VIDEO SHOWS: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FIRST TWO LEGS OF THE WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE RESENDING WITH SCRIPT SHOWS: NOVO, ANTARCTICA (JANUARY 31, 2026) (HUTC - No archive, no resales) 1. CLOSE UP OF FLAGS BLOWING IN THE WIND 2. COMPETITORS START THE RACE 3. COMPETITORS RUNNING NOVO, ANTARCTICA (JANUARY 31, 2026) (HUTC - No archive, no resales) (MUTE) 4. DRONE SHOT OF RUNNERS NOVO, ANTARCTICA (JANUARY 31, 2026) (HUTC - No archive, no resales) 5. VARIOUS OF RUNNERS THROUGHOUT THE RACE 6. MALE WINNER SHENGXIAN WANG CROSSING FINISH LINE AND RECEIVING MEDAL 7. FEMALE WINNER BETH REED CROSSING FINISH LINE AND RECEIVING MEDAL CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (FEBRUARY 1, 2026) (HUTC - No archive, no resales) 8. COMPETITORS AT THE START OF RACE TWO CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA (FEBRUARY 1, 2026) (HUTC - No archive, no resales) (MUTE) 9. DRONE SHOT OF RUNNERS 10. MIKE WARDAIN (USA) AND SHENGXIAN WANG (CHINA) 11. FEMALE WINNER BETH REED RUNNING 12. MALE WINNER WARDIAN CROSSING THE FINISH LINE 12. REED CROSSING THE FINISH LINE 13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FEMALE WINNER, BETH REED, ON RACE AND DIFFERING CONDITIONS: "I have to say I'd prefer this, honestly, but no, feel pretty good so far." STORY: The first two legs of the World Marathon Challenge are complete, as competitors raced against the clock in one of the toughest endurance events on the planet. The opening leg was held at Ultima Base in Antarctica on Saturday (January, 31) starting at under clear blue skies. Despite the extreme location, conditions were favourable by Antarctic standards as the 168-hour countdown to complete seven marathons on seven continents officially began. Fifty-six runners from 20 countries took to the ice, facing temperatures well below freezing. In the men’s race, the lead changed hands several times during the early laps between American Mike Wardian and China’s Shengxian Wang. In the women’s field, Beth Reed of the United States and Britain’s Linda Blakely set the early pace. As the race progressed, conditions deteriorated. Temperatures dropped, winds strengthened, and loose snow made the course increasingly challenging. Shengxian Wang maintained control in the men’s race, winning in a time of 3 hours, 28 minutes and 24 seconds. Mike Wardian finished second in 3:35:00. In the women’s race, Beth Reed claimed victory in 4:04:51. Wind chill temperatures fell to –7 degrees celsius as the remainder of the field battled through worsening conditions. Within ten hours of arriving on the frozen continent, all runners boarded an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft and departed for Cape Town. The flight provided a critical window for rest, recovery, and refuelling ahead of the next stage. The second leg took place at Sea Point in Cape Town on Sunday (February 1). After just 15 hours of recovery time, runners lined up for their second marathon in less than 24 hours, starting at 06:06 local time. Conditions were favourable early, with cooler temperatures before the morning mist cleared and heat built later in the race. In the men’s event, American ultrarunner Mike Wardian claimed victory, crossing the line in 2:49:37. In the women’s race, Beth Reed secured her second consecutive win of the challenge. With a second-place finish in Cape Town, Shengxian Wang retains the overall men’s lead by just 24 seconds after two legs, setting up a tight contest as the race moves to Perth, Australia. The battle for supremacy is shaping up as a closely fought duel between the United States and China. In the women’s standings, Beth Reed has established a commanding early lead as the challenge continues. Competitors now head to Perth in Australia, followed by Dubai in Asia, Madrid in Europe, Fortaleza, Brazil in South America and Miami in North America. (Production: Lucy Thomson) (The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
