He recounts his busy educational years in Nepal, attending two schools—business school in the morning and acupuncture school in the afternoon. This dedication to education and balancing multiple responsibilities laid the groundwork for his strong work ethic. Santosh’s story also reveals the contrasting worlds of running two businesses in Nepal: his acupuncture clinic and a pool hall. Despite the differences, he managed to juggle both with incredible focus and discipline.

Santosh talks about his decision to move to the United States in May 2000, envisioning tall buildings and yellow cabs but instead was met with the vast plains of Texas. This shift from expectation to reality helped him adapt to life in America and eventually led him to set up the Om Namo Clinic over two decades ago, where he combines traditional healing practices with modern treatments to serve his clients in a multifaceted way.

He also shares how the concept of the “777” emerged for him in 2022, following his back-to-back marathon experiences. He ran two marathon majors, with a faster time in the London Marathon just six days after completing the Boston Marathon, including the challenging Newton Hills. This remarkable feat inspired the idea of the 777, a personal challenge that pushed him further in his athletic endeavors.

Finally, Santosh reflects on his preparation for The Great World Race. His story is one of resilience, hard work, and continual self-improvement, both in business and athletics. Santosh recently smashed his marathon PR at the Tokyo marathon running a time of 2:48:57.

Marathon Majors Kick Off In Tokyo

The 2025 Abbott World Marathon Majors season got underway with the Tokyo Marathon, setting the tone for an exciting year in long-distance running.

Key Highlights from the Tokyo Marathon 2025

Date: March 2, 2025

Men’s Race:

• Winner: Tadese Takele (Ethiopia)
• Winning Time: 2:03:23

Women’s Race:

• Winner: Sutume Asefa Kebede (Ethiopia)
• Winning Time: 2:16:31

The Tokyo Marathon’s fast, flat course once again delivered world-class times, and the results set the stage for the upcoming Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City Marathons.

Next up in the Marathon Majors: The Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025.

Review of the 2025 Indoor Track and Field Season

The 2025 indoor track and field season saw remarkable performances at both the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, and the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.

European Athletics Indoor Championships

March 6–9, 2025 – Apeldoorn, Netherlands

The European Indoor Championships featured standout performances, with several athletes cementing their dominance in their respective events.

Key Performances:

• Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway): Gold in both the men’s 1,500m and 3,000m
• Yaroslava Mahuchikh (Ukraine): Gold in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.99m
• Lieke Klaver (Netherlands): Gold in the women’s 400m, earning her first major championship title

The Netherlands topped the medal table with six golds, capitalizing on home advantage.

Irish Highlights:

• Kate O’Connor: Bronze in the pentathlon — Ireland’s first senior multi-event medal at a European Indoors
• Sarah Healy: Gold in the women’s 3,000m
• Mark English: Bronze in the men’s 800m

World Athletics Indoor Championships

March 21–23, 2025 – Nanjing, China

The World Indoor Championships showcased global superstars, with record-breaking performances and dramatic finishes.

Key Performances:

• Armand Duplantis (Sweden): Gold in pole vault (6.15 meters)
• Grant Holloway (USA): Gold in 60m hurdles (7.42 seconds)
• Mujinga Kambundji (Switzerland): Gold in the women’s 60m (7.04 seconds)
• Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway): Gold in the men’s 3,000m
• Freweyni Hailu (Ethiopia): Gold in the women’s 3,000m
• Christopher Bailey (USA): Gold in the men’s 400m
• Amber Anning (Great Britain): Gold in the women’s 400m

Irish Highlights:

• Kate O’Connor: Silver in the pentathlon — Ireland’s first medal at the World Indoors since 2006. She set personal bests in:
  • 60m hurdles: 8.30 seconds
  • Shot put: 14.64 meters
  • Long jump: 6.32 meters

Medal Standings:

• 1st: USA
• 2nd: Great Britain
• 3rd: Italy

The post Podcast with Santosh Karmacharya appeared first on The Great World Race.

World’s Coolest Ultra

At the Arctic Polar Race, you’ll undertake a journey few can claim:

• Unmatched Location: Run on Arctic ice floes at the Geographic North Pole, a setting reserved for true explorers. You’ll literally be racing over the Arctic Ocean at the top of the world.
• Choose Your Challenge: Conquer a Half-Marathon (21.1 km), a Full Marathon (42.2 km), or a 50 km Ultramarathon – whichever distance pushes your limits. (We even offer a 50 km duathlon option for multi-sport enthusiasts!)
• All-Inclusive Expedition: We handle all logistics. Your adventure includes chartered flights from Siberia to a drifting ice camp at the North Pole, heated tent accommodations on the ice, hot meals, and even a helicopter ride to the exact North Pole point, 90° North, after the race. Every detail is covered – you focus on the finish line.
• Join an Elite Club: Fewer people have run at the North Pole than have summited Everest. Every finisher earns bragging rights for life and joins the exclusive Polar Marathon Club, as well as The Marathon Grand Slam Club, receiving a one-of-a-kind Polar Medal to commemorate your achievement.
• Adventure with Purpose: This is a carbon-neutral race. Our organizers offset all emissions and pioneered sustainable events at the Pole nearly two decades ago. Take on this extreme challenge knowing you leave nothing behind but footprints in the snow.
• Ultra-Exclusive Opportunity: Only 40 spots are available, and it’s first-come, first-served. When these slots are gone, so is your chance to run at the North Pole – perhaps for years to come. The urgency is real!

Ready to take on the adventure of a lifetime?
Secure your place now before it’s too late.
Reserve your spot here to join the Arctic Polar Race and stand at the starting line on the North Pole!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an elite athlete to participate?

Not at all! Runners of all backgrounds are welcome. Whether you’re an ultramarathoner or a bucket-list adventurer, as long as you’re determined and prepared, you can conquer the Arctic Polar Race. You’ll have ample time (up to 12 hours) to finish your chosen distance, so this is about endurance and spirit – not just speed.

How do we get to the North Pole for the race?

We’ve got you covered. Your journey begins in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, where our team will meet you. From there, we charter a flight to a remote Arctic town (Khatanga) and then a special AN-74 aircraft flies you to the North Pole ice camp. All travel from the meetup point, accommodations, and meals are included in your entry – you just need to arrive ready to race!

What gear do I need, and how will I handle the extreme cold?

Don’t worry – we’ll guide you. Once you sign up, we provide a detailed gear list and training tips for racing in -25°C to -30°C conditions. You’ll learn how to layer properly and what equipment you’ll need to stay warm and safe. With our expert guidance and recommended cold-weather gear, you’ll be fully prepared to brave the polar elements.

Is it safe to run on Arctic ice?

Absolutely. Your safety is our top priority. The race is organized by Polar Running Adventures, the world’s leading polar running experts with 20+ years of experience. We operate from a proven, secure ice camp near the Pole, with professional guides, medics, and safety protocols in place at all times. We’ve successfully brought over a thousand runners to polar finish lines – you’re in good hands.

When is the race and how long is the trip?

The Arctic Polar Race is scheduled for April 16, 2026. The entire expedition lasts about one week. You’ll rendezvous in Krasnoyarsk by April 12, fly to the North Pole camp a couple of days later, run on April 16, and return to civilization by April 18–19. It’s a compact, well-organized journey that maximizes adventure while minimizing time away from home.

Act Now, Reserve Your Spot

This is your chance to become one of the very few who can say they’ve raced at the North Pole. The clock is ticking, and spots are filling up fast. If you crave adventure, prestige, and a challenge beyond compare, then the Arctic Polar Race awaits you.

Don’t miss out – claim one of the 40 spots now and make history at the top of the world.

See you at 90° North!
– The Arctic Polar Race Team

The post Arctic Polar Race Marathon 2026 appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register now for 2025 or book a discovery call to get started.

Location Updates: New Cities for Asia & Europe Legs

Asia: Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Asia marathon will now take place in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Expect golden deserts, turquoise waters, and bold modern architecture, including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi. It’s a stunning new chapter for the race — combining luxury, culture, and heat-hardened endurance.

Europe: Faro, Portugal

The European stop moves to Faro, in Portugal’s Algarve region. This coastal gem is known for its Old Town charm, 60°F average temperatures, and low humidity in November — offering optimal race conditions alongside breathtaking Atlantic views.

All other locations for the 2025 race remain the same as 2024.

March Training Schedule (Weeks 4–8)

This month emphasizes 10K and half-marathon pace work, hill intervals, and early season time trials. It’s also a checkpoint for testing your progress heading into spring.

Week 4

Sat, Mar 1 – Session

• 15 min warm-up jog & stretch
• 4–5 x 100m strides
• 4–5 x 1km @ 5K pace (2 min standing rest)
• 15–20 min cool-down jog

Sun, Mar 2 – Long Run

• 60–75 minutes easy

Mon, Mar 3 – Gym + 30–45 min easy run
Tue, Mar 4 – 45–60 min easy jog
Wed, Mar 5 – Key Session

• 4 x 1km @ 10K pace (60 sec rest)
• 1 x 600m @ 3K pace (in race shoes)
• 15 min cool-down jog

Thu, Mar 6 – 30–45 min easy
Fri, Mar 7 – Rest (or 10–15 min jog)
Sat, Mar 8 – Suggested 5K race or time trial
Sun, Mar 9 – 60 min easy run

Week 5

Mon, Mar 10 – Gym + 45 min easy + 8–10 x 100m strides
Tue, Mar 11 – Session

• 4–6 x 1 mile @ 10-mile pace (60 sec rest)

Wed, Mar 12 – 50–60 min easy
Thu, Mar 13 – Session

• 10 x 60 sec @ 5K pace (2 min jog rest)
  Fri, Mar 14 – Gym + recovery
  Sat, Mar 15 – Session
• 2 x 10 min @ 10-mile pace
• 2 x 4 min @ 10K pace
• 1 x 3 min @ 3–5K pace (90 sec rest between)
  Sun, Mar 16 – 75–90 min long run

Week 6

Mon, Mar 17 – Gym + 45–60 min easy
Tue, Mar 18 – 60–70 min easy
Wed, Mar 19 – Session

• 6–8 x 800m (build from 5K PB to target pace)
• 2 min rest

Thu, Mar 20 – 60 min easy
Fri, Mar 21 – Complete rest
Sat, Mar 22 – Combo Session

• 3km @ 10-mile pace
• 3 x 30 sec hill sprints
• 3 x 60 sec hill sprints
• 3 x 30 sec hill sprints
• 2km progression from 10-mile to 10K pace
  Sun, Mar 23 – 75–90 min long run

Week 7

Mon, Mar 24 – Gym + 45–60 min easy
Tue, Mar 25 – Session

• 10 x 90 sec @ 5K pace (90 sec rest)
  Wed, Mar 26 – 60–70 min easy
  Thu, Mar 27 – Light Session
• 20 min steady
• 8 x 100m turnarounds (relaxed sprint + 30 sec rest)
  Fri, Mar 28 – Gym & rest
  Sat, Mar 29 – Session
• 4–5 x 1km @ 5K pace (2 min rest)
  Sun, Mar 30 – 60–75 min long run

Week 8 (Taper into Race/Test Week)

Mon, Mar 31 – Gym + 30–45 min easy
Tue, Apr 1 – 45–50 min easy jog
Wed, Apr 2 – Session

• 3 x 1km @ 10K pace (60 sec rest)
• 1 x 600m @ 3K pace
  Thu, Apr 3 – 30–45 min easy
  Fri, Apr 4 – Rest (or 10–15 min jog)
  Sat, Apr 5 – Suggested race day
  Sun, Apr 6 – 60 min easy run

Final Word

From new global destinations to progressively sharper training, March is a pivotal month. These runs are about efficiency, rhythm, and testing your fitness before high-volume spring blocks begin.

Join us for 2025 or book your call for coaching and planning.

The post March Training Plan & Location Updates appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register now for 2025 or book a discovery call to secure your spot.

Dan Little on Completing The Great World Race at 81

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Dan Little, who became the oldest man to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents during the 2024 edition of The Great World Race. Dan is no ordinary octogenarian. He works out seven days a week, lives by a philosophy of “never using willpower,” and proves that longevity in sport — and life — is built through consistency, community, and purpose.

In the conversation, Dan shares:

• How he transitioned from a love of tennis in his early years to discovering running in his late 30s
• His routine of daily training, which eliminates excuses and builds habit
• The influence of his wife Prudence and their shared journey through life and endurance
• The goal of running 365 marathons, alongside his experience finishing seven Ironman-distance races
• His reflections on weathering the harsh conditions in Antarctica and the emotional support from fellow runners
• His excitement about returning for The Great World Race 2025, potentially joined by his grandson

Dan also hosts his own endurance event — the Dan Man Challenge — on his Oklahoma ranch, offering race distances from 10 miles to 50 miles.

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube

A Record-Smashing Week in Global Running

Between February 8 and February 16, five world records fell in the space of just eight days — an extraordinary moment in modern distance running.

New World Records:

1. Grant Fisher (USA) – Indoor 3,000m
   • Time: 7:22.91
   • Broke Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma’s 2022 record at the Millrose Games
   • Outkicked Olympic 1500m star Cole Hocker in the home straight
2. Yared Nuguse (USA) – Indoor Mile
   • Time: 3:46.63
   • Set at the Wannamaker Mile
   • Broke Yomif Kejelcha’s 6-year-old record of 3:47.01
3. Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway) – Indoor Mile (Again)
   • Time: 3:45.14, set in Liévin, France
   • Smashed Nuguse’s brand-new record just five days later
4. Grant Fisher (USA) – Indoor 5,000m
   • Time: 12:44.09, set at Boston Valentine Invitational
   • Broke Kenenisa Bekele’s long-standing record of 12:49.60
5. Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – Half Marathon World Record
   • Time: 56:42, at the Barcelona Half Marathon
   • Broke the previous record by 48 seconds, with a blistering 10K split of 26:32

This cascade of historic performances redefines what’s possible — and showcases a new era of elite distance running.

Final Word

Whether you’re watching 20-somethings redefine world records or 81-year-old Dan Little blaze across seven continents, one message rings clear: age and limits are often self-imposed.

Join us for 2025 or book a discovery call and start your journey today.

The post Dan Little, Age 81, Completes The Great World Race appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register for 2025 or book a discovery call to get training guidance and secure your spot.

February Overview

Following January’s easy base-building runs, February introduces more structure and pace-focused sessions. These include:

• 800m and 1km repeats
• Steady-state progressions
• Fartlek intervals for pacing awareness
• Turnover drills and short hill sprints

These sessions target improvements in running economy, stride efficiency, and race pace comfort — key for runners preparing to tackle 7 marathons on 7 continents.

Week 1

Mon, Feb 10

• Gym + 50 minutes easy run

Tue, Feb 11 – SESSION

• 3km easy warm-up jog & stretch
• 3–4 x 100m strides
• 6–8 x 800m @ 5K race pace (90 sec rest)
• 3km easy cool-down jog

Wed, Feb 12

• 60 minutes easy run

Thu, Feb 13 – SESSION

• 3km warm-up jog + stretch
• 10 mins steady
• 8–10 x 20 sec hill sprints (jog back recovery)
• 10 mins steady
• 3km easy cool-down

Fri, Feb 14

• Gym + active recovery

Sat, Feb 15 – SESSION

• 3km warm-up jog, stretch, and strides
• 6km progressive run (building to 10K pace)
• 3km cool-down jog

Sun, Feb 16

• Long run: 60–90 minutes easy

Week 2

Mon, Feb 17

• Gym + 30 minutes easy run

Tue, Feb 18

• 50–60 minutes easy run

Wed, Feb 19 – SESSION

• 3km warm-up jog + stretch
• 6–8 x 1km @ current 10K PB pace (1 min rest)
• 3km cool-down jog

Thu, Feb 20

• 50–60 minutes easy run

Fri, Feb 21

• Rest day

Sat, Feb 22 – SESSION (FARTLEK)

• 3km warm-up + stretch and strides
• 4 sets:
  • 2 mins steady, 1 min jog
  • 1 min steady, 30 sec jog
  • 30 sec hard, 30 sec jog
  • 2 mins steady, 1 min jog
• 3km cool-down jog
  Note: Build into the session — don’t overcook the first set.

Sun, Feb 23

• Long run: 70–90 minutes easy

Week 3

Mon, Feb 24

• Gym + 45–60 minutes easy run

Tue, Feb 25 – SESSION

• 15 mins warm-up jog + stretch
• 10 x 90 sec @ 5K pace (90 sec jog or stand rest)
• 15 mins easy jog cool-down

Wed, Feb 26

• 60–70 minutes easy jog

Thu, Feb 27 – LIGHT SESSION

• 15 mins warm-up
• 20 mins steady run
• 8 x 100m turnarounds (run 100m fast and relaxed, stand 30 sec, run back)
• 15 mins easy jog to finish

Fri, Feb 28

• Gym day + rest (no run)

Sat, Mar 1 – SESSION

• 15 mins warm-up jog + stretch
• 4–5 x 100m strides
• 4–5 x 1km @ target 5K pace (2 min rest)
• 15–20 mins cool-down jog

Sun, Mar 2

• Long run: 60–75 minutes easy

Week 4

Mon, Mar 3

• Gym + 30–45 minutes easy

Tue, Mar 4

• 45–60 minutes easy jog

Final Word

February is about building rhythm and sharpening your form through controlled speed and strength work. These workouts build the foundation for longer, more intense blocks in spring. Stay consistent, and don’t forget: easy runs and recovery are just as crucial as your intervals.

Book a call or register now to get coached through every phase of your 2025 race training.

The post February Marathon Training Plan for The Great World Race appeared first on The Great World Race.

We’re kicking off the new year with a podcast episode featuring 2024 Great World Race champion Hillary Kupish. Plus, we break down the training mindset that can set you up for success in 2025 — including speedwork even for long-distance runners.

Register now for 2025 or book a discovery call to secure your spot.

Hillary Kupish on The Great World Race Podcast

The latest episode of The Great World Race Podcast features Hillary Kupish, the newly crowned 777 World Record holder and 2024 Great World Race winner. Her performance in November 2024 was historic — averaging 3:12:12 per marathon across all seven continents in seven days.

In this episode, Hillary shares:

• How she focused on distance over speed during training
• Her lead-up to the race, which included an 11-minute PR (2:44) at the New York City Marathon just days before heading to Antarctica
• Her fueling and nutrition strategy during the seven-day race
• The emotional impact of crossing the final finish line alongside Peloton star Becs Gentry, setting the women’s world record for fastest overall 777 time

Hillary also reflects on the camaraderie formed over the week and gives a sneak peek at her future racing plans.

Watch the full episode on YouTube

January Training Focus: Don’t Skip the Speedwork

January is the ideal time for runners of all types — marathoners, ultra-endurance athletes, and first-timers — to reset, reflect, and plan for the year ahead. Whether your goal is to:

• Earn your 7-Star Medal by completing all major marathons
• Set a new personal record
• Conquer your first ultra or complete the 777 challenge

Your training plan needs to balance volume and speed.

While long runs are the foundation of any distance plan, it’s common to overlook shorter intervals in the off-season. These sessions can improve turnover, efficiency, and form — all critical for sustained performance.

Sample Short Intervals to Add:

• 10 x 200m hills
• 8–10 x 400m track repeats
• Strides after easy runs to build muscle memory

Even if you’re training for 7 marathons in 7 days, mixing in speedwork can prevent stagnation and improve your ability to recover between efforts.

Stay tuned for the full Great World Race training plan, coming soon.

Final Word

Whether you’re inspired by Hillary Kupish’s world-record performance or setting your own marathon goals for 2025, now’s the time to lay the foundation. Start smart, train consistently, and don’t forget to run fast — even when the distance is long.

Reserve your 2025 spot or book a discovery call to learn more.

The post Hillary Kupish on Breaking the 777 World Record appeared first on The Great World Race.

Secure your 2025 spot now or book a discovery call to be part of next year’s race.

A 7-Day, 7-Continent Journey Ends in Victory

The 2024 edition of The Great World Race concluded in Miami Beach on November 20, after an extraordinary week that saw runners conquer seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days.

The event began on November 14 at Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica, with 60 participants, and continued through Cape Town, Perth, Istanbul (hosting two separate marathons in Asia and Europe), Cartagena, and finally, Miami.

Women’s Division Highlights

Hillary Kupish (USA) delivered a stunning performance, fresh off a PR of 2:44:19 at the NYC Marathon. She won the women’s division with a world-record average marathon time of 3:12:12.

Other key highlights:

• Ashley Paulson (USA) set a new Antarctica women’s marathon record (3:18:02) on Day 1, battling -16°C (3°F) conditions
• Paulson later suffered an injury in the Cartagena heat (92°F), paving the way for Kupish and Becs Gentry (UK) to surge ahead
• Kupish and Gentry crossed the Miami finish line together, setting a new women’s world record for shortest time to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents: 6 days, 3 hours, 53 minutes

Men’s Division Highlights

William Maunsell (Ireland) led early, winning five of the first seven races with a blazing average of 2:39:21. He also broke the Antarctic continental record for men (2:38:42). However, Cartagena’s extreme heat forced him to withdraw, allowing David Kilgore (USA) to secure the overall men’s victory with a 3:22:57 average.

Record-Breaking Achievements

New World Records:

1. Hillary Kupish (USA): Fastest average time for 7 marathons on 7 continents — 3:12:12
2. Kupish & Gentry (USA/UK): Fastest completion of 7 marathons on 7 continents — 6 days, 3 hours, 53 minutes
3. Merrick Chernett (USA): Youngest finisher (18 years old) of 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days
4. Dan Little (USA): Oldest man to complete 7 half marathons on 7 continents — age 81
5. Kim Komo (USA): Fastest female to complete 7 half marathons on 7 continents — 6 days, 3 hours, 14 minutes
6. William Maunsell (IRL): Men’s Antarctic marathon record — 2:38:42
7. Ashley Paulson (USA): Women’s Antarctic marathon record — 3:18:02

Notable Achievements:

• Andrew Thorpe (AUS): First indigenous Australian to complete 7 marathons on 7 continents
• Jenny Simpson (USA): Former World Champion and Olympic medalist in the 1500m, placed 5th in the women’s division
• Sean Swarner & Greg Gerady: Both cancer survivors, each with one functioning lung, completed the race together

Charity Impact: LUNGevity and Survivorship

The race also served as a platform for raising awareness and funds through LUNGevity, the U.S.’s leading lung cancer organization.

Sean Swarner, who lost a lung to cancer and completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam in 2017, became the first person with one lung to finish a 777 challenge. He was greeted at the finish line by LUNGevity CEO Andrea Ferris.

His long-time friend and fellow survivor, Greg Gerady, also finished the race — marking the first time the duo completed an endurance event together.

Race Wrap-Up Livestream

The closing livestream, hosted by Ben Dixon of TL;DR and produced by Braxton Kilgo of I Believe In You, was a highlight for remote fans and families.

Watch the recap stream and see special offers for 2025:
View Livestream on Twitch

Final Word

The 2024 Great World Race proved that resilience, community, and global ambition can reshape what’s possible in distance running. From Antarctica to Miami, from cancer survivors to world champions — every finisher helped write history.

Sign up now or book your call to join the 2025 journey.

The post The Great World Race 2024 Recap appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register now or book a discovery call to join the 2025 edition of The Great World Race.

Andrejs Birjukovs on Transitioning from Kayaking to 7 Marathons in 7 Days

This week on the podcast, we hear from Andrejs Birjukovs, a former professional sprint kayaker, coach, and endurance athlete who’s preparing to become the first Latvian to complete the 777 Challenge.

Andrejs shares his unique perspective on training across sports, from elite kayaking to endurance running and triathlon. His approach blends multi-sport training, strength integration, and smart lifestyle habits to optimize performance.

In the conversation, Andrejs discusses:

• The value of heart rate zone awareness and pacing in endurance sports
• The importance of building an aerobic base, especially for events like the 777
• The crossover between kayaking strength work and running efficiency
• The mental shift from short-distance paddling to long-distance endurance
• The benefits of a plant-based diet in long-term recovery
• The role of mindset and environment in sustaining training

He also reflects on his first marathon experience and how his philosophies apply across disciplines.

Learn more and explore Andrejs’ coaching blog: The Athlete Blog
Watch the full episode on YouTube

White Desert’s Antarctica Season Is Underway

The 2024/2025 season of White Desert Antarctica has officially launched, with the first flight arriving at Wolf’s Fang runway. This premium logistics company, founded by polar explorer Patrick Woodhead, delivers staff, supplies, and visiting scientists to key outposts across the continent — including to the luxury camps that will host The Great World Race’s first marathon.

White Desert offers a blend of fine dining, world-class service, and polar adventure — from one-day trips to weeklong stays. Their camps include:

• Wolf’s Fang – The gateway to the race
• Echo – A lunar-inspired escape with dramatic design
• Whichaway – A comfortable base with access to ice caves and mountain excursions

Guests can also visit the Emperor Penguin colony or take a trip to the Geographic South Pole.

Explore White Desert’s itineraries

Final Marathon Training Weeks: Weeks 40–42

As we enter the final stretch before race day, here’s a look at the last three weeks of training leading up to departure.

Week 40

• Wed, Oct 30 – 8km @ marathon pace + 6x400m (starting at 10K pace, finishing at 5K pace)
• Thu, Oct 31 – 10–12km easy run
• Fri, Nov 1 – Gym + 8km easy
• Sat, Nov 2 – 4x2km @ marathon pace +5–7 sec/km (1km float between)
• Sun, Nov 3 – 20km easy run

Week 41

• Mon, Nov 4 – Gym + 8–10km easy
• Tue, Nov 5 – 12km easy
• Wed, Nov 6 – 4km @ marathon pace + 10x300m @ 5K pace (100m jog rest)
• Thu, Nov 7 – 16km easy
• Fri, Nov 8 – Complete rest / massage
• Sat, Nov 9 – 12–15km easy
• Sun, Nov 10 – 8x1km @ marathon pace (400m float)

Week 42

• Mon, Nov 11 – Light gym + 6–8km
• Tue, Nov 12 – Light jog or easy run (travel day for many)
• Wed, Nov 13 – 5–6km easy
• Thu, Nov 14 – 5–6km easy
• Fri, Nov 15 – Stage 1: Antarctica – The Great World Race begins

Now is the time to taper smart, stay consistent, and focus on recovery, hydration, and mindset.

Final Word

From Andrejs Birjukovs’ transition from the kayak to 7 marathons across continents, to White Desert’s elite logistical groundwork, and the final countdown to Antarctica — this week marks the edge of adventure. The challenge is about to begin.

Secure your spot or book a call now to join the 2025 race.

The post Andrejs Birjukovs Aims to Become the First Latvian to Complete The 777 appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register now or book a discovery call to join the world’s most extraordinary marathon adventure.

Anne-Sophie Reinhardt: Mind-Body Coach, Marathoner, and Podcast Guest

This week’s episode of The Great World Race Podcast spotlights Anne-Sophie Reinhardt — a certified Mind-Body Eating Coach, Martha Beck Life Coach, and marathon runner whose personal journey exemplifies resilience and purpose.

Anne-Sophie began running after watching the New York City Marathon, a moment that inspired her to take control of her health, find joy in movement, and embrace a new chapter of self-discovery.

On the podcast, she and host David Kelly discuss:

• Her struggles with eating disorders and how running became a healing force
• The importance of nutrition, hydration, and mental wellness in marathon training
• Balancing the roles of COO, mother, and endurance athlete
• Her philosophy around the mind-body connection, drawn from the coaching principles of Martha Beck
• The healing — not punishing — power of movement, and how social media impacts body image

Anne-Sophie brings vulnerability, wisdom, and excitement as she looks forward to racing across seven continents.

Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube

Dr. George Bownes: Sports Medicine Expert and New Wellcare Podcast Host

Also joining the 2025 roster of The Great World Race is Dr. George Bownes, a London-based sports medicine consultant, founder of Citius Retreats, and now co-host of the new Wellcare Podcast.

The show — created with Strategic Advisor in Human Performance Nicole Graham — explores one fundamental question:
“What does wellness mean to you?”

Each episode brings evidence-based insights from leaders across wellness, health, and performance. Topics include:

• Mindset, recovery, and longevity
• Countering misinformation in fitness and nutrition
• How to thrive in both sport and life

George is training for the 777 Challenge in November 2025, and we hope to have him as a guest on The Great World Race Podcast soon.

Check out The Wellcare Podcast

Early Bird Registration Opens for The Great World Race 2025

As we count down to the 2024 edition, early registration is now live for the 2025 Great World Race. If you’re ready to run the world, this is your chance.

2025 Race Dates & Locations:

• November 15 – Wolf’s Fang, Antarctica
• November 16 – Cape Town, Africa
• November 17 – Perth, Australia
• November 18 – Istanbul, Asia
• November 19 – Istanbul, Europe
• November 20 – Cartagena, South America
• November 21 – Miami, North America

Only 12 early bird spots remain. Secure yours now before they’re gone.

Register for 2025

Final Word

Whether it’s Anne-Sophie Reinhardt’s journey from struggle to strength, Dr. George Bownes’ mission to redefine wellness, or the chance to race across the world in 2025 — The Great World Race is more than a marathon. It’s a movement.

Sign up today or book a discovery call to take the first step.

The post Anne-Sophie Reinhardt and Dr. George Bownes Join The Great World Race appeared first on The Great World Race.

Register now or book a discovery call to run the world with purpose.

Sean Swarner: Conquering Everest With One Lung

In this week’s episode of The Great World Race Podcast, we meet Sean Swarner, a two-time cancer survivor whose story of survival, grit, and exploration is nothing short of extraordinary.

Sean’s battle began at age 13, when a knee injury led doctors to a shocking diagnosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Three years later, a second cancer — Askin’s sarcoma — left him with a 14-day prognosis. But today, 34 years later, Sean is not only alive — he’s thriving.

With just one functioning lung, Sean became the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest in May 2002. He went on to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents and trekking to both the North and South Poles.

In the podcast, Sean talks about:

• How cancer reshaped his perspective on life
• The mental strength needed for both mountain and marathon
• How he moved to Colorado with his brother to train for Everest
• Why he’s partnering with LUNGevity to raise awareness for lung cancer
• How marathon training compares to extreme expeditions

Watch Sean’s full story on YouTube

LUNGevity Partners With The Great World Race

LUNGevity, the leading national lung cancer organization in the U.S., is now the official charity partner of The Great World Race. Together, the partnership aims to raise awareness, improve access to care, and support research for a disease that remains the #1 cause of cancer death globally.

What LUNGevity Does:

• Supports early detection and treatment advancements
• Improves quality of life and survivorship for lung cancer patients
• Works to eliminate health disparities in care
• Provides education, advocacy, and support for patients and caregivers

Thanks to breakthroughs in research and early diagnosis, outcomes for lung cancer patients have improved significantly in recent years. But there’s still work to be done — and LUNGevity is at the forefront.

Learn more and donate

Chicago Marathon Returns October 13

The 2024 Chicago Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 13, and with a stacked field and historic legacy, it promises another year of world-class racing.

Last year’s race made history when Kelvin Kiptum ran 2:00:35, the fastest marathon ever recorded at the time, becoming the first runner to break 2:01.

This Year’s Highlights:

• A deep women’s field, with six athletes having run 2:18:00 or faster
• Notably absent: Sifan Hassan, the defending champion and Olympic gold medalist
• Hassan won Chicago in 2023 in 2:13:44, then went on to take Olympic gold in Paris

If you’re attending the race or the expo this weekend, be sure to stop by and connect with LUNGevity:

• Booth 754 at the Expo
• Charity Block Party Cheer Station near Mile 15, at Adams St & Loomis St (north side)

Come say hello and learn how you can support lung cancer awareness through running.

Final Word

From Sean Swarner’s impossible odds and inspiring comeback, to LUNGevity’s mission-driven partnership, and the global excitement around Chicago, this week’s update is all about running for something bigger than a finish line.

Reserve your spot now or schedule a discovery call to join the movement.

The post Sean Swarner Joins The Great World Race + LUNGevity Partnership appeared first on The Great World Race.