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Race to the Pole
New Year`s Day, 2009. Somewhere on the bottom of the world, six teams of adventurers and explorers have gathered to race one another, on foot, to the South Pole. It is the first time that anyone has undertaken such a race in almost a hundred years; the first time since the great Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, beat Captain Scott to the same goal in 1911. The stakes are high, as double-Olympic Gold-winning medallist James Cracknell and TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle must contend with hidden crevasses, frostbite and the favourites to a team of teak-hard former soldiers from Norway, trained in Arctic warfare. Temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees Celsius lie in store for the teams as they attempt to ski across 800 kilometres of unforgiving, icy wilderness, pulling behind them sledges laden with equipment, tents and food. Race to the Pole is a rip-roaring `boy`s own` adventure packed with excitement, humour and even a few tears. But with just a few months to learn to cross-country ski before the start, and with national pride at stake, can Ben and James re-write history and beat the Norwegians?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 24, 2022
Puts a new perspective on my moans about walking to the shop when my shoes rub.
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September 29, 2020DNF at page 56.
I have had this book for more years than I care to remember. This may actually be part of the reason why I haven't taken to it as I thought that I would. I bought it at a time that I was really interested in the race, and whilst I don't dispute that it is a great accomplishment, I think that my own passion for it has gone. The book is split between Ben's perspective on the race and James's. Whilst this gives, on the one hand, a fascinating insight into how various events can be interpreted differently between the two teammates, on the other hand it is done in a way which means that everything is analysed finitely. By the time I had reached page 56, I felt as though I wanted to rush them along. Whilst I understand that the preparation and training for an event like this would be immense, I just didn't seem to have the patience for it.
It is a shame; I really don't think that it is the fault of Ben or James that I couldn't really engage with this book. I really do think that I just wasn't able to engage with it due to the amount of time that had passed since originally buying it.
I have had this book for more years than I care to remember. This may actually be part of the reason why I haven't taken to it as I thought that I would. I bought it at a time that I was really interested in the race, and whilst I don't dispute that it is a great accomplishment, I think that my own passion for it has gone. The book is split between Ben's perspective on the race and James's. Whilst this gives, on the one hand, a fascinating insight into how various events can be interpreted differently between the two teammates, on the other hand it is done in a way which means that everything is analysed finitely. By the time I had reached page 56, I felt as though I wanted to rush them along. Whilst I understand that the preparation and training for an event like this would be immense, I just didn't seem to have the patience for it.
It is a shame; I really don't think that it is the fault of Ben or James that I couldn't really engage with this book. I really do think that I just wasn't able to engage with it due to the amount of time that had passed since originally buying it.
February 17, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I found it entertaining and inspiring. I liked the fact that you got to read about two people's experience in one book and it was great to see the different points of view. It would've been good to hear from the third member of the team but overall i thought that this was a great read!
April 11, 2019
Another great read by Ben Fogle and James Cracknell about their participation in the 2009 Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. Together with Ed Coats, they were one of six teams taking part in this 700km race.
The book is written in the alternating voices of Ben and James as they prepared for the race for 15 months and then the month long acclimatisation trek and race itself. There were plenty of dramas in the run up to the race with finding and losing a team mate and then finding a replacement. And some fairly dramatic health issues too.
James is typically very driven and determined to finish first whereas Ben is just focussed on finishing. This can cause conflict, as it did when the pair of them rowed across the Atlantic in 2005-2006. James comes across as a bit of a nightmare to be around with his supreme confidence, athleticism and sheer grit but I did enjoy his writing which made me laugh many times. I love their friendship despite having such different personalities and ways of approaching these huge challenges they undertake.
As you can imagine with any such adventure there is plenty of drama and unexpected events to keep the reader gripped from start to finish. Both write very honestly and it was a great read. I wish we'd heard Ed's voice too and it made me wonder why he didn't join in with the book.
The book is written in the alternating voices of Ben and James as they prepared for the race for 15 months and then the month long acclimatisation trek and race itself. There were plenty of dramas in the run up to the race with finding and losing a team mate and then finding a replacement. And some fairly dramatic health issues too.
James is typically very driven and determined to finish first whereas Ben is just focussed on finishing. This can cause conflict, as it did when the pair of them rowed across the Atlantic in 2005-2006. James comes across as a bit of a nightmare to be around with his supreme confidence, athleticism and sheer grit but I did enjoy his writing which made me laugh many times. I love their friendship despite having such different personalities and ways of approaching these huge challenges they undertake.
As you can imagine with any such adventure there is plenty of drama and unexpected events to keep the reader gripped from start to finish. Both write very honestly and it was a great read. I wish we'd heard Ed's voice too and it made me wonder why he didn't join in with the book.
August 3, 2025
Two men who had previously rowed across the Atlantic (only one of them could row, and he was an Olympian) decided to partake of a race among international teams to reach the South Pole from a starting line in the midst of the continent. They talk about the preparations and training in alternate sections, how they found a third team mate, lost him, found someone else, got stuck in. Family issues.
The Antarctic experience cost over 40,000 pounds each and the main competitors were the Norwegians. Over the next few weeks, the teams trained, learned and got started.
The team members were each pulling their sleds of tent, stove and food. Medical issues intervened, and personal quarrels surfaced but they overcame all. The worst was the constant cold. There's more emphasis on bodily functions than I liked, that's men for you.
And they did reach the South Pole! I'll let you find out who won the race.
Some good photos are provided.
A good comparison is To The Poles Without A Beard by Katharine Hartley.
I read a paperback. This is an unbiased review.
The Antarctic experience cost over 40,000 pounds each and the main competitors were the Norwegians. Over the next few weeks, the teams trained, learned and got started.
The team members were each pulling their sleds of tent, stove and food. Medical issues intervened, and personal quarrels surfaced but they overcame all. The worst was the constant cold. There's more emphasis on bodily functions than I liked, that's men for you.
And they did reach the South Pole! I'll let you find out who won the race.
Some good photos are provided.
A good comparison is To The Poles Without A Beard by Katharine Hartley.
I read a paperback. This is an unbiased review.
April 21, 2019
A good read full of adventure and severely making me look forward to the rest of Fogle's books which I kindly received as a gift.
Nicely detailing not only the walk itself though but also the preparation leading up the the journey, from the gain (and loss) of Jonny to the addition of Ed and the misfortunes and hardships Ben faced before the 'race' even began! It really is a great read.
I don't want to say too much, despite it mainly being a book about walking across a barren icy landscape there's a lot that happens and a great deal to take in from the adventure, if anything it's just a shame that the entire book is from the perspectives of James and Ed.
Just a paragraph or a few notes from Ed would have worked to round of the whole thing and make it the narrative from the perspective of the whole team.
Still a great story and a fantastic read though, and it's so good to read a south pole expeditions that ends well!
Nicely detailing not only the walk itself though but also the preparation leading up the the journey, from the gain (and loss) of Jonny to the addition of Ed and the misfortunes and hardships Ben faced before the 'race' even began! It really is a great read.
I don't want to say too much, despite it mainly being a book about walking across a barren icy landscape there's a lot that happens and a great deal to take in from the adventure, if anything it's just a shame that the entire book is from the perspectives of James and Ed.
Just a paragraph or a few notes from Ed would have worked to round of the whole thing and make it the narrative from the perspective of the whole team.
Still a great story and a fantastic read though, and it's so good to read a south pole expeditions that ends well!
July 5, 2020
This was a great book about James Cracknell, Ben Fogle and Ed Coach's race to the South Pole against several teams, including the dreaded Norwegians. Full of ups and downs, and a very honest account of how hard the challenge was, how it nearly broke all of them at different times and what they learned about themselves, each other and life along the trek.
July 27, 2019
What a cracking read, had me gripped to the edge of my seat throughout. It’s also an emotional rollercoaster of a journey that even caused me to shed a little tear at the end. Fabulously written and thoroughly recommend to others
December 20, 2021
Another great read from Ben and James and .... oh my goodness please go somewhere with a pleasant climate next time! Maybe The British Antarctic Survey or The Scott Polar Research Museum in Cambridge!
July 31, 2019
Actually didn't want the book to end (obviously they did).
March 30, 2020
Best for quick read
April 22, 2020
Such an inspiring book. Blooming love Ben and James ❤️
September 23, 2021
Another good read from Ben and James, although would have loved to read things from Ed's perspective too.
March 20, 2022
brilliant read
Exciting from start to finish
I love the narrative style In which the book is written. A must read for sure
Exciting from start to finish
I love the narrative style In which the book is written. A must read for sure
April 19, 2022
finally finished this book after a few years lol
Great book - and great narration from James and Ben !
Great book - and great narration from James and Ben !
April 11, 2023
It's really enjoyable and easy to read! Leaves you dreaming of your own next big adventure.
October 31, 2024
A great book, not quite life changing enough to make it a 5star but well on its way. Cooly written from the 2 perspectives
March 17, 2016
I like this kind of adventure book, following a modern day race to the pole. I liked reading about the race and who was in it and the difficulties that they faced in this extreme environment.
Ben had a terrible time during the preparation for the expedition, catching a tropical disease that almost cost him the chance to compete and then the terrible loss of their unborn child. The mental strain of this and the physical trauma on his body...well, lesser mortals would never have made it to the start line. Ben was strong throughout and my admiration for him grew as the book progressed. I admire his wife as well. What is was like to lose a child then fear losing your husband on this trip doesn't bear thinking about.
Frankly, if Ed and Ben had gone on their own, they probably could have won. It was James and his catalogue of mistakes and arrogant attitude that meant they lost. James was self obsessed, arrogant, rude, bullying and of course knew everything. When things went wrong, it was always someone elses's fault and poor Ed took the brunt of these childish tantrums. He failed to employ common sense at the start and despite knowing he was being stupid, carried on anyway which of course led to the problems with his feet that left him holding the team up at various stages. He was determined to lead them across an area filled with crevasse danger because he was in a bad mood and wanted to cut time off the journey. The man is a reckless idiot and this lunacy could have killed all of them. The others should never have followed his idiotic example! His sulking and whinging about being so weak and injured got on my nerves because his injuries were all down to his own stupidity and I had little sympathy. The way he took everything out on his team was childish to say the least. I might admire his athletic and adventure achievements but I sure wouldn't want to hang out with him.
The book was really good and gives an in depth view of what it is like to take on this kind of challenge, and what it does to you physically and mentally. I recommend this for anyone who likes adventure or expedition type books.
Ben had a terrible time during the preparation for the expedition, catching a tropical disease that almost cost him the chance to compete and then the terrible loss of their unborn child. The mental strain of this and the physical trauma on his body...well, lesser mortals would never have made it to the start line. Ben was strong throughout and my admiration for him grew as the book progressed. I admire his wife as well. What is was like to lose a child then fear losing your husband on this trip doesn't bear thinking about.
Frankly, if Ed and Ben had gone on their own, they probably could have won. It was James and his catalogue of mistakes and arrogant attitude that meant they lost. James was self obsessed, arrogant, rude, bullying and of course knew everything. When things went wrong, it was always someone elses's fault and poor Ed took the brunt of these childish tantrums. He failed to employ common sense at the start and despite knowing he was being stupid, carried on anyway which of course led to the problems with his feet that left him holding the team up at various stages. He was determined to lead them across an area filled with crevasse danger because he was in a bad mood and wanted to cut time off the journey. The man is a reckless idiot and this lunacy could have killed all of them. The others should never have followed his idiotic example! His sulking and whinging about being so weak and injured got on my nerves because his injuries were all down to his own stupidity and I had little sympathy. The way he took everything out on his team was childish to say the least. I might admire his athletic and adventure achievements but I sure wouldn't want to hang out with him.
The book was really good and gives an in depth view of what it is like to take on this kind of challenge, and what it does to you physically and mentally. I recommend this for anyone who likes adventure or expedition type books.
April 11, 2015
If you've read Ben and James' account of their gruelling row across the Atlantic you already have a good idea of what to expect from this book. With each page the narrative is volleyed back and forth between presenter come adventurer Ben and world class althete James. Their accounts of their brutal slog across Antarctica are always honest, heartfelt and as much about understanding each other as understanding themselves in their effort to push their physical limits. The fact that they are relative novices when it comes to Arctic survival is so appealing as it makes you believe maybe one day you too might be able to risk it all and experience the ends of the world. Thoroughly enjoying read despite having only recently finished another Antarctica expedition book. My only grumble was that it would have been interesting to hear a bit of narrative from the third member of the team, Ed, particularly in the last third of the book. Looking forward to continuing reading more of Fogle's varied (and also a little crazy) adventures.
July 4, 2011
Ben Fogle tells us he signed up to race to the South Pole because he “wanted something with claws and teeth that would shake up my comfy life and remind me how lucky I was”. Well, he got that all right. This is an entertaining account of a truly grim journey, an 800km slog across the coldest, driest, windiest and highest continent on earth. Little has changed in Antarctica since Captain Scott and his men starved to death there a century ago. “Basically, it’s not a very hospitable place…” writes Fogle’s companion, James Cracknell, with classic British understatement. On this evidence, you cannot argue with that.
October 17, 2023
James and Ben narrate a good story, which felt honest and at times amusing. What stopped me enjoying it was the expectation that at some point Ed (the third member of the Team) would join in the narration but....umm....no. It then felt that two best buddies go on a trip and another bloke was there as well and that bloke didn't have a medium of reply to any criticism the other 2 had of him (Tiny Tears nickname?), it just smacked of Us and that other bloke. I felt greater respect for Ed handling the gooseberry situation than the two authors, who I began to dislike as the trip went on.
August 8, 2011
This was a book I picked up from the Library after enjoying Frank Gardner's "Blood and Sand" and was looking for more travelling/exploration related books. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I was reading it during a trip to Norway so the timing fitted well. It is a fantastic story of a land most of us will never visit.
August 28, 2012
Disappointed with this book. Too much about the team dynamics, the competitiveness, and James Cracknell's feet, not enough about Antarctica itself. And I found it really weird that the story of a 3-man team was written by only 2 members of the team. I usually enjoy this type of book but wouldn't recommend this one :(
March 20, 2013
I enjoyed this book, I liked the different perspectives that Ben and James had and became completely enthralled in their progress and the "will they or won't they succeed" moments. I could not put it down and had read it within 24 hours. I found the inter-relationships and team dynamics analysis interesting, especially the leadership/decision making bits.
April 1, 2015
An amazing story about a remarkable adventure. The dual perspective offers interesting details and makes it easy to read. Also hilariously funny.
So, the human body is an awesome machine that is truly built to withstand very harsh elements. I'm often left wondering though, how is it even possible to 'feel hot' wrapped inside a duvet jacket in minus 40 conditions?
So, the human body is an awesome machine that is truly built to withstand very harsh elements. I'm often left wondering though, how is it even possible to 'feel hot' wrapped inside a duvet jacket in minus 40 conditions?
May 2, 2016
Overall was a good read, I still preferred Accidental Adventurer and Accidental Naturalist though. The writers jumps back and forth sometimes slowed the pace down and I feel it was less of an excitement this time. I like how Ben sometimes express hes emotion along with the scenery and some useful information of anyone plan to go somewhere minus 50c
April 21, 2010
I am not finished reading this book yet, am so slow at reading this week!!! So far its interesting with a few eye opening and funny parts! Will write a full review when I am finished...
January 10, 2012
it was good, funny in parts. I admire them for what they did. If you want something light hearted but interesting then its good
November 12, 2012
Added a little to the TV series.
Would have been a lot better to hear from Dr Ed Coates in the book.
Would have been a lot better to hear from Dr Ed Coates in the book.
April 4, 2013
Really good for a bit of light reading! Just wish the third member of the team got to write in it too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews