THE LAST DESERT (ANTARCTICA)
ANTARCTICA'S ONLY MULTI-STAGE FOOTRACE

The Last Desert (Antarctica) is part of the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series which was named by TIME magazine as one of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world.

The Last Desert 2024 is the tenth edition of the race and takes place from 26 November to 6 December 2024.

Around half of those competing in The Last Desert will join the 4 Deserts Club when they cross the final finish line.

The Last Desert remains the only multi-day stage race on the Antarctic continent.

Approximately 30% of the competitor field is female and 70% percent is male.

All competitors for The Last Desert must qualify for the race by having successfully completed at least two of the  RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathons.

Approximately fifteen competitors will complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam (a competition to complete all 4 Deserts in one calendar year), concluding at The Last Desert 2024. In total, only 89 individuals have achieved a 4 Deserts Grand Slam title so far. Several will attempt the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus.

The starting point for The Last Desert (Antarctica) is Ushuaia in Argentina, a town at the very southern tip of Argentina.

NBC Sports, MBC and TransWorld, among other networks, produced a film of The Last Desert (Antarctica).

Competitors will board an expedition ship to sail across the Drake Passage – the expedition ship will be their base for the duration of the race.

Many competitors are raising money for charities through The Last Desert (Antarctica).

Competitors may have the opportunity to swim in the frigid Antarctica waters.

Approximately forty individuals are expected to compete in The Last Desert 2024 – view the competitor list for full details.

The history of the past explorers and whaling era as well as the fascinating wildlife give Antarctica its culture – and it has both of these in abundance!

South Shetland Islands, Wiencke Island, Port Lockroy, Petermann Island, Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour, Aitcho Island, Cuverville Island and Dorian Bay are just some of the locations where stages of The Last Desert could take place.

The terrain is largely snow that varies in depth from just a few centimeters to more than one meter.

Temperatures on the course could reach as low as -20°C / -4°F.