Marathon runners race on drifting sea ice at the North Pole.

23 runners from seven countries took part in the Arctic Geographic North Pole Race, which organizers said was dubbed “the world’s best marathon”.

The competition took place on the floating sea ice of the Arctic geographic North Pole, and the competitors arrived from Norway on the French polar ship Le Comante Charcot.

They disembark to run a 1,055-meter loop on the ice below, wearing thermal gear and life jackets as safety standards, while armed rangers monitor the polar bears around the perimeter.

In the women’s category, Denmark’s Ricke Dam won in 6:54:02 and China’s Wang Shengxian in 3:52:22. Hours after the race, the course disappeared along with the ice, organizers said.

Video edited by Ian Aikman