December 25, 2008, South Pole Station -- Len Shulman
Holiday Celebrations
Christmas Day at the South Pole begins with the famous “Race Around the World.” This is a 2.3-mile course over the snow around the geographic pole, cutting through all the time zones of the world.
This is no easy task at nearly 10,000 feet running over soft snow. It was a gray summer day at Pole; only –20F wind chill.
The dress du jour is any outrageous costume that can be made or rescued from “skua,” the rag bucket.
Some of the runners are real athletes, and they completed the course in 12 to 15 minutes; I finished in 36.
One of the fuel technicians carried a drum completely around the course.
Fortunately it was only half full! (Grin)
Every sort of conveyance is decorated and driven around the track.
There are even chariots of fire and bicycles!
From celebrities to cows, everyone gets into the act.
Finally, after a tough 36 minutes, the triumphal “Rocky Hero” shot.
Afterwards, everyone gets a “Race Around the World” shirt.
