Canadians Kevin Vallely, Ray Zahab, and Richard Weber (left to right) celebrate at the South Pole ceremonial marker after they broke the world speed record for an unsupported expedition to the South Pole. (PRNewsFoto/Ray Zahab)
The intrepid three fulfilled a goal by setting the world record for the fastest unsupported, unassisted journey across Antarctica from Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole and blogging with students about it along the way.
The three men shattered the previous record of 39 days - set earlier in the winter - by arriving at the South Pole in 33 days, 23 hours, and 30 minutes!
Ray traveled exclusively on foot and on snowshoes, while Richard and Kevin skied, more than 700 miles (1130 kilometres).
Along the way, the impossible2Possible (i2P) team survived altitude sickness, enormous blisters, endless frozen snow drifts known as sastrugi, and blinding whiteouts to achieve the record.
They were powered by a 7,
000 calorie-per-day diet of pemmican, butter, other high calorie goodies, and lots and lots of Gatorade.
But the South Pole Quest wasn't just about speed. The expedition was notable for its groundbreaking interactive features, its efforts in educating and inspiring youth, and its research component - more information is available on the website at www.southpolequest.com.
Sastrugi at the South Pole.
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