Amid the perishing antarctic snow, intrepid sportsmen and women limbered up for an ice marathon, 600 miles from the south pole.
Thrill-seekers from 17 different countries flew to the seventh continent to take part in the 42.2 kilometre race (26.2 miles)
Jogging across the glacial landscape, it is imperative these ultra-athletes keep hydrated.
Bitter winds from the south pole blow fast across the silent landscape.
The coldest temperature ever recorded on earth was at Russian Vostok station in Antartica in 1983: a perishing -89°C (-129°F). Steel will shatter and water will explode into ice crystals at this temperature.
With frequent drink stops at aid stations, all of the 36 runners made it across the 26 mile finish line. French banker, Clement tevenei came first, setting a new record for the ice marathon three hours 47 minutes. He didn't relish doing it again
“Maybe I will be back for hiking, but the marathon, I do it once and that’s it”
Londoner Yvonne Brown came first in the women’s race, crossing the finish line in just under four hours. She was running the ice marathon to raise money for the cancer treatment of three american children who need specialised treatment to help fight the illness. Brown herself lost her seven-year-old son, Jack, to neuroblastoma in 2009.
Before the marathon she told the BBC: "This is one of the most difficult marathons in the world. I hope to reflect the challenge these children face.
"This is one of the most challenging physical and mental challenge I will ever undertake, with the exception of losing Jack."