North Pole speed record attempt

Polar explorer Ben Saunders is off again on another expedition. This time, he’s trying to break the North Pole speed record, but he’s doing it solo and unsupported.

In 2005 a guided team using dog sleds and several air-drops of food reached the Pole in 36 days, 22 hours, and in 2010 a Canadian team reached the Pole on foot in 41 days, 18 hours with one resupply flight. Ben is travelling alone and on foot, and will have no support en route.

Ben’s had rotten luck on his last two attempts (broken equipment and spoiled food); here’s hoping this time goes a lot better.

• Ben Saunders
• North Pole

Ben Saunders off to the North Pole

And so adventurer Ben Saunders is off again on one of his little jaunts. This time, he’s headed to the North Pole in 30 days, skiing alone and unsupported, attempting to shave six days off the 2005 record set by an entire team that used dog sleds and resupplying. Dangerous? Yep: his equipment page has a “bear safety” section. Watch his journal (and perhaps his Twitter) for updates…he’ll be posting entries and photos via satellite phone as soon as he gets underway.

• Ben Saunders
• North Pole