White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon
- Date
- January 18–24, 2027
- Distance
- 2027 White Continent 50k · 2027 White Continent Marathon · 2027 White Continent Half-Marathon & more
From the Organizer
Welcome to the 12th Annual - 2027 White Continent Marathon & 1/2 Marathon®!
For 2027, we will once again camp overnight on King George Island, Antarctica. During the race, runners will be cheered on by penguins and seals. Following the races our runners have been able to enjoy excursions to a penguin colony, where they saw Gentoo, Adelie & Chinstrap penguins. They have also explored the nearby Russian Research base and their ornate Orthodox Church. Those options may be available in 2027 as well, time and weather permitting.
We are proud to be the Antarctic race with the most world records set at it, including: the first female hand cyclist to complete a Marathon in Antarctica (and now all 7 continents); the youngest female to complete a marathon on all 7 continents (in 2014 by a 15 year-old and again in 2015 by a 12 year-old); the youngest male to complete a marathon on all 7 continents (age 11 & age 10); the shortest number of days to complete 7 official marathons on 7 continents by a tethered group; the shortest number of days to complete 7 official marathons on 7 continents (both female & male), the shortest number of days to complete 7 official half-marathons on 7 continents (both female & male) and in 2017 the oldest male to complete a marathon in Antarctica and marathons on all 7 Continents (age 77 and age 78) and many others. And in 2020 we had the largest group of African-American runners to complete races on Antarctica (27 runners!!). It is overwhelming and extremely gratifying to see everyone accomplish their dreams at The White Continent Marathon!
The TENTATIVE dates for the 2027 WCM are: January 17-25, 2027.
We recommend registering as soon as possible as demand is high and spaces are going quickly.
Event Info
The 2027 White Continent Marathon & 1/2 Marathon® is the only opportunity for those who want to run a marathon in Antarctica to achieve that goal within one week's time. The other Antarctic race options require a minimum of 14 to 20 days. Also, please note that our event is only one of two known events to run on actual Antarctic land.
In addition, for those of you who are prone to sea sickness, which is a frequent occurrence when crossing the treacherous Drake Passage, there is no need to worry. We will cross the Drake Passage at a smooth and comfortable 31,000 Feet. As such, you don't need to be concerned with being sick the day prior to running the marathon, as you might if you were to boat across The Fiery Drake.
Given the tremendous success of our 2013 - 2025 events, you will not want to delay in signing up as this Adventure is surely to reach its limit quickly.
Price Info
For the 2027 White Continent Marathon & 1/2 Marathon® Adventure, the prices are as follows: Double Occupancy (you will be rooming with another person you are traveling with) - $15,350; Single Occupancy (you will have a hotel room to yourself) - $15,950.
Antarctica Information:
Antarctica is Earth's southernmost continent. King George Island is one of many of Antarctica's islands just off the peninsula of Antarctica. The land that today is known as King George Island physically separated from the Antarctic Peninsula roughly 20 million years ago as a result of magmatic arc and seafloor spreading geologic processes. What is now called by some as the "South Shetland micro tectonic plate" is actually a fragment of the larger Antarctic Tectonic Plate that broke off as a result of those geologic processes. King George Island sits atop the Antarctic Continental Shelf.
King George Island, Antarctica is home to many research bases from a number of countries including The United States, Chile, China, Russia, Uruguay and others. It was host to the only rock concert performed in Antarctica by Metallica back in 2013. That concert made Metallica the only band to have performed concerts on the Original 7 Continents. The 2027 White Continent 50km, Marathon & Half-Marathon® courses run between the Chilean and Chinese research bases. Our campsite, will be set up along the course and will provide runners the opportunity to refuel during the race and, if needed, allow for a change of clothes.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
21°
Typical Low
7°
Chance of Rain
26%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Lower St Anthony Falls, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Minneapolis, MN
Population
426,845
as of 2023
Elevation
820 ft
Nearest Airport
MSP
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field · 8 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
224
Days to train
- Race
- White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon
- Date
- January 18–24, 2027
Coming Up
More Running races near Minneapolis, MN
The Minikahda Club
Less than a mile away
Wirth on Wednesdays
Less than a mile away
Lookin For A Cure Minneapolis
Less than a mile away
LNR Juniors - Spring/Summer Camps
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon?
- White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon is a running race held in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 18, 2027. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon?
- Monday, January 18, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at 10361 Yates Drive North, Minneapolis, MN. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
White Continent 50k, Marathon & Half-Marathon
Jan 18, 2027