Tracking
the Journey

  • Distance to go: 0 Mi
    Distance

    Ben and Tarka will cover 1800 miles starting from Scott's Terra Nova Hut at the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back to the coast again. That's equivalent to 69 back-to-back marathons hauling up to 200kg each (the weight of roughly two adult men) of kit and supplies necessary to survive.

    Distances here are shown in statute miles.

Ben and Tarka Make History (Official Announcement)

S77° 50' 53.88", E166° 46' 15.96"

Duration: 5 Hr

Daily distance: 11.1 Mi

Distance to go: 0 Mi

Altitude: 26 Ft

On Friday 7th February at 01.15am  Ben and Tarka have re-written history as they completed, for the first time ever, the ill-fated journey of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s iconic Terra Nova expedition.

Having trekked 1,795 miles across the inhospitable landscape of Antarctica on a return journey to the South Pole and back, Ben and Tarka have achieved the world record for the longest polar journey on foot in history.

The journey, which has taken a total of 105 days (just over ¼ of a year), has pushed the limits of physical and mental fortitude and reset the bar for polar expeditions of the future. Ben and Tarka hauled sleds with a starting weight of almost 200kg each and walked on average 17 miles daily in temperatures as low as -46oC wind chill.

Ben Saunders said, “It is almost impossible to comprehend what we have achieved. Completing Scott’s Terra Nova expedition has been a life-long dream and I’m overcome to be standing here at the finish. The journey has been a mammoth undertaking that has tested the bounds of our bodies and minds each and every day.” 

“At times we found ourselves in dire straits in the intense cold, wind and altitude of the high plateau, weakened by half-rations and closer to the brink of survival than I had ever anticipated this journey taking us. In that light, both Tarka and I feel a combination of awe and profound respect for the endurance, tenacity and fortitude of Captain Scott and his team, a century ago.”

Captain Scott and his men died having covered almost 1,600 miles and this feat has never been surpassed in over 100 years, until today.

Land Rover and Intel are co-presenting partners of the Scott Expedition and have both played an important role in facilitating the expedition. Land Rover having assisted Ben in his training which has taken him to many inaccessible places across the UK, Europe and Greenland; and Intel provided Ultrabooks powered by its latest 4th generation Intel® CoreTM processor technology allowing Ben and Tarka to share their journey with the world along the way in their daily blog (www.scottexpedition.com/blog). Intel put the technology through its paces over several weeks prior to Ben and Tarka’s departure by freezing the Ultrabooks at temperatures of -40C.

Mark Cameron Jaguar Land Rover Director, Brand Experience “ It has been a true privilege for Land Rover to have played a part in this incredible expedition.  I have followed Ben and Tarka each day, trying in some small way to live the experience so vividly and eloquently described through Ben’s blog. To complete this journey has taken the very highest levels of physical and mental fortitude as well as a sheer determination to succeed.”

“We all need heroes, incredible individuals or teams to provide inspiration to spur us on to achieve better for ourselves and the people around us.  There are few feats of any description that exemplify more appropriately the Land Rover mantra of going ‘Above and Beyond’.  Congratulations Ben and Tarka.”

Commenting on Intel’s support of the Scott Expedition, Patrick Bliemer, Regional Manager for Intel Northern Europe, said: “We are honoured to have played a small part in this record-breaking Scott Expedition by Ben and Tarka.  We are incredibly proud that Intel technology has helped him share his experiences with audiences around the world – this unprecedented access is the first of its kind and one which will change the future of expeditions to come.”

Ben will be in touch shortly with the full low down and pictures from this historic moment. In the meantime - a massive thank you to all of you, our amazing followers. World - let's celebrate!

Comments

# Mitch M, February 7th 2014

Way to go!

# P Stanners, February 7th 2014

Epic lads, truly epic. I’ve been following you both the whole way and it’s been inspirational to say the least.

I’m sure I won’t be alone in raising a glass to you both later!

Good effort! :)

# Mike Milchanowski, February 7th 2014

Congratulations Ben and Tarka! From the first time I saw Ben’s Ted talk year ago, I have followed the training, planning and now completion of this monumental journey. Heros indeed!

- Mike

# Stef, February 7th 2014

Brilliant. Absolutely bloody brilliant!!!! 10 years in the making and you never, ever gave up. So proud of you Ben. Soak it up mate. You’ve earned every bit of it. Absolute legend.

# gail rose, February 7th 2014

Congratulations.  Looking forward for the final posts and pictures .  Hope you will post some comments in a few months to let us know how you are doing and your thoughts of the journey completed.  Take care.

# MarinaK, February 7th 2014

MASSIVE…

# Nansen, February 16th 2014

It’s great that there still remains the opportunity for future expedition to accomplish the first unsupported Scott journey.  The dream remains alive for another day.

# Deacon Patrick, February 7th 2014

Congratulations! Wow! May God startle you with joy on your return home.

With abandon,
Patrick

# sandra and jim pitblado, February 7th 2014

AMAZING!!! GOOD BLESS AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONGRATULATING YOU IN PERSON BEFORE TOO LONG!  WORDS FAIL..XOXOX

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

We are so happy for you!  Warmest hugs from Southern California!

# CaninesCashews, February 7th 2014

Well its 02.10 in the morning here in London, and I have just had the most fantastic evening/morning following this epic adventure to its conclusion.

I have shared that experience with strangers and friends from many countries as we all watched a tiny red tracker marker move towards its ultimate goal.

Great stuff from everyone involved on the Expedition Team – from the guys and girls at HQ, the partners and sponsors through to the families waiting and watching, and then to those two guys who dragged heavy things around a very cold place.

Well done everyone – see you on here tomorrow.

Gav.

# Heidi, February 7th 2014

Well said.

# Mal Owen, February 7th 2014

Congratulations to Ben,Tarka and Team,
What a night that was ...
You’ve given me 105 and a bit days I shall never, ever forget. It has been a privilege to accompany you on your journey. You faced the challenge of Antarctica and won with awesome physical and mental strength. Enjoy your future dreams….you know you can fulfil them.

# Jon Trusler, February 7th 2014

Congrats guys!  :D
My favorite quote for times like this is from Terry Goodkind.

“Deserve Victory”

You do.
Your victory is set in the history books forever!

# Phil Uzzell, February 7th 2014

You strove, you sought, you found… and you did not yield. You truely deserve your place in history.

# Lucy Scott, February 7th 2014

Amazing news!  Congratulations Ben and Tarka!  An absolutely phenomenal feat!  Absolutely thrilled for you!  Toasting your incredible achievement in Yorkshire this evening!

# Rich Townsend, February 7th 2014

Fantastic news, guys! You’ve earned every scrap of delicious food you’ve been fantasizing about over the past months—I hope it tastes as good as you’ve imagined!

# Iyad Obeid, February 7th 2014

Congratulations! What an epic effort. I’ve been reading along every day and I’m thrilled to know you’ve made it. Enjoy your rest and your food. You’ve earned it!

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