The Fire and Ice Gallery

This gallery features some of the photos taken from Paul's training and expeditions. This gallery features a number of photos from internationally celebrated and award winning photographer Laura Pannack (www.laurapannack.com). All images are Copyrighted. Below the photos are a number of videos with Paul and some promotional videos for the Marathon des Sables.

  • Self portrait, Mt Elbrus (Russia), August 2012. Paul Gurney
  • Gale at sunset, Mt Elbrus (Russia), August 2012. Paul Gurney
  • Close to the ice, London, September 2012.
  • Training preparation, Portsmouth, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Preparing for beach run, Portsmouth, February 2012
  • Stretching on beach (it's only about 3c here!), Portsmouth, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Beach running, Portsmouth, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Post run drinking, Portsmouth 2012. Laura Pannack
  • In an arctic chamber at -20c. Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Warming up for V)2 Max, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Post VO2 Max test, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Recovering after VO2 Max Test, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Preparing for swim test, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Swimming, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Swimming, Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Portsmouth Uni Extreme Environment Chamber, February 2012. Laura Pannack
  • Ice wall climbing, London, September 2012
  • Ice wall climbing, London, September 2012
  • My trusty La Spotiva Spantik's, London, September 2012
  • Svalbard acclimatisation trip, May 2011. Paul Gurney
  • Svalbard acclimatisation trip, May 2011. Paul Gurney
  • Mountain above Longyearbyen (Svalbard), May 2011. Paul Gurney
  • Self portrait, Elbrus summit, August 2011. Paul Gurney
  • Lake at Elbrus (2km below summit), August 2012. Paul Gurney
  • Frozen face, Everest, March 2008. Paul Gurney
  • Everest sunset, March 2008. Paul Gurney
  • How the challenges compare
  • 292 items of kit
  • Wind blowing over ice
  • Bright sunshine at Resolute
  • Living in the tent - at -38c
  • Looking slightly pensive!
  • Our tent on the sea ice
  • Preparing for another day of skiing
  • Southerly wind
  • Dealing with ice rubble
  • Playing cards during 58 hour tent session
  • Our 2nd resupply
  • Reaching the North Pole
  • Camping on the North Pole

The Challenge

The Challenge

In April 2013, Paul completed the Polar Race – walking to the Magnetic North Pole from Resolute Bay in Nunuvat (Canada). The 6 week challenge, ‘probably the toughest race on earth’ was followed by the infamous ‘Marathon des Sables’ (also ‘the toughest race on earth’), a 260km multi-day ultra marathon across the Sahara Desert.  more >

Maps & Tracking

Maps & Tracking

You can explore the full route to the North Pole and follow Paul’s progress with live maps that will plot his position each day as he progresses towards the pole  more >

Training

Training

Paul trains for 15-20 hours a week to physically prepare for the challenges and learn the key skills he needs to survive and succeed in two of the harshest environments on earth.  more >

VSO

VSO

VSO is the world’s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries (www.vso.org.uk). The Fire and Ice Challenge is aiming to raise £50,000 for VSO’s secure livelihoods programme  more >

Donations

Donations

We would be hugely appreciative if you can support this initiative, make a donation and help hit the £50,000 target. 100% of your donation to charity will reach VSO with no money from charity donations going towards to the cost of the challenges.  more >