Prince William Supports Epic Polar Charity Race

Six British soldiers have set out on a remarkable mission to re-trace the journeys of Captain Scott and Roald Amundsen in their bid to be the first to the South Pole in 1911/12.

The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race aims to celebrate the centenary of this significant British event, as well as to raise funds for The Royal British Legion’s Personnel Recovery Centers.

Each team of three soldiers will follow the routes taken by Scott and Amundsen.

The Amundsen team is being led by Lt Col Henry Worsley, who led the Shackleton Centenary Expedition in 2008/09 – a 920 mile unsupported journey to the South Pole. The team’s other members are Staff Sergeant Lennie Browne and Warrant Officer Lou Rudd. The Scott team is being led by Warrant Officer Mark Langridge, who  completed a 750 mile solo and unsupported journey to the South Pole in 2008/09. The team’s other members are Staff Sergeants Vic Vicary and Kevin Johnson.

“I am proud to be Patron of The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race,” says the Duke of Cambridge. “This extraordinary adventure will remind us of the immense and inspirational challenges faced by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and their teams in the name of exploration. The world benefited from their heroism and it is right that we remember their enduring story and achievements.

“Six serving members of the British Army are taking on this expedition, and I am delighted that they have chosen to support the Royal British Legion in its 90th anniversary year. The Centenary Race will, for the first time, retrace the original routes of Scott-Amundsen without any outside assistance, reliving what remains a defining moment in polar exploration. This fitting tribute exemplifies the courage, determination and pioneering spirit shown by early 20th Century explorers, and which lives on today in the British Armed Forces.

“The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race is a remarkable adventure, which will be a test of character, strength and resilience. I urge you to join me in supporting both teams to achieve their goal.”