Maps and Tracking

On this page you can see the maps for the Polar Race and the Marathon Des Sables. Paul went to the arctic with a 'Yellow Brick' tracking device which took GPS coordinates of his position every hour as he made his way across the artic ocean. The Marathon Des Sables map is illustrative as the route changes every year and is kept secret until the very last moment. You can 'fly' MDS route in Google Earth by downloading the KML file here

Polar Race - Live GPS Tracking

Whilst Paul is racing to the North Pole, you can track his position using his GPS transmitter.Following the start of the race on April 4th, you will see Paul's position on the below map - this is updated every 4 hours. Please do not worry if it seems if Paul is not moving - it is likely weather will be preventing him from moving.. The team are monitored 24 hours a day and there are many safety protocols in place.

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 >

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 >