World Marathon Challenge starts in Antarctica

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The World Marathon Challenge (WMC) kicked off on Tuesday, and the first race started in Novo, Antarctica.

The WMC has been held annually since 2015, and has become more and more influential. Competitors range from school teachers and dentists to ultra-runners and tech moguls.

View of Antarctica. /VCG Photo

The squad of this year is unprecedented, with 55 runners from all over the world, and including three Chinese competitors: Jian Feibao, Li Jianhong and Li Xiaobo.

Described as logistical and physical challenge, competitors must run the standard 42.2 km (26.2 mile) marathon distance in Antarctica, Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, South America and North America within 168 hours - or 7 days - and if that didn't seem hard enough, the unpredictable and capricious weather adds an extra challenge in this high-intensity competition.

Orientation before the competition. /Sohu Photo

Scroll down to see some facts you need to know about this crazy competition:-

The first marathon takes place within the Antarctic Circle and will ends in Miami, Florida in the United States.

The WMC is the only annual event that gives runners the opportunity to run seven marathons on seven continents within seven days.

Competitors take charter flights to every location.

Competitors run 295 kilometers (183 miles) during the seven days, and will typically spend 48 hours in the air.

Chinese competitor Jin Feibao. /Sohu.com

And according to the report from Sina Runner, the results of the Chinese competitors' first run are as follows:-

Li Xiaobo: 5h 40m 27s

Jin Feibao: 5h 53m 43s

Li Jianhong: 6h 49m 11s

The event is covered by many in the global media including Reuters and ESPN.