Around the World in Seven Days

Over one million people around the world run a marathon each year. But for some, covering 42.2km in the likes of London, New York City and Berlin just isn’t enough. Nor is doing it just once in a week. For these people, a more daring challenge awaits: The Great World Race.

Founded by Ice Cap Adventures Ltd, The Great World Race consists of seven marathons across seven continents in one week. Starting at Wolf’s Fang in Antarctica, participants travel to and race in Cape Town, Africa; Perth, Australia; Istanbul, both sides of the Bosphorus Strait taking in Asia and Europe; and Cartagena, South America, before finishing with the final marathon in Miami, North America. The marathon locations range from purpose-built running clubs to city street circuits and ocean promenades to give the runners a variety of environments and experiences.

The event is sponsored by LUNGevity – the leading nonprofit that’s transforming how people are diagnosed and live with lung cancer through research, education and support – and participants pay an entry fee of €49,500. Among other things, the fee includes travel between locations by aircraft charter, without which the challenge would be impossible. For several years, this charter has been provided by ACS.

“For November 2024’s event, we used a VIP B767-300 configured with 96 lie-flat beds,” says Peter Philpott, Assistant Global Commercial Jets Director at ACS, who facilitates the charter. “This was chosen to provide passengers with the most comfortable configuration available. We also needed to use a large wide-body aircraft to make many of the distances direct (only two fuel stops were required). Several smaller, narrow-body aircraft can’t achieve this. The overall event must be completed in 168 hours and time is the most important factor, so we need to make sure we’re operating the most efficient routings with as few stops as possible.”

Unsurprisingly, making sure the competitors complete all the marathons within the allotted time presents a logistical challenge. ACS works closely with the race organisers to establish a schedule that suits both the airline (considering airport opening hours and crew rest requirements) and the competitors so they can run at favourable times to perform at their best (in daylight hours or avoiding the heat of the midday sun). There’s also bespoke nutritional support on board each flight to ensure runners are well-fuelled for the next leg.

“All meals were geared towards the needs of the competitors,” continues Peter. “These were simple, hearty dishes chosen by ACS and the client that enabled the passengers to get the best level of nutrition possible before each marathon. We also made sure that sports drinks, water and suitable snacks were available throughout each flight in the galley areas so competitors would always have these things available to them as needed. The timings of the meals were also important. We organised for food to be served as soon after take-off as possible and as close to landing as possible so that competitors maximised the time they could rest or sleep on each flight.”

Race Director David Kelly reflects: “While it’s an exceptionally busy week with all the logistics of the marathons and travel, it’s extremely rewarding to see the happy emotions on all the racers’ faces as they cross the finish line in Miami, knowing what they have achieved. The 2024 event was an outstanding success. Hillary Kupish broke the women’s world record for the fastest average time per marathon on seven continents within a seven-day period, taking close to 15 minutes per marathon off the old record. We saw the youngest (Merrick Chernett aged 18) and oldest (Dan Little aged 81) people ever to complete the challenge take part. We also had two cancer survivors, Sean Swarner and Greg Gerardy – each with one lung – complete the event, and Bex Openshaw Rowe, a firefighter from Wales, did all seven marathons in a full fire suit with oxygen tank.”

As well as 54 competitors, there were a further 23 passengers on board during the 2024 race made up of event organisers, support staff, medical staff, camera crews and ACS representatives. ACS has offices around the world, so is in an ideal position to provide local expertise and additional support where needed. ACS representatives arrived at each airport before the passengers and left only after all the passengers had gone, ensuring the process through each airport was as smooth as possible, extending unforgettable ACS service to the runners to make sure they could focus on achieving the best race time possible.

“I’ve gone along on the trip several times in the past – it’s so much fun. The thrill of the logistical challenge is what keeps me coming back to it each year,” concludes Peter.

To feel the thrill for yourself and to find out more, visit thegreatworldrace.com

MY RACE EXPERIENCE

“The Great World Race is a true test of mental will and physical limits, pushing you to discover what you’re truly capable of beyond your perceived boundaries,” says Bill Murphy, a participant. “It’s an incredibly emotional week filled with camaraderie. Runners support and uplift one another through the journey. With dedicated training for both body and mind, anyone can successfully complete seven marathons in seven days across seven continents. This race not only challenges you physically, but also fosters lifelong bonds and friendships.”