With his Greek flag proudly held high and ice smothered across his face, Greece's Argyrios Papathanasopoulos, celebrated after winning the North Pole Marathon, the northernmost race on Earth and what is referred to as "the coolest marathon."
Over 60 athletes from over 20 nations took part in this year's annual event which takes place at Camp Barneo, known as North Pole Camp, which is located 49 kilometres from the top of the world.
“Almost unbelievable. You know I’m a Greek guy so this is not the right place for me; it’s like an Eskimo running a race in the desert,” he said after winning at 4 hours and 34 minutes.
Runners braved conditions of -33 degrees Celsius as well as contending with soft snow and small ice pressure ridges along the way.
