Please note: Shoe spikes are mandatory for running on the ice.
Proper clothing is mandatory during the Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon. Failure to dress properly and follow the guidelines from the medical team and race officials means disqualification. The medical team and race officials always have the right to stop and take out a runner who is not dressed properly for the weather. All participants must follow the below guidelines and make sure it’s possible to cover all skin.
Shoe spikes, hat and gloves, and all-around wind protection is absolutely necessary during this race. Cotton clothing is a total NO-GO!
Layers are key to a good race and to keeping you as dry and warm as possible. You need to be prepared for changing weather. It is always better to start out in a layer too much than one too little. Remember: it is easy to cool off if too warm, but hard to get warm if too cold.
How many layers you wear is an individual matter and weather dependent, but a minimum of 3 layers is recommended.
There are personal supply stations along the course where you can pick up dry and warm clothing – see “Supplies on Route." Wet and cold items can be dropped at any water station along the course.
We do not give specific recommendations on products, but have named some of the brands available in active polar clothing that we know have a good and well-tested product.
Base/Inner Layer (sweat transporting layer):
Must be a functional thinner layer that transports sweat away from your body (called moisture-wicking) and dries fast. Make sure it’s comfortable to wear and doesn’t restrict you in your movements.
Avoid base layers with zippers that touch the skin. Any product with Merino wool ensures extra protection.
Check out: Craft, Peak Perfomance, Falke, Under Armour, Icebreaker, Salomon, Helly Hansen
Mid Layer (insulating layer):
Should be a loose weave fabric or fleece with additional thermal insulation thicker than your base layer. Again it’s important that it doesn’t restrict your movements, especially with the outer layer on top.
The mid layer should provide warmth and breathability. Again it’s important that moisture is transported to the outside/next layer. Some mid layers even have wind protection, but this is not a must as you won’t be running without your top layer when windy.
Check out: Craft, Montane, Icebreaker, Salomon, Newline
Top/Outer Layer (weather-protective layer):
The top layer can be divided into two categories: Soft shell and hard shell. Regardless of what you choose, wind protection is the most important thing. Water resistance is a benefit too in case it snows.
While soft shells are now being manufactured with better wind and water resistancy they’re still not as efficient as a hard shell. The hard shell on the other hand, does not have the same breathability as the soft shell, although development of vent zones does allow for more airflow and thus minimize the risk of wet and cold mid- and base layers.
In extreme wind conditions starting in both a soft and a hard shell can be advisable, but it is also very likely that you will soon be too warm and will need to drop one of them.
Check out: Craft, Montane, North Face, Peak Performance, Salomon, Helly Hansen
Remember: Cotton is your worst enemy when running in an arctic climate. Cotton retains water and will make you very cold, as well as rub your skin raw. Do not wear cotton clothing during the Polar Circle Marathon and Half Marathon. High-performance clothing will also decrease your chances of getting blisters and calluses. Merino wool is a potential option, as wool will keep you warm even when it's wet. Brand such as Icebreaker and Smartwool make perfomance-wool clothing.
Legs:
Three layers on your legs are likely to be too much. The top layer on your legs must have wind protection and preferably thermal functionality. A base layer under a winter tight will work if the tight has wind protection. Alternatively a normal winter running tight may work fine as base layer under a pair of windproof running pants.
Running without wind protection on your legs may cause frostbite on knees, thighs and other lower body parts.
Check out: Craft, Montane, Patagonia, Salomon, Newline
Gloves:
Again, wind protection is the most essential, but of course your gloves should be warm too!
Make sure your gloves aren’t too tight around your hands and fingers – it’s better for airflow between your skin and the fabric. Layers will be an advantage in very windy conditions with inner gloves (liners) under a warmer and looser pair of outer gloves or mittens.
Hand warmers are an option, but as we try to leave as little a footprint as possible on our race site we recommend the reusable solutions over the disposable versions.
Extra gloves can be placed at one or more of the personal supply stations, as especially the inner gloves tend to get wet.
Check out: Craft, Montane, North Face, Icebreaker, Salomon, Hestra
Head and neck:
A winter hat is an absolute must. It should cover your ears too. Some prefer a functional moisture wicking hat while others opt for warmer traditional winter hats. A hat of 100% wool will have both features, but may be itchy for some people.
The neck should be covered with a scarf or a neck tube/buff. It’s important that the scarf/buff can be drawn up over the mouth and nose in case of strong winds. However, running with your nose and mouth covered for a longer time will cause condensation and make your face more prone to frostbite.
Balaclavas and buffs with air holes for mouth and nose are available, but even these will eventually turn in to an ice mask. If windy and necessary to cover your face make sure you actively remove the ice building up on your cover. A spare scarf/buff at the personal supply station is advisable. Star Wars fans may invest in a ColdAvenger.
The use of tape on cheek and nose is not recommended. There’s no evidence that this will prevent frostbites, but it will definitely prevent the medical team from seeing signs of frostbite.
Sunglasses or light ski goggles will be a relief in sunny, windy, and/or snowy conditions.
Feet:
Your feet are the least exposed part of your body as you’ll be constantly moving sending a lot of blood to your feet and toes. We do recommend, however, that you wear warm running socks, potentially with a thin liner sock underneath. Make sure the sock is high so there’s no open skin gap between sock and tights/pants. A spare pair of socks at the personal supply station is advisable.
If the ice sheet is covered in a thick layer of snow gaiters will keep it out of your shoes, but cheaper solutions like a plastic bags inside your shoe may do the trick. If you’re prone to blisters the plastic bag may cause too much friction.
Change of clothes:
Half marathon runners and marathon runners staying at the Old Camp should pack a small bag with extra clothes to be available at the finish line. Marathon runners at Hotel Kangerlussuaq and Polar Lodge can walk to their rooms and do not need to prepare a change of clothes.
Make sure you mark all your clothes and items with your name and/or bib number for easy identification. Clothes and items dropped at the water stations during the run will be taken back to the finish area at the end of the race. The race organisers cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items left along the route.
