonight! Teams Danske Bank, Southern Lights, Due South and South Pole Flag are now all in the air on their way to Novo. It's an hour flight, which shows you how far they have travelled! At Novo they will meet QinetiQ, Missing Link and the film crew, before flying to Cape Town.
If the weather holds they will be on their way to Cape Town where they will arrive early morning, before waiting for a couple of days for a flight to London. It is possible the flight will not leave until tomorrow morning, but all competitors have their fingers crossed! They are looking for some very well earned R and R in Cape Town, where it is +35C rather than -35C, you can eat without having to turn on a stove and melt snow, you have a real bed, a bathroom with lockable door and toilet and you don’t have to wear layer upon layer to go outside! Surviving somewhere like Antarctica makes you truly appreciate the small things in life which we all take for granted.
29th January - Thank You and Imminent Departure
South Pole Race would like to take this opportunity to thank their fantastic sponsors - Amundsen Omega 3, Missing Link, Nanok and Typhoo - for their fantastic products and unparalleled support. They would also like to thank all the families and friends that have supported the teams throughout this amazing challenge.
Weather conditions at the South Pole are still very cold with strong winds and spindrift. Competitors are digging out their tents as they are being buried in huge amounts of snow! The plane is expected at the South Pole tomorrow (Friday 30th) to fly remaining competitors to Novo. It's a great chance for everyone to stock up on sleep! Missing Link, QinetiQ and the film crews have now flown to Novo.
27th January - Race Day 24
South Pole Flag have made it to the Pole!
Mark is now the first blind man to ski to the South Pole - an incredible achievement. Simon has faithfully helped him the whole way and has never given up. Inge has been their guide on this amazing journey. Mark took it in his stride as he skied up to the Pole, and after over 70km skiing non-stop was joking and laughing at the Pole! Simon has seen the Doctor about his frostbitten fingers and also visited the US Base medical center. He is safe and well and recovering already.
The support staff would like to congratulate all of the competitors on their amazing achievement in completing this race. It has taken enormous courage, strength and determination to ski almost 800km to the Geographic South Pole in Antarctica - the driest, highest, coldest desert in the world and one of the most extreme environments on the planet.
Tess and Pete carried out their peace ceremony yesterday, reading 3 hours of messages from all over the world, and with a short ceremony at the Pole. They thank all of the people that tuned in for the ceremony.
Weather conditions at the Pole are poor - high winds, low visibility and lots of spindrift. Teams Danske Bank, Southern Lights, Due South and South Pole Flag are warm in their tents, waiting for a plane to take them to Novo. For the moment conditions prevent this. Teams Missing Link and QinetiQ and the film crew are currently at Troll station due to bad weather diverting their flight from Novo. They are delighted to be in heated tents with beds, enjoying 3 cooked meals a day in the galley and having a 50" plasma screen to watch, with DVDs! Many thanks to Troll for their generosity. Teams Due South and South Pole Flag enjoyed a tour of the US Scott-Amundsen Station today, and a very welcome glass of orange juice and a pastry. Many thanks to the station for all of their kindness and good will.
Finishing Times
Missing Link 19:03, 21st January - 17 days 8 hours 58 minutes
QinetiQ 15:15, 22nd January - 18 days 5 hours 10 minutes
Danske Bank 17:00, 24th January - 20 days 6 hours 55 minutes
Due South 16:10, 26th January - 22 days 6 hours 5 minutes
South Pole Flag 22:09, 27th January - 22 days 12 hours 4 minutes
Team South Pole Flag
26th January - Race Day 23
Team Due South are placed 4th in the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race!
The team skied in at 16:10, completing the race in a time of 21 days and 6 hours - an incredible achievement. South Pole Flag have skied all night and expect to arrive in the next 2 hours.
Teams QinetiQ, Missing Link and the Film Crew have now flown out from the South Pole to Novo, where they will spend a few days before flying to Cape Town. Teams Danske Bank and Southern Lights are relaxing at the Pole and looking after Due South with warm food and hot drinks after their arduous journey.
Click here to listen to Pete and Tess' final message from Antarctica
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd South Pole: Team Qinetiq
3rd South Pole: Team Danske Bank
4th South Pole: Team Due South
5th 6km to go - Team South Pole Flag
6th South Pole: Team Southern Lights
Team Due South
25th January - Race Day 22
Teams Due South and South Pole Flag are one day from the Pole! Due South are currently planning to stop for some dinner and then ski on through the night. If they do this they predict to arrive 4-5 hours earlier than South Pole Flag. However, they may stop and sleep - if they do South Pole Flag, who intend to ski till they reach the Pole, may catch them and overtake at the last moment to make 4th place in the race! Weather conditions continue to deteriorate - poor visibility, contrast, winds, spindrift and cold. Yesterday the temperature dropped to -46C with windchill: our coldest temperature yet. On today's picture you can see GeoBear at the South Pole - have a look at his temperatures page to see the latest update.
Teams Southern Lights, Danske Bank, QinetiQ and Missing Link are all at the South Pole relaxing, sleeping and eating. They are enjoying human company as they have been skiing alone in the wildnerness all this time and so socialising is a welcome novelty!
40km to go!
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd South Pole: Team Qinetiq
3rd South Pole: Team Danske Bank
4th 40km to go - Team Due South
5th 47km to go - Team South Pole Flag
6th South Pole: Team Southern Lights
24th January - Race Day 21
Team Danske Bank reach the pole, third place in the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race!
They arrived today at 17:00, 20 days and 9 hours after departing from the Start Line. Congratulations to the team on such an amazing accomplishment. Teams Southern Lights, QinetiQ and Missing Link were all standing at the pole cheering them on over the finish line. They helped them take their pulks back, gave them hot drinks and sweet treats, and put up their tents for them for a good night's rest. All are well, enjoying finally resting and not having to ski tomorrow. They say thank you so much to friends and family for the messages.
Due South have enjoyed a lazy morning with a lie in, and are continuing a bit further before their last night of sleep before the pole! They expect to arrive in the early hours of Monday morning. Mark, Inge and Simon have had a good day of skiing, and hope to be at the Pole late on Monday.
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd South Pole: Team Qinetiq
3rd South Pole: Team Danske Bank
4th 696km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 705km Team South Pole Flag
6th South Pole: Team Southern Lights
Team Danske Bank
23rd January - Race Day 20
Southern Lights arrive at the South Pole! Congratulations to the team on their fantastic achievement. Tess will be holding her Peace Ceremony at the Geographic South Pole on 26th January 2009 at 9pm GMT (3 days earlier than originally scheduled).
Rachel and Phil from Due South are feeling much better and hope to be at the Pole late on Sunday night. South Pole Flag have had a slower day, but hope to make the Pole on Monday and can't wait. Danske Bank predict they will arrive at midday tomorrow - this will give them third place in the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race!
Click here to listen to Tess & Pete's message direct from the Geographic South Pole!!!
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd South Pole: Team Qinetiq
3rd 732km Team Danske Bank
4th 673km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 682km Team South Pole Flag
6th South Pole: Team Southern Lights
Safely at the South Pole
22nd January - Race Day 19
Team QinetiQ finish the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race in second position! The team arrived this afternoon and are delighted to be at the Geographic South Pole. After a 70km push into the Pole the team are exhausted, with blisters and little bits of frost nip, but are all in good spirits and looking forward to some R and R at the South Pole! Missing Link were at the Pole to shake their hand for completing such a fantastic journey. Congratulations to all of the team.
Due South have had a difficult couple of days as Phil and Rachel have had flu, but they have still been on their skis covering the distance and think they will be fit and well again by tomorrow. South Pole Flag have had a good day covering 35km. Danske Bank expect to be arriving at the Pole on the morning of the 24th. Tess and Pete, who have been moved forward by the support team, will be arriving at the Pole tomorrow afternoon, and can't wait to touch the Geographic South Pole.
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd South Pole: Team Qinetiq
3rd 688km Team Danske Bank
4th 640km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 660km Team South Pole Flag
6th n/a Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Tess & Pete's day 19 diary
Qinetiq join Missing Link at the South Pole
21st January - Race Day 18
TEAM MISSING LINK WIN THE SOUTH POLE RACE
Team Missing Link have won the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. The Norwegians crossed the line and arrived at the Geographic South Pole at 7pm today, completing the race and 770km in 17 days and 11 hours. Watching the team cross was a historic and momentous occasion. They linked arms held high in the air as they walked to the Pole and planted a Norwegian flag. They stopped at the Pole and talked about their tremendous journey, the difficulties they have faced and their joy and pride at arriving at the Pole. The Norwegians have won the first race to the South Pole since Scott and Amundsen. Missing Link wanted to commend QinetiQ for making it a fantastic race. After all their hard work Missing Link will now get to spend some time at the Pole, resting, relaxing, eating and enjoying being at the Top of the Bottom of the World.
Team QinetiQ have had a really good day, are feeling in high spirits and expect to arrive at the Pole early tomorrow afternoon. Due South, Danske Bank, South Pole Flag and Southern Lights are all one day closer to the Pole – the air at the South Pole is crackling with excitement for their arrival.
Race Positions
1st South Pole: Team Missing Link
2nd 719km Team Qinetiq
3rd 653km Team Danske Bank
4th 608km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 625km Team South Pole Flag
6th n/a Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 18 diary
20th January - Race Day 17
Pete and Tess now just over 100km from the South Pole!!!!
Missing Link are expected at the South Pole tomorrow! The team have skied an outstanding day, and are planning to stop for fuel and to melt more water, and then head on to the Pole to arrive tomorrow, to win the South Pole Race. QinetiQ have had a really good day, covering 45km, and Danske Bank, Due South and South Pole Flag are making excellent progress. Southern Lights set off again today and will make the Pole in a few days time.
Race Positions
1st 721km Team Missing Link
2nd 682km Team Qinetiq
3rd 618km Team Danske Bank
4th 578km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 590km Team South Pole Flag
6th n/a Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 17 diary
19th January - Race Day 16
Missing Link increase their lead to 37km! Stian and Rune have had a huge day and covered 49km! QinetiQ have also had a good day with 46km under their belts. Danske Bank hit 42km today - it looks like the good weather is spurring teams on - the blue skies have returned. South Pole Flag covered 38km, with Due South skiing 36km and planning to ski for another 4 hours. Tess and Pete are feeling fine and will be on the move again in a few days' time. Missing Link are expected to arrive at the Pole in a few days time, so watch out for news of this incredible feat of endurance by all teams.
Today's picture shows our mascot, GeoBear, who is taking the temperature each day for school children. He is joined by Skipper and Grise the penguins. Have a look at GeoBear's temperature page and ask him a question if you would like to find out what it's like to live at the South Pole.
Race Positions
1st 675km Team Missing Link
2nd 638km Team Qinetiq
3rd 579km Team Danske Bank
4th 546km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 555km Team South Pole Flag
6th n/a Team Southern Lights
18th January - Race Day 15
Missing Link have extended their lead to 33km ahead of QinetiQ. QinetiQ report they stopped early last night as they were exhausted, but they are now planning to continue into the night. Tess and Pete are safe and well and enjoying travelling with the support team. Danske Bank have had a better day and are now 27km ahead of Team Due South, who are in 4th place. Due South and South Pole Flag have made good ground. The weather has improved, but we are all still hoping for sunny skies!
Amundsen's team sat at the Pole on December 16th and took temperature readings every hour for 24 hours.
Race Positions
1st 626km Team Missing Link
2nd 593km Team Qinetiq
3rd 537km Team Danske Bank
4th 510km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
5th 516km Team South Pole Flag
6th 471km Team Southern Lights
17th January - Race Day 14
Temperature: -25.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 40.3C
It's been a stormy day with strong winds, spindrift and cold conditions. All teams have made good progress, but are feeling a little tired and weary. Missing Link have a lead of 23km. QinetiQ are skiing strongly behind them in second position, and have skied the furthest today - 45km. Danske Bank remain in 3rd but have found today tough - they plan to cover more distance tomorrow. Due South are in 4th position with South Pole Flag in 5th behind them. Pete and Tess are staying with the support crew for a few days to be moved forward a little further in order to complete the race. They are safe, well, happy and warm! At time of writing conditions seem to be brightening - we are hoping for blue skies tomorrow!
Race Positions
1st 582km Team Missing Link
2nd 559km Team Qinetiq
3rd 504km Team Danske Bank
4th 476km Team South Pole Flag
5th 483km Team Due South (they have not travelled as far as South Pole Flag but they are closer to the pole)
6th 471km Team Southern Lights
Pete and Tess and the penguin!
16th January - Race Day 13
Temperature: -25.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 40.3C
Teams have been glad to enjoy a day of blue skies and sunshine in Antarctica Today. Missing link have increased their lead by another 4km to 20km in front of Team QinetiQ. Danske Bank remain in third with South Pole Flag slowly gaining ground in 4th position. Due South and Southern Lights have had good days.
Race Positions
1st 538km Team Missing Link
2nd 478km Team Qinetiq
3rd 465km Team Danske Bank
4th 448km Team South Pole Flag
5th 442km Team Due South
6th 471km Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 13 diary
15th January - Race Day 12
Temperature: -25.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 40.3C
All teams have now left the checkpoint. South Pole Flag left 5 hours after Due South, but at the end of the day they are just in front of them in fourth place! It has been a long day for all - with poor visibility and low contrast. All are looking forward to brighter skies tomorrow!
Race Positions
1st 494km Team Missing Link
2nd 477km Team Qinetiq
3rd 427km Team Danske Bank
4th 414km Team South Pole Flag
5th 413km Team Due South
6th 451km Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Tess and Pete's day 12 diary
14th January - Race Day 11
Temperature: -25.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 40.3C
Teams South Pole Flag and Due South have arrived at the checkpoint! The two teams arrived within 30 minutes of each other. The support team would like to make a special mention for Mark Pollock from team South Pole Flag. We are all astounded by his drive, motivation and determination in skiing to the South Pole. With all of the difficulties of this extreme endurance race, Mark is skiing the race blind. He skied every meter to the check point, over all of the difficult terrain and sastrugi, with no sight, where several other competitors have given up and walked. Inge Solheim is guiding the team - he comments "During 13 hour days it's not easy to motivate yourself to do it. Mark is my purpose to wake in the morning and ski for 13 hours. What he is doing is so important for everyone as an example."
By comparison, after reports of arguments over porridge this morning, QinetiQ turned their morning grumpiness around and had a massive day, covering 49.5km. They have narrowed the gap between themselves and the Norwegians to 15km from 18km. Missing Link maintain their lead and are in good spirits. They comment it's been an ordinary day after 46km!!!! Pete and Tess have been feeling a bit low on energy today and are looking forward to a good rest and a new day tomorrow.
Checkpoint Times
Race Started 4th January 10:05
3rd Danske Bank - 13th January 17:15 - 9 days 7 hours 10 minutes
4th South Pole Flag - 14th January 00:31 - 9 days 14 hours 26 minutes
5th Due South - 14th January 01:00 - 9 days 14 hours 55 minutes
Race Positions
1st 453km Team Missing Link
2nd 437km Team Qinetiq
3rd 384km Team Danske Bank
4th CP Team South Pole Flag
5th CP Team Due South
6th 438km Team Southern Lights
13th January - Race Day 10
Temperature: -23.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 32.5C
Team Danske Bank arrive at the checkpoint in third position! The team came in looking bright and breezy, and after reading their messages from home are now enjoying a long snooze. The team now has 24 hours enforced rest at the checkpoint. Team South Pole Flag is now 3km ahead of Due South; both teams expect to make the checkpoint at around midnight - in the race for fourth position.
QinetiQ and Missing Link have now both left the checkpoint and are continuing on their journey to the South Pole. Missing Link have covered an impressive 28km in 8 hours and have an 18km lead over QinetiQ.
Team Southern Lights have had a good day and are making excellent progress.
12th January - Race Day 9
Temperature: -23.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 32.5C
Missing Link arrive first at the checkpoint! The two Norwegians made an incredible 90km push without sleep to arrive at the checkpoint in first place. They are tired, but in good spirits and are now enjoying a very well-earned rest. QinetiQ arrived 4 1/2 hours after them, after a 40 hour push, and are now appreciating time off their feet, which are sore and aching with blisters. The two teams chatted from inside to outside their tents, as you can see in today's picture!
Southern Lights set off early this afternoon and have already covered 15km in just a few hours. They set off in style on their journey to the South Pole.
Danske Bank remain in 3rd place, and hope to be at the check point tomorrow afternoon. South Pole Flag and Due South both predict to arrive late tomorrow night - 4th place into the checkpoint may be a case of who can survive the longest on little sleep!
Checkpoint Times
Race Started 4th January 10:05
1st Missing Link - 12th January 10:56 - 8 days 5 hours 51 minutes
2nd QinetiQ - 12th January 15:23 - 8 days 5 hours 18 minutes
Race Positions
1st CP Team Missing Link
2nd CP Team QinetiQ
3rd 333km Team Danske Bank
4th 326km Team South Pole Flag
5th 322km Team Due South
n/a CP Team Southern Lights
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 9 diary
11th January - Race Day 8
Temperature: -23.5C Weather: Wind Chill - 32.5C
Missing Link increase their lead on QinetiQ. The two teams are within 50km of the checkpoint, and have been skirting around the edge of a crevasse field today. Both have been exercising caution and using their training to avoid any risks. Both teams are aiming to be at the checkpoint early tomorrow afternoon - which could mean a race to cross the checkpoint line! QinetiQ intend to ski half way, pitch camp to make hot food and fresh water and then continue; Missing Link intend to ski until they arrive. The next 24 hours will be a test of endurance - which team will be able to keep going at full strength for the longest?
Conditions today have been poor visibility - with low contrast and low cloud base. This makes it difficult to ski forward and balance as it's difficult to distinguish the sky from the ground! This evening conditions are beginning to brighten and the blue sky is returning. Danske Bank remain ahead of South Pole Flag - who are holding a steady 3km behind them. Due South's Rachel, Hylton and Phil are making great progress. Tess and Pete are now at the checkpoint resting. They will continue their journey to the Pole tomorrow and are looking forward to setting off again.
Watch this space to find out who arrives at the checkpoint in first position tomorrow!
Amundsen's journey was 870 statute miles to the South Pole. They covered an average of 15.5 miles per day with their dog teams. Team QinetiQ cover an average of 28 miles per day - but with much much lighter loads!
Race Positions
1st 333km Team Missing Link
2nd 326km Team QinetiQ
3rd 295km Team Danske Bank
4th 255km Team South Pole Flag
5th 289km Team Due South
n/a CP Team Southern Lights
10th January - Race Day 7
Temperature: -20C Weather: Wind Chill - 25C
Missing Link take the lead! The Norwegian team are 3km ahead of QinetiQ with a clear lead for the first time since the beginning of the race. However they are planning to camp up now, whereas QinetiQ are continuing for the next several hours. Missing Link intend to start skiing again when QinetiQ go to bed - a psychological game of leap frog is forming! Danske Bank remain in 3rd position, but South Pole Flag have gained some ground on them today, closing the gap between the two teams from 5km to 2km. Due South are progressing steadily.
Every day competitors have to cover a minimum distance so that they can complete the race. Southern Lights have made an absolutely fantastic effort so far but are not covering quite enough ground, so they are being moved forward over the next few days. They are in high spirits and looking forward to getting back on the trail.
The racers are now at 85 degrees. They will reach the South Pole in 10 - 20 days. Amundsen was at 85 degrees on November the 17th. He reached the South Pole on 27 days later on the 14th December.
Race Positions
1st 289km Team Missing Link
2nd 286km Team QinetiQ
3rd 257km Team Danske Bank
4th 255km Team South Pole Flag
5th 252km Team Due South
n/a CP Team Southern Lights
Pete and Tess reading your messages at the checkpoint!
9th January - Race Day 6
Temperature: -20C Weather: Wind Chill - 25C
Missing Link and QinetiQ are neck and neck! The Norwegians caught up with British team QinetiQ and they have been skiing together all day. However Missing Link have just put up their tent for a short rest and intend to start skiing again at 2am, while QinetiQ intend to ski until 2am and then stop for their rest - difficult when they are tired and the team they are in competition with are stopping to rest.
Team Danske Bank have overtaken South Pole Flag to take third place! South Pole Flag had a late start this morning and have fallen behind due to this lie in - Danske Bank are 5km ahead of them. Both teams intend to continue for the next 3 hours. Due South are making excellent progress, and with South Pole Flag having a late morning, are making ground on them for 4th place. Southern Lights had a slow morning but this was followed by a fantastic afternoon and they are in high spirits.
Teams are beginning to decide on their tactics for reaching the checkpoint - watch for more news tomorrow.
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 6 diary
Team Danske Bank
8th January - Race Day 5
Temperature: -20.7C Weather: Wind Chill - 27.7C
Team South Pole Flag have covered the furthest distance today, a fantastic 43km. They are just staying ahead of Danske Bank who are staying a steady 2km behind them. Due South are making steady progress and enjoying the race day by day. QinetiQ remain in the lead and report they feel "held together with sticky back plastic" as they are suffering with blisters, Missing Link have closed the gap on them to 3km behind, but are equally experiencing sore feet. Both teams are continuing in good spirits - they realise that blisters are part and parcel of an endurance race as extreme as this. The good weather continues with blue skies and good visibility in beautiful Antarctica.
Click here to listen to Pete & Tess' day 5 diary
7th January - Race Day 4
Temperature: -20C Weather: Wind Chill -32C
Danske Bank have caught up with South Pole Flag and are hot on their heels for 3rd place. Both teams are on the move and within sight of each other. Due South have had a good day and are feeling strong. QinetiQ maintain their lead, and are pushing a little bit more ahead of Norwegian team Missing Link day by day. Missing Link are feeling much better and intend to keep going for the next few hours into the night. The good weather continues, but it is getting colder.
Click here to listen to Tess & Pete's day 4 diary
6th January - Race Day 3
Temperature: -30C Weather: Blue Skies
Good weather continues on the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. In a fantastic effort today Team Danske Bank have overtaken Due South for fourth place. South Pole Flag have increased their hold on 3rd place, however report they will stop in 1 hour, with Danske Bank tired but determined and planning to continue for a further 4 hours - possibly enough time to take third place. Qinetiq have covered an impressive 45km today - their distance is increasing day by day, and they are now in a strong position holding their lead over Missing Link by over 5km. Missing Link have had a long day, they are finding their pulks heavy - they have brought extra equipment for bad weather, which will help them if the weather turns, but while it is blue skies and sunshine they are struggling to keep up with Qinetiq. However Missing Link are a strong-willed team, and plan to continue for the next few hours. They say it is hard, but they are glad it is hard, they came to Antarctica for the Challenge - that's fighting talk!
The support team experienced an unusual phenomenon today - running into the Norwegian Antarctic Research Expedition conducting a science survey in Antarctica. The odds of the two expeditions running into each other are very remote - the only trans-Antarctic expeditions there this year, in a desolate place bigger than India and China put together, and the two meet! Many thanks to the team for showing us around their incredible vehicles and equipment - including showers, stove, drills, radar and much much more - an extremely impressive expedition. The Norwegians explained they were extremely surprised to see ski tracks, and then a support team - on their last expedition the only thing they saw was one lone ski pole! Team Southern Lights also enjoyed a quick stop for a cup of tea with the Research Team. Southern Lights have had a good day and are feeling strong.
Click here to listen to Pete and Tess' diary message for Day 3
5th January - Race Day 2
Temperature: -20C Weather: Blue Skies
Last night Qinetic camped 10km ahead of Missing Link, however Missing Link awoke early this morning and have made up a lot of ground during the day. Team Qinetic still maintain the lead - with Missing Link within 1km. Both teams are still moving. Due South and South Pole Flag are currently battling for 3rd place, closely followed by Danske Bank, who report they can see 2 teams in front of them and are hoping they will put up their tent soon so they can overtake during the night. Southern Lights have had a really good day, are feeling full of energy and looking forward to tomorrow.
4th January - Race Day 1
Temperature: -20C Weather: Blue Skies
Team Qinetiq take the lead on the first day of the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. However there are several teams close on their tale, and teams Due South and Missing Link both predict to overtake Qinetiq tomorrow. South Pole Flag have stopped for an early night after feeling low in energy, and are looking forward to getting back on their skis tomorrow after a good rest. Watch this space to see how the teams are positioned after their first night on the race.
Click here to listen to a messsage from Tess & Pete after Day 1
4th January - Race Starts
Temperature: -25C Weather: Blue skies
The Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race has started!
The blizzard-like conditions that have hindered progress in Antarctica finally abated, and yesterday teams were flown to the start line for one more sleep before the race start. They awoke this morning to glorious sunshine, and at 10am this morning began their 750km journey to the Geographic South Pole.
The air was full of excitement as competitors crossed the line of the first race to the South Pole since Scott and Amundsen's historic race almost a century ago. Team Daily Diaries will begin this evening - keep watching to see how the teams are doing!
3rd January - Race starts tomorrow!
Temperature: -25C Weather: Blizzard continues
The blizzard-like conditions that have hindered progress in Antarctica have finally abated, and the six teams are at the start line ready to race.
After completing the 100 miles of Crevasse Field training, they have spent a few frustrating days practically tent-bound and taking it in turns to dig their tents free of drifting snow, at temperatures of approximately -25 degrees centigrade.
This has delayed the race start but it now commences tomorrow on Sunday 4th January 2009 - 430 nautical miles across the largest ice cap in the world to the Geographic South Pole.
2nd January - New Race Start
Temperature: -25C Weather: Blizzard continues
The competitors have all safely finished training and are waiting for the blizzard to pass so they can be flown to the start line. Due to the weather conditions the race is planned to start on 4th / 5th January.
1st January 2009 - New Years Day
Weather: Blizzard
Due to continued bad weather, there has been a delay to the race start. Competitors have had a tough day moving a further 12km in the blizzard, but all are well, and enjoying lots of good food and sleep before the race! Current weather reports indicate the blizzard will break in a few days time. Competitors will then be flown 1200km forward to the start line. We will keep you updated with news of when the race will start.
The start line support team have made an incredible journey in itself – they have travelled ahead of the competitors in the vehicles. They are now at the start line, setting up ready for the competitors' arrival. They have covered 1400km - already further than a vehicle has ever travelled to the South Pole. They are on the way to making a major world record! The Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race website is updated each day by the support team – please excuse any spelling mistakes, but this is being written from a travelling 4x4 crossing the Antarctic Plateau! Right now we are in deep snow and it's bouncy for typing! Happy New Year from all of us.
31st December - New Years Eve
Temperature: -25C
Weather: Blizzard
The Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole competitors would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and thank them for their continued support.
Please keep checking back to see how Pete and Tess and the other teams are getting on as they begin racing!
30th December - Training
Temperature: -20C
Weather: Blizzard continues
Competitors enjoyed another day of training in and around the camp and are continuing to prepare for the race.
29th December - Race Delay
Temperature: -25C
Weather: Blizzard continues
The race to the South Pole has been delayed by approximately 24 hours due to the extreme weather conditions the teams have been experiencing today. The race should go ahead on 2nd January 2009.
Competitors have moved in their first proper blizzard, experiencing high winds and low visibility. They have set up camp after a long hard day of slow progression. However everyone is safe and well and looking forward to rest.
28th December - Day of Rest
Temperature: -22C
Weather: Clear skies
Blizzard conditions have hit the training area – so competitors have enjoyed a day in camp, resting and rejuvenating from the last few days' training. This is a golden opportunity for them to catch up on some sleep before the race starts!
27th December - Final Training
Temperature: -10C
Weather: Blue skies
The competitors have passed the crevasse field and have completed their training. Tess from Team Southern Lights is third in line below.
26th December - Boxing Day
We hope you enjoyed the team's Christmas Diary Message. They have been experiencing a Christmas Day to remember - one they will probably tell their friends and families about for many years to come.
In Antarctica it's a guaranteed White Christmas! Operations Director Tony Martin visited all the teams' tents as Santa, delivering the presents that were given to him by the Russian Santa Claus at Novo Station during the competitors' send-off presentation. They have also whipped down shots of brandy with Christmas Cake. All are thinking of their friends and families and would like to wish them Happy Christmas.
Temperature: -22C
Weather: Clear skies
Tess and Pete have left a Christmas message! Click here to listen to their audio message. All team members are well and are in high spirits.
Happy Christmas!
24th December - Norwegian Christmas
Temperature: -15 with wind chill
Weather: Blizzards
The competitors are celebrating Norwegian Christmas tonight. They have had another day of blizzards. They are all doing very well and are in good spirits. They have crossed their first crevasse field successfully, and Mark Polleck from Team South Pole Flag is leading at the front.
23rd December - Blizzards
Temperature: -22 with wind chill
Competitors continued to travel on the training leg today. They have spent all day in their first blizzard, with very low visiability and high winds. All have made excellent progress and are safe and well, trying to get some sleep in their tents.
22nd December - Preparation
Temperature: -15C
Weather: Blue skies
Competitors have had their first full day on the way to the start line. They have begun to pass through the crevasse field and learn how to pass crevasses safely. All are well and are enjoying warm dinner and good rest in camp together before setting off for another day.
Team Qinetiq
21st Decemer - Leaving Base Camp
Temperature: -5C (tropical)
Weather: Cloudy skies
Competitors have left base camp at Novo Scientific Station, and are on their way to the crevasse field. This morning they were given lectures in acclimatising to altitude, navigation and weather conditions, from training instructor Inge Solheim, followed by a good luck ceremony with Santa Claus before departing. All are safe and well, and excited to really begin their journey to the South Pole.
Click here to listen to Pete and Tess' audio diary from Novo!
Base Camp20th December - Oasis
Temperature: -5C (tropical)
Weather: Light winds, blue skies
It has been another day of fantastic weather today - clear blue skies and sunshine. Only 3 days ago Novo was experiencing a 5 day blizzard, with high winds and heavy snow fall, so the competitors have been very fortunate to have such good weather to prepare their equipment. Teams have been working on tweaks and amendments to kit, in preparation to leave the base tomorrow.
Competitors enjoyed a trip to the scientific base - Novo, at the Oasis, a bizarre rock formation in the stunning icy vista, a place which feels like 'walking on the moon'. Hylton commented, "I must be one of only a handful of South Africans ever to have been here."
Tomorrow competitors will depart on the training walk up to the plateau, through the crevasse field.
19th December - The team has arrived in Antarctica!
Temperature: -10C
Weather: Light winds, blue skies
Competitors have now arrived in Antarctica, after an overnight journey from Cape Town, on an Illeutian jet, modified to land on a blue ice runway. They will now stay at Novo, a Russian base for the next two nights, acclimatising and training. Tonight will be their first night out in tents in Antarctica - a big change from the 25C heat of South Africa! Spirits are high in this incredibly beautiful and remote part of the world.
"It feels like I'm dreaming" - Tess Burrows (Team Southern Lights)
Landed in Antarctica18th December- "Greetings from a very hot Cape Town. Fly out to Antarctica tonight. All going well. Lots of love, Pete and Tess."
After two days of packing and preparation in Cape Town, today South Pole Racers fly to Antarctica. They will fly overnight from Cape Town to Novo - a Russian Scientific Base. During the flight, the heaters will be turned off and competitors will change into their polar clothing in preparation for the cold weather as they step off the plane.
Loading at the airport
15th December - Leaving the UK
The competitors taking part in the first race to the South Pole for almost 100 years, since the days of Scott and Amundsen, left the UK yesterday to fly to South Africa. On 18th December they then fly to Novo, the Russian scientific base on the edge of Antarctica and start the Crevasse training phase of the race on 21st December. This phase will last over Christmas, cover 100 nautical miles of some of the most extreme terrain on earth and take approximately 10 days. The race itself begins on 1st January 2009.
Ready to go from the airport