Run the Stanley Marathon on the Falkland Islands

Now in its fifth year, the Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands is just a few months away. Officially the world’s southern most AIMS-certified marathon; unofficially the most wild and remote.The Stanley Marathon on the Falkland Islands is officially the world’s most southerly AIMS-certified marathon. Stanley, the capital city of the Falkland Islands (total population of 3,00), has hosted the marathon for the past five years and will be held in 2010 on Sunday, March 14th.At a latitude of 51° S, 57° W, the notoriously challenging route of varying gradients and strong winds starts in Stanley and then stretches out to the Island’s airport before doubling back. Cheered on by Falkland natives or “Kelpers” international runners are also greeted by abundant wildlife dotted along the course including many different famed varieties of penguins which flock to the Islands to breed.In 2003 Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first person to ever run a marathon in the Falklands. Sir Ranulph visited the Islands as part of his take to complete seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days. In 2008 the Stanley Marathon was again under the spotlight as blind UK runner Dave Heeley successfully completed the ‘Magnificent Seven’ with his sighted runner partner Malcom Carr.In 2010 the top prize for the men’s open (and women’s) open is £1100 (approx CAD$1,832 USD$1,972). There is also a male (and female) relay team category.For guidelines and entry information click here and contact Adventure Life 1-800-344-6118 (internationally 406-541-2677) for specific Stanley Marathon packages.Remember, flights to and from the Falklands are only available on Saturdays — that means you have at least a week to explore and enjoy the Falkland Islands; a few days before and after your race.