Intro:

The world's hardest marathon, and certainly the coldest, has taken place at the North Pole with competitors coming from around the world: the winning time was a fraction over four hours.

Script:

The North Pole Marathon kicked off with a temperature of -30° Degrees Celsius.

47 competitors from 20 countries pitted themselves against the elements for this race at the top of the world.

The event took place at Russia's Barneo Ice Station in the Geographic North Pole.

The race is literally a run on water: the difference is that it's Arctic sea ice.

The course is the standard distance 42.2-kilometre marathon, and attracts a range of runners from military personnel to experienced marathon and ultramarathon runners and those making their marathon debut at the top of the world.

Competitors must negotiate soft snow in addition to the sub-zero temperatures.

USA's Mike Wardian was first home in an impressive time of four hours, seven minutes and 40 seconds

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Wardian, North Pole Marathon 2014 winner:

"It feels great man, it's the hardest race I have done in a while, definitely the hardest marathon. I am unbelievably happy to be done."

Competitors have to complete 12 laps of the course but are able to retreat into a refreshment tent to regain body warmth - and hydrate themselves with hot drinks and snacks.

Some also take the opportunity to add or remove layers of clothing that protect them from the harsh elements.

Guards patrol with guns, to frighten off any polar bears who might be feeling peckish

Germany's Anne-Marie Flammersfeld won the women's event in a time of 4:52.45.