In early January, Gill Punt took on a challenge like no other—the Arctic Polar Night Marathon. Running a marathon is tough enough, but doing it in the Norwegian Arctic with sub-zero temperatures plunging to -24°C, complete darkness, and icy, hilly terrain took things to a whole new level. Yet, despite the harsh conditions, we’re thrilled to share that Gill achieved a Guinness World Record with a time of 4:58:29—just scraping under the required 5-hour mark! This incredible experience also contributed an additional £22,000 to the ongoing fundraising total of £1.94 million. We are thrilled with Gill’s success and very proud to have contributed some running TORQ gels, SIS gels, Clif Bars, TORQ Flapjacks and a BioLite battery pack. Read on about Gill’s incredible race below in her own words!
An Unforgettable Arctic Experience
The race began at 1 pm, just as the sun dipped below the horizon, in the picturesque hamlet of Sjøtun, nestled by a fjord on the island of Kvaløya. From there, the route wound its way along majestic fjords, over a challenging mountain pass, and through quaint villages before finally reaching the island of Tromsøya and the city of Tromsø.
The environment was surreal—the only sound was the crunch of crampons on the snow, occasionally interrupted by the eerie howling of Arctic wolves. Yet, amidst the freezing darkness, there were moments of pure magic. The scenery was breathtaking, and the support from locals was heartwarming. Following coverage on Norwegian TV, children stood along the route, waving their polar bear drawings in encouragement. And as if planned by nature itself, the Northern Lights danced across the sky during the final stretch, a fittingly spectacular end to an unforgettable race.
Fueling the Journey
This journey wasn’t just about endurance—it was about perseverance, resilience, and the incredible support I received. Base Camp Food’s supplies—both food and charger—kept me going, reminding me that this challenge was about more than just setting a record. It was about contributing to a cause that matters deeply.
Thank You for Your Support
I am immensely grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this adventure, both in spirit and through generous donations. Your encouragement meant the world.
If you know of anyone who would like to contribute, please share this journey and direct them to my CRUK Giving Page. Every donation brings us one step closer to making a difference.
Thank you once again to Base Camp Food for being a part of this incredible journey.
