73-year-old US woman becomes oldest to complete marathons on North Pole and Antarctica
On 31 July 2024, 18 runners set out from a slick stretch of ice next to a massive ship and ran into the heart of the tundra, as part of one of the most unique races on planet earth – the North Pole Marathon.
These athletes braved freezing temperatures and the slushy surface of the ice floe as they traversed 26.2 miles across the Arctic, completing loop after loop around a track marred by melting glaciers and spotted with curious polar bears.
Among the runners was 73-year-old Susan Ragon (USA), a marathon-master from Massachusetts, and the oldest person to complete the North Pole Marathon (female). After 8 hr 58 min 33 sec, Susan crossed the icy finish line and became the oldest female to complete the race – securing herself an impressive new Guinness World Records title and cementing her legacy as an award-winning marathoner on both sides of the globe.
Over three decades, Susan ran that infamous 26.2-mile race over 48 times, taking home a Grand Slam title for finishing marathons in all seven continents and both Poles. In 2019, she held the record for oldest person to complete the Antarctic Ice Marathon (female) at the age of 69 years 92 days, making this her second Guinness World Records title, before she was overtaken by the 69-year 154-day-old Christine Hobson (UK) in 2022.
“I started running at age 43, and after numerous marathons I wanted a more ambitious challenge,” said Susan. “The Antarctica race logistics were daunting – no hotels, just tents, and weather so unpredictable that even after the long journey, the race might not happen. But those very challenges made it irresistible.
“The North Pole was entirely different. Not only was I a bit older at age 73, but getting to 90°N meant travelling on an icebreaker for two weeks, knowing the race could be canceled if no safe spot was found. The backup plan? Running laps around the ship’s deck! Fortunately, we located a 350-metre loop on the ice, and I ran around it 120 times.”
She added that: “Both experiences were extraordinary and tested my resilience and adaptability in ways I’ll never forget. They also gave me a firsthand view of the devastating impact of climate change, from melting glaciers to newly formed ‘rivers’ in the Arctic – a humbling reminder of the challenges facing our planet.”
Surprisingly, Susan prepared for her Arctic marathon like she would any other race – gradually increasing mileage, cross-training, and maintaining a healthy diet. She also made sure to focus on running on flat surfaces that replicated the slick terrain, and incorporated swimming and cycling to keep up her endurance in the freezing environment.
“Despite being older (more than a decade older than the next oldest female runner!) I felt confident in my ability to finish,” she said.
Once she arrived at the North Pole on a massive hybrid-electric polar exploration ship, the runners had to wait to make sure that the temperature and climate would be hospitable to their race. Yet Susan didn’t need long to acclimatize – she was used to the freezing temperatures, after living in Massachusetts!
“Surprisingly, it felt warmer than Boston winters!” she said. “The North Pole's milder temperatures were easier than what I’m used to running in at home.
“With temperatures in the mid-30s and 24/7 daylight, the experience was surreal. Completing the North Pole meant achieving both poles, all seven continents, and earning the prestigious Grand Slam medal – an incredible milestone that made the journey even more rewarding.”
Along the route, Susan drank in the ice-cold Arctic air, and watched as the pale-blue sky faded into white snow. Curious creatures like birds and bears would poke their heads out to take a look at the runners, and the marathoners loved watching the environment become a part of their race.
“The polar bears were unforgettable, and the breathtaking glaciers, vast ocean, endless skies, and unique birdlife made the experience truly magical,” Susan said.
Unfortunately, not everything went smoothly: “With just two miles left, I slipped in a puddle, fell on the ice,” she said. “Turns out I broke my wrist!”
Yet that didn’t stop the determined runner from reaching the finish line – and nearly eight hours after she began, Susan joyfully rushed through the tape.
“For anyone considering a similar challenge, my advice is simple: research thoroughly, prepare diligently, and embrace the unpredictability,” she said. “Conditions won’t always be perfect, so you need to train no matter how wet or cold the weather.
“But, with the right mindset, you’ll uncover your resilience and create lifelong memories. Believe in your ability to adapt and overcome – don’t let doubts hold you back.”
She also made sure to highlight the power of community when completing these exhausting records – saying that it can be inspirational to watch others achieve their dreams. Susan gave a shout out to her running mates Billy Hafferty, Duane Wesemann, Mauritz Jansen van Rensburg, Jerry Grove, Katherine Kowalchek, and Kate Kennedy for their performances, as well as pilots and marathoners Ken Ozkaptan and Brian Sennett.
“A special thank you to both my first trainer, John Mortimer, who helped me break four hours at age 46, and my current trainer, Patrick, who has been by my side for the past 15 years. Despite Patrick’s impressive 2:38 personal record in the Boston Marathon, he always runs at my pace, offering endless support and encouragement. Having a wonderful team, as I do, makes marathoning such a joy!” she said.
And throughout all her accomplishments, Susan credits her husband Terry for his endless support.
“Most importantly, my deepest gratitude is for my husband, Terry, who introduced me to running back in the day as a shared hobby,” she reflected. “His unwavering belief in me continues to inspire everything I do.”
And no doubt that Susan will carry this support with her all the way to the Sydney Marathon this August, where she will be attempting to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Best of luck, Susan – you are Officially Amazing!