Join Churchill’s Polar Bear Marathon: Mascots and Drivers Needed

The annual Polar Bear Marathon in Churchill, Canada, is set to take place on November 22, 2023, and organizers are seeking volunteers to enhance the unique experience. This marathon, which combines the thrill of running with the challenges of sub-Arctic conditions, invites participants from around the globe to embrace the cold and the wildlife that surrounds it.

The event is not your typical marathon. Participants must navigate frigid temperatures while hoping to avoid encounters with local polar bears. According to organizer Albert Martens, “It’s not meant to be easy.” This sentiment resonates with the small group of dedicated runners who arrive in Churchill each year specifically for the challenge. They endure the cold, don thermal layers, and run through biting winds, all while paying substantial fees to participate.

Volunteer Opportunities Abound

Organizers are particularly looking for individuals willing to wear oversized polar bear costumes to cheer on the runners. Two mascots are needed to boost morale at the start and finish lines, and according to official guidelines, they may even sprint the last 20 meters alongside exhausted participants. For this enthusiastic role, mascots will receive $100 and the chance to entertain locals and tourists alike.

Another vital role involves volunteer drivers who will escort runners during the event. Due to the presence of actual polar bears in the area, these drivers serve as mobile safety chaperones, ensuring participants remain safe from wildlife. “Each runner is escorted by a safety vehicle… just to make sure they’re safe,” Martens explained. For their efforts, drivers will be compensated $50 for fuel, gain access to the post-race banquet, and collect stories they can share for years to come. A matching meeting for drivers and runners will take place at the Seaport Hotel on November 21 at 19:00.

A Unique Spectacle for Spectators

Spectators are encouraged to gather at the finish line outside the Seaport Hotel to witness this extraordinary event. They will see determined runners braving the elements, and the sight of a giant polar bear mascot cheering them on will surely add to the spectacle. Martens emphasizes the importance of community support, stating, “We welcome everyone to come out and cheer on the runners as they persevere through the long run.”

While the field of participants is modest, typically numbering between eight and twenty runners, the impact of the Polar Bear Marathon is significant. Athletes have traveled from as far away as Mexico, Morocco, Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand, and various locations across North America.

Martens himself is no stranger to extreme races, having completed endurance events in some of the world’s harshest climates, including Death Valley and the Sahara Desert. He understands why athletes seek out such challenges, stating, “People don’t come for it to be easy. They come because it’s supposed to be hard.” The rewards for participants extend beyond medals; they earn the title of having run where polar bears typically roam, and those who complete the course may also receive a soapstone bear sculpture as a keepsake.

The Polar Bear Marathon stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure and the desire for unique experiences, drawing individuals who thrive on overcoming adversity in captivating natural settings. For those interested in volunteering for this remarkable event, contact [email protected] for mascot inquiries or [email protected] for driving opportunities.