While embarking on a trip to the Antarctic, a must-stop for travelers is King George Island. The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George is home to a number of research stations from various countries, employing scientists and their families to stay year-round and create their own village.
Travelers visiting during late February or early March might get the witness the Antarctica Marathon, which began in 1995 and was the first sporting event to be held in Antarctica. The course follows a gravel road that connects the bases for Russia, Uruguay, Chile and China. The race both starts and finishes at the Russian Base, Bellingshausen Station.
This has paved the way for other marathons to take place on the island. During the Antarctica Marathon, those who do not want to run the 26.2 miles can partake in the half marathon that's held at the same time.
In addition to watching the marathon runners contend with conditions they may have never come into contact with before, there are also creatures to spot on King George Island such as elephants and leopard seals.
