Tri-Service
Army Reservists Prepare For Epic Antarctica Challenge
A six-man team of British Army reservists is currently preparing for the ultimate endurance challenge, in one of the world's most inhospitable environments.
They're to attempt to ski over 1,100 miles unsupported across the polar continent to the Geographic South Pole, before receiving a re-supply of rations and fuel and continuing onwards to complete a full traverse of Antarctica, in an expedition dubbed 'Spear 17'.
The feat, which has only been achieved by six people so far, is hoped to raise £100,000 for ABF The Soldiers' Charity, while raising the profile and highlighting the capabilities of the Army Reserves.
It's never been attempted by an Army Reserves team before.
The team expect to arrive at the Pole by the end of December or early January and complete the full traverse by the end of that month, after being dropped on the Antarctica coastline by ski plane in November.
Each man will be hauling an individual pulk - a type of sledge without runners - weighing around 160kg (350lb), which will contain everything they need to survive for three months.
The team will be completely self-sufficient and aren't intending to receive any form of resupply or outside assistance until they reach the Pole.
Challenges along the way will include harsh polar weather, crevasses, whiteout conditions, a climb from sea level to 10,000ft, isolation from the outside world and the mental and physical battle of manhauling their pulks across the ice, with Antarctica the coldest (-93°C), windiest and most inhospitable place on the planet.
You can find out more about the expedition here.
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