Polar Marathoner

Sounds like an excellent fellow. How great to pick someone who ran his very first marathon in under 4 hours AND in Antartica to boot. It seems only fitting that his second marathon should be at exactly the opposite end of this earth of ours... Plus, anyone who wants to leave the cold of the Antarctic to go to the cold of the Arctic and all for the sake or running is someone that should be given the chance. My vote is for Ben!

I have known Ben since he was a strapping young fella. He is the most enthusiastic, caring guy I know. He is also a bit of a maniac when it comes to running. He is a wonderful teacher and expresses himself well. He would surely be good for publicity! It would really be a great thing if he could do his 2nd marathon at the North Pole. My vote is for Ben Urmston!

Henry David Thoreau said, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." There is only one person I know who embodies this sentiment and that person is, you guessed it, Ben Urmston. In addition to the above stats, he is a kind, funny, open-hearted person who strives to reach his utmost potential in everything he does. The south pole is lucky to have him; the north pole would be too. It's hard to imagine that there is someone out there better suited for your challenge.

Ben Urmston is a man who lives for adventure. Not only will he be in his element at the North Pole Marathon, but those who read his postings and watch his movies will be struck by his love of life, running, and the outdoors. Ben is well-deserving of this opportunity and will certainly make the most of it.

Benjamin Urmston is a runner: anyone who trains for and runs his first marathon in Antarctica, finishing in under his goal time of 4 hours is a runner.

Benjamin Urmston is a writer: anyone who makes meticulous and lovely journal entries every day in every situation, and turns those entries into engaging, enlightening, edifying, warm, humourous and humble online essays is a writer.

Ben is one of those rare people daring enough to live his dreams. Fueled by an adeventurous spirit, clear vision, and intense focus, Ben lives a life meaning and purpose. With a glacier-melting smile and self-deprecating humor, Ben's a total go-to guy--gracious and generous, whether substituting for a bass player with the flu or shoveling various forms of waste.

Benjamin Urmston is the runner/writer you are looking for: he holds nothing back, and nothing holds him back.

Ben Urmston has captured the hearts of hundreds of us in Colorado who have followed his adventures in the North Pole. If chosen to run the North Pole Marathon, Ben will be supported by all of us who will run with him in vicarious delight! I can't think of a more deserving entrant.

I'm an outdoors nut and multiple marathon runner in a desk-bound New York job and I've become addicted to reading Ben's online blogs of his global adventures. He's a modern-day explorer and the kind of guy that makes you feel that there's hope for the human spirit. For someone like me who is always fighting to find time to run, fish, bike and ski in the constant rat race of New York, Ben's blogs are a breath of fresh air.

Ben seems to fit your criteria for this challenge just about perfectly. He's a strong athlete, an extreme conditions veteran, a passionate writer and I know he would approach this opportunity the same way he has all of his other adventures - with enthusiastic vigor, child-like curiosity, and boundless energy. The challenge is a fantastic one and Ben's your man. All of us Ben Urmston fans look forward to reading all about it!

I don't know this character but he seems like the golden boy for this assignment.

Ben has always been a stellar athlete, a role model to people of all ages, and a great guy. Vote for him and all my asthmatic worriers (kids in therapy groups) in the South Bronx will cheer! We love his blogs and we love Ben.

I have known Ben and his family for many years, so perhaps I could be accused of prejudice; and I am sure that all of those entered in this contest are unusual people. However, I would like to suggest to the judges that they read Ben's blog from Antarctica
(http://bylandseaandsky.blogspot.com/) carefully. These judges are looking for a good writer and in my opinion Ben's ability to write well and clearly, using simple language, is one of his most unusual characteristics.

Ben is the most rugged guy I know. And, Ben is a trooper. It certainly takes a trooper to run a marathon at the South and North Poles. If I could choose someone to have this chance I would choose Ben. Vote for Ben!

Ben has courage and confidence and he's an amazing person. If I was the judge I'd pick him right away, because he deserves it!

This guy seems like the real deal. I think the south pole/north pole connection should not be passed up. I predict he'll do the north pole run in under 4 hours as well. I checked out his blog too and the guy can write. I'm not a judge, but if I was he'd have my vote!

Believe the hype on Ben Urmston.

As a formerly avid runner and devotee of running mags/zines/blogs, this is the type of race that gets me psyched to dust of the sneaks and hit the road. And, more importantly perhaps to you peeps at yourunning.com, Polar Ben is the type of protaganist that I'd like to follow as he gets his mind and body ready for el Norte. Who knows, maybe he'll inspire me to make the trip to the Pole for the race in 2008 (unlikely, given I don't often go below 32 degrees F, but one never knows)?!

Running up at UMASS with my brother some years ago, we crossed running path's with Ben and his younger brother Willy. My Brother John said, "hey it's Ben Urmston, that guy will wind up on the moon some day, mark my words". As time has gone by, I've been able to get to know the Urmston brothers a bit. Ben is a soft spoken gentleman who when sets a goal, does everything in his power to achieve it. His actions are remarkable and is the perfect man to be running the race at the North Pole. Long may he Run!

I'm 47 and dad to two boys. I try to teach them to be inquisitive and to keep investigating when they find something they're interested in. Ben Urmston was my instructor on an Outward Bound sailing course 5 years ago. He inspired me to become an instructor there too, and I have been teaching courses ever since. This is a guy who eats leftovers and runs wherever he goes, because he just doesn't have time to stop inverstigating. As we rowed through a still, moonlit night he explained celestial navigation, with a pause to watch a satellite he knew would appear on the horizon. While on his sailing voyage to Central America, he and his mates worked on their ability to dive deep and hold their breath for long periods. He (not so secretly) talks of becoming an astronaut. He's got the right stuff for this contest for sure. Let's send him to the North Pole so that he can say he's got this planet wrapped up and head out into the stratosphere. I can't wait to read the blog!

It'd be difficult to imagine a person more qualified to run the North Pole Marathon than Ben Urmston. A race requiring a mix of athleticism, outdoorsiness, and endurance is right up Ben's alley. He possesses the drive, the ability, and perhaps most importantly, the joie de vivre to accomplish whatever he takes on.
Of the adventures he's undertaken and completed, he keeps the rest of us well informed, letting us live vicariously through him on his sailing journey, solo airplane flight, and lately, his experience living in Antartica. What Ben sets out to do, he not only completes, but succeeds very highly in.
What really makes one route for Ben beyond his determination and accomplishments is a guy so down-to-earth, personable, and compassionate for others, attributes that may well contribute to his successes. Good Luck Ben!

Ben is your north pole marathoner! Why because he is a modern day explorer/adventurer. Ben reminds me of the best of Roald Amundsen, Ernest Shackleton, Robert Peary, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong without the ego. Ben is humble, spiritual, fun loving, leader, teacher, athlete, explorer. Ben is your runner! Read his blog you will see for yourself.
Bruce

I can't imagine a more qualified explorer for the north pole marathon than Benny. As long as I've known him, Ben has put his heart and soul into whatever he does. I think he would serve as the perfect representative. And one critical point not to ignore, I'm quite sure that Ben will participate in a marathon on the moon some day... the south pole, the north pole and the moon? who better than Ben?

If there is such a thing as Yin and Yang (which I believe there is), I would think that anyone who completes a marathon on the South Pole deserves a chance to balance it out with a run on the opposite pole. Ben's blog: http://bylandseaandsky.blogspot.com/
has been a great resource for us to share in his travels. It is full of great photographs & journal entries which have been incredible to see. My favorite was the photographs of Cape Evans & Captain Robert Scott's hut which included images of where those explorers worked and slept over 100 years ago. The history and mystique must have been overwhelming. There is no other human being that should be running this North Pole marathon....it's just that simple. Good luck Benny...Marko

Ben is going to walk on Mars someday. He is the most committed, positive person I know. He will put his all into this and have a sense of humor at the same time. Not to mention such a cute face!!!

Well, if you haven't gotten the picture yet, Ben is the obvious choice...I have known this adventurer for most of his life and there isn't a truer more dedicated person around. His stories sailing to and from Panama were touching, funny and sincere. His atheletic prowess is unending. How could you not let someone as deserving as Ben not have the opportunity to run on both poles! Check out his website, he's the real deal! Go Ben!!

Stop the contest--this is your guy. No question. "Scoop of chocolate, scoop of vanilla...don't waste my time." He was born for this assignment...

Because of Ben's writing and photograpy skills, we have been fortunate to share in his challenging adventures,including the people he meets and flora and fauna that he encounters. I'm Ben's proud Uncle and fortunate arm chair adventurer. As others have written, I can't think anyone could be better qualified than Ben to run and do well in a North Pole marathon and share the experience with the world.

What a perfect next adventure for Ben Urmston! You have found your man. Ditto to everything that has already been mentioned, and I'd like to add a note about his enticing, throw-back writing style. He draws readers into his blog by transporting us with his vivid details and contagious wonder in the natural world. His words are reminiscent of explorers of old - it's a wonderful journey.

I can not imagine a better person to choose to run this marathon; and more importantly for him to write about it so that we can all share in his wonderful crazy adventures!

Ben loves challenges and adventures. He is always thoughtful and prepared before he starts out on the sea, or in the air, and now on the ice at the South Pole. We follow his travels on the internet with delight and amazement. There just cannot be a better marathon candidate than Ben Urmston. He is one-of-a-kind.

Ben Urmston is the best person I know to run the N. P. Marathon. I met Ben about 2 yrs. ago, while he was on a flying excursion. He landed at IDI, an airport where I worked.
Ben is a very nice God fearing person, with a lot of ambition and thrill for adventure. I know he will give his all to this event. I will put my faith in Ben to finish in the top ten, if not first. Thanks for the armchair adventure. You must love the cold!! Boyd.

I've known Ben since he was born. I've watched him grow into an amazing young man! No doubt, Ben is very athletic and competitive but also truely sportsman like. He is quick to cheer on team-mates and befriend the opposition too. Benj is a great group organizer and leader of many activities, from team sports in Antartica to many other endeavours including his piloting a small plane across the US.
Ben has worked with the amazing kids at at Camp Jaberwocky. He's also been a student and teacher at Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and he and 3 friends skillfully restored and sailed a sailboat on a months long voyage on the Atlantic and Carribean. Ben loves and explores our vast planet from local woodland trails with his Labrador Retreivers to exploring the great Rockies and now his works in Antartica. He sees the beauty of all Creation in the vastness of the Universe and the wonders of Earths' natural and human-made treasures. I wonder how much longer a race on the Polar Ice Caps will be possible due to the diminishing ice covers? Since Ben has run a Marathon in Antartica I can only hope that you'll give him an opportunity to run another race this time on TOP of the world.

I’ve known Ben since college, which has been about 11 years. We studied abroad together in London. We played on the same ice hockey team. We also took part in plenty of outdoor adventures together. The most memorable were the back country ski trip in the Sierras and the white water kayaking trip on a really cold river in Maine. How do I best describe Ben? In short, Ben is a modern day Ernest Shackleton with a strong sense of adventure and perseverance. For as long as I’ve known Ben, Ben has always dreamed of exploration and traveling to far off lands that test the bounds of humanity. Ben has numerous admirable traits. Ben has outstanding and very contagious positive attitude. Ben is confident, but not self absorbing. Ben has a benevolent sense of humor that makes everyone smile. Ben is generous to all and can be trusted to get very important assignments done right. On the skills side, Ben is very well-rounded. Ben is an engineer, a talented musician, an experienced sailor, a true outdoorsman, a well-tested pilot, and an amazing athlete that has played just about every sport known to man. In regards to his running abilities, I am confident that Ben can run a typical marathon well below his previous time of 3:55. This was not only Ben’s first marathon, but it was conducted in Antarctica with very minimal training. I am certain that if given the chance, Ben will train rigorously and excel at the North Pole Marathon. Please give Ben a chance, he won’t let you down!

Chris Ix
US Army Captain

I used to play Cops and Robbers with Ben before he graduated to Marathon's. There was only one guy I knew I couldn't outrun. That man? Bob Mapelthorpe. But when Bob wasn't playing, Ben was the new Sheriff in town. He possess uncanny determination, and guts. My advice to you Mr. Organizer is to admit the guy, because he's probably running either way. You the MAN Ben!!!!

I vote for Ben Urmston. He is an amazing young man. I have loved reading his blog/journals by land, sea and sky over the past years. What a background he has to participate in this new challenge/marathon at the North Pole. Believe me and all the others, he is equal to the task. On top of all his athletic endeavors, he is friendly, musical, kind and very handsome. Grab him!

I've known Ben for 8+ years and have worked with him at Outward Bound. He is an intrepid explorer and always up for a new adventure! What's more, he has excellent technical skills AND he is passionate about sharing his love for the outdoors and the wild places in the world with others. He has kept a great blog for years now, chronicalling all of his exploits, and I am sure he would do a great job documenting the Artic marathon. Not only that, Ben would be an excellent competitor, because he would train/run hard, but he would also keep an eye out for his fellow competitors. I highly recommend Ben for this challenge - he is one of the best OB instructors I have known (and I hire them) and he would be a great addition to this competition!

Ben's physical ability to be competitive is without question. I'm not sure whether any of the people above mentioned that he completed the South Pole Marathon in under 4 hours and in windy conditions, so his 6 hour estimate seems characteristically humble. His blog will show that he is both a physically accomplished athlete and a smart competitor. However, most of us who know Ben well would say that generosity is his defining trait. If Ben were to compete in the North Pole Marathon, you can be sure that many people would benefit from his experience. He has always diligently chronicled (in word and image) his adventures at the South Pole, sailing down the Atlantic coast and through the Panama Canal, flying solo across the United States, etc etc in a way that is ungaurded, amusing and always inspiring. You can also be sure that the many participants in his NOLS courses, from troubled teens to Coast Guard Cadets, will be inspired by the real, achievable possibility of seeing the North Pole for themselves. It is hard to imagine a better choice.

I am Ben's little brother and ever since i was wee lad, Ben and I have been members of 'the warriors club', a club started by our oldest brother. To gain 'points' and move up the extensive ranks of the club we would have to complete tasks anywhere from climbing and jumping off roofs and trees to willingly standing under a shower naked while your older brother (not Ben) slowly turns up the heat with the intent of making you tougher, probably the reason I'm the only brother with back hair. Anyway, Ben has continued to rack up warrior points in everything he does and has surley surpassed the ranks of all other members. He is a true warrior (in the most peaceful and honorable way) and even if he doesn't win this contest he may try to run the marathon anyway just to get more points. This sounds like a race for true warriors and who better than the highets ranking warrior himself.

Whoever conceived of this contest certainly intended to find Ben Urmston; it's simply meant to be. Ben has journeyed in ways that have brought him close to the soul of the earth. And, he has humbly shared each journey, his elation and awe, with so many. He will run this marathon as he ran at the South Pole, with characteristic boundless joy and wonder for each minute of every hour, no matter the temperature, the icy blast, the frozen tundra - those things will simply be regarded with fascination and respect. And, he will triumph to share it with many, many people. Can't you see? Ben is destined to run at the North Pole!

Ben Urmston has what I would call "deep intentionality" - not easily distracted from the innate sense of purpose that rises when he is pursuing his interests. Just read all of the above comments. He thrives on this clarity of intention - loves nothing more than to be working hard at what is set before him. And when I say "hard" I mean, you get your money's worth! He delivers and does so with joy and gusto. If I were lost deep in some wilderness facing critical survival decisions, I would want Ben at my side. He would think clearly, embody sureness, maintain optimism, and carry me out on his back if needed. From sailboat to single engine airplane to Antarctic wonders, Ben is a true explorer, chronicling his adventures for the rest of us sitting in our living rooms, smiling with each episode. As I said above, you will definitely get your money's worth from Ben.

Ben Urmston is one of a kind. All of the above comments say it all, but to put my 2 cents in, I would say I have never seen a young man as focused as Ben to go for what he wants, and to be the most educated when he gets there. His enthusiasm for the outdoors and adventures has no bounds. He cannot get enough of the thrill of being one with the world around him. I look so forward to reading his blogs, that I am quite dissapointed when they are not on a daily basis. This exemplary young man deserves to run the NP marathon. You will not regret your decision to have Ben run. The bonus is that your lives will be enriched in knowing him, and having him a part of the rest of your lives.

I have known Benjamin Urmston his whole life. Ever since he used to be 4 years old and ready to jump off the dock, shouting, "I yant to jump in the yater!" he has been a human being who leaps above and beyond the horizon. We have all been relishing in his gift and passion for the elements and the spiritual might they bring us. Ben is a wonderful writer, an excellent photographer, a compassionate and expansive soul. My son Sam, an 8 year old, loves to read his Blog, and talks about Ben and his explorations/adventures to his second grade class. Ben reaches everyone, old and young. He is beautiful in body, mind and spirit. Let this man run free across the frozen tundra. He will make it so we are running the North Pole Marathon right along with him.

In the interest of preserving the polar ice cap, Ben Urmston should not be allowed any where near the north pole. His internal fire, readily obvious through his outrageous, magnanimous personal warmth, is burning way too hot for the endangered environment up there. However, it never seems to go out, which may be very handy in sub zero temperatures. Actually, if you take his many attributes into account (those listed enthusiastically, repeatedly, and truthfully many times above), this keeper of the flame of live lived to the fullest, is definitely worth the risk of the melted wake he leaves behind, and, the more I think about it, should be, without a doubt, your number one choice.

Ben was one of my instructors for a NOLS course I took (NALE 7/24), and he was an awesome guy. His enthusiasm for life and energy are unmatched, and he has already proven himself capable of completing a marathon as physically demanding as this one can be. Whatever the requirements for being chosen for this race are, I am confident that Ben fits all of them.

What would it take for anyone of us to get such wonderful praise for what we have done and who we have been as what Ben U. has just received ?
Isn't it true that when one is in really good shape that their heart expands. I do believe that if I had just read all of this about myself that I could be a contender for this North Pole Marathon!
Go Ben Go

I can hardly hope to add anything vital to this impressive outpouring of support. That Ben is physically capable of facing the North Pole challenge is certain. I'm sure most of the entrants are. But Ben will bring something else. He has been my friend for many, many years, and I have always been inspired by his thirst for knowledge and experience. He is a constant student, seeking always to explore and refine his relationship with the world. His blogs are wonderful, sensible and sensitive, immediate, invigorating, and informative, and rousing enough for the most sedentary adventurer to get up and pursue a life of doing, not just thinking about doing! And as others have pointed out, wouldn't a North Pole marathon on the heels of a South Pole marathon be so pleasingly and poetically round?
Vote for Ben!

I read about the other contestants, and even though they sound like hard working, dedicated individuals, I believe Ben Urmston is your best choice. He has a variety of world experiences that will give him the ability to put the North Pole adventure into a perspective that will be meaningful to the rest of us. If you must choose someone else, send Ben too.

when we were young, we used to climb up the barn roof and i, with some convincing, conveyed to ben that the gentle slope of the roof was a vertical pitch. for days we'd play up on the roof, amazed at our ability to navigate a 90 degree face. i'd say to ben, "we're like spidermen! this roof is actually straight up and down, isn't it wierd! isn't it amazing we can cling to this wall of shingles?"
among our countless games and tests of warriordom, i like to think that somewhere in ben's mind there formed the notion that nothing is impossible.
in addition to all his explorations of land, sea and sky, he is one hell of a swing dancer and when freedancing, he can really stomp the yard! seeing as we came from the same parents (and given my own lack of common sense) i'm amazed at how competent he is at everything. no one has more certicicates of certification! he's also got a steel trap for a mind - who else knows the soundtrack of HAIR and the first to Rage Against the Machine albums word for word? his blog is a fun knowledgable read and he's no hack behind a camera (not to mention a fine flare for editing). -- and, as you can tell, he's got lots of us cheering for him.
Go BEN!!!

Think about Ben this way: Who else do you know that is a combination of the Energizer Bunny (nothing outlasts him), Johnny Quest, Bill Nye (the Science Guy), Sam Shepard (playing a "hunkish yet humble" Chuck Yeager), Paul Theroux (as a travel writer), Thor Heyerdahl, and Mr. Fix-it. You need a "poster child" for this marathon? Look no further than BEN!

My vote is 500% for Ben. He HAS to win this spot. There could not be a race, adventure or competition better suited for
a) what Ben LOVES to do; and
b) what Ben does brilliantly.

I have been swept up in his blogs which are just fascinating and every time I read one I wonder what on earth I am doing sitting in an office not exploring out there in the real world every day (ok, well I would probably freeze to death somewhere or be eaten by a hungry polar bear, but all the same, it sounds unreal!). His writing draws you in and paints (yes, with his awesome pictures as well as words) an idyllic amazing scene of what life is like on his adventures.
I've previously had the privilege to see amazing video footage that he has put together to document great journies, which are of course on top of the fabulous blogs he writes, the notes to home papers (eg http://www.hometownweekly.net/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=85&twindow=Def...
etc etc etc and this time would be no different.
There just could not possibly be anyone more suited to getting this spot. It will mean so much to him and his enthusiasm and thanks will be more than passed on to anyone who reads his news and reports of the adventure. I can't wait to hear all about it, with Ben running! Just wish I could come watch as well, but know we'll get a full picture if Ben is the one there telling the story!

GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN! GO BEN!

MAKE BEN WIN! MAKE BEN WIN! MAKE BEN WIN! MAKE BEN WIN! MAKE BEN WIN! MAKE BEN WIN! (no choice in the matter, really!!!)

Voting for Ben. Clearly the one who would do most justice to the opportunity to have the spot in the marathon. Hope he wins!

I co-instructed a National Outdoor Leadership School expedition with Ben - he was a great leader by example. We were 2 of the 3 instructors for a group of Naval Academy midshipmen and Ben was a model of energy, enthusiasm and outdoor leadership for 3 weeks. Shortly afterward, he went on a Mountaineering expedition in the Yukon. You want a person who has shown that he can handle adversity by choosing adversity and then not only handling it, but thriving in it. A north pole marathon is more than just a marathon - it's man against nature, uncertainty, himself. Ben has routinely sought opportunities to excel in just that sort of environment. Ben is your man!

Ben blows past 100% and goes into putting himself into whatever he does above and beyond...It is fate that he should run up north, a perfect union of adventure tales- North and South Pole marathons. A truely kind, humble, and AWESOME dude. We await his installments of his Antarctica Blogs with anticipation. What a gift to us all to be able to share in a North Arctic experience through Ben. A deserved man.

A Poem about Ben

I gotta say it, Ben's your man.
Ask him anything, he'll say, "I can."
He'll do the homework, will prepare.
Til he's totally, completely there.

He's a Renaissance man - that's our Ben.
Who better to the North Pole send?
He can play the piano and trumpet and base guitar,
Sail across the Atlantic and to Panama.

A tricaptain in high school amidst the cheers
And in the musicals all four years.
He can sing and dance and draw and write.
He's got the will - he's got the fight.

An airplane pilot and captain of the ocean blue,
A HAM operator and certified arborist too.
He works for NOLS and Outward Bound,
So his mind and body are quick and sound.

He can climb up mountains and kayak down rivers,
Can live in the South Pole with barely a shiver.
Never a cold or even a sneeze
His favorite sleeping bag goes to -50 degrees.

And as for running, there is no doubt.
This is what he's all about.
Give him a race or triathalon,
This guy trains hard - this guy is on!

He's strong, he's mighty and oh so kind.
He's got the mettle, he's got the mind.
He's fun, he's dear and oh so stable.
There's no one else who could be so able.

By now you've guessed I am his mother
So of course to me there is no other.
I know him well so listen to me.
Ben Urmston is who your pick should be!!

Selfishly I want to keep reading Ben's Blog. He's only got a week left in Antartica, and while I know his adventures won't stop there, I would love to read about him running a marathon in the North Pole!! He basically brings me to tears every time something new is posted. He is following his dreams and gets so much out of life. And the best part is that he is sharing it with all of us. Please vote for Ben!!!!

A year sailing in the caribbean? Flying around the country? 5 months in Antarctica? Ben is the ultimate explorer. His blog is so interesting and well-written. I've jumped on the Urmston band-wagon because of his experiences and the time he puts into documenting them for everyone to read. I teach high school math and I give my students extra credit questions about Ben's experiences so that they'll read his blog. Learning from his adventures and hearing what he has to say is probably more important than most of the things I teach them! He's proven what he can do with his writings and his adventures and he should be given the opportunity to run.

We are Ben's running companions when he's home in Massachusetts and we can testify to his grasp of the three E's - energy, enthusiasm and endurance. Finn and Rupe

I just met Ben this year in the Antarctic, where we shared a Happy Camper class, overnighting on the sea ice with 18 other campers. I had the pleasure of seeing him now and again as the season went on. I'm a Canadian biologist living in Alaska who has worked the last 12 years in almost all the cold, rugged places that you can find seals and sea lions, and in doing that you learn to scout good team members that are solid, focused, and excited about adventures that most people would find extreme, if not insane. My Antarctic season was over before Ben's, so I selfishly read his blogs to reconnect to the world on the southern ice. While I haven't known Ben long, I would definitely want him on my team. Ben is your ideal replacement runner!

One large part of this contest is to select someone who can not only run this race but who can bring awareness to environmental issues in the arctic. I can not speak to Ben's running ability but I can attest to his ability to inspire others to learn about the world. Before leaving for Antarctica Ben came into my school and spoke to my students about his upcoming trip. Over the last few months I have used Ben's writings and photographs in my world geography class to teach urban students about an environment and world that could not be further than their own. He has inspired my students to see that maybe someday they too may explore the world and test their own limits. Through his words and his presence he has made Antarctica seem tangible and familiar to 12 year olds (not an easy task). I am confident that by selecting Ben you will be selecting someone will be the messenger the North Pole needs.

Ben gets my vote - how many people have done marathons at both poles in the same year? Maybe this will become an annual challenge for him!! I hope you give him the chance.

Recently I ran into an acquaintance who asked what Ben was doing. After I told him, he asked me when Ben was going to get a real job. This was early on in Ben's time down there so I didn't have a full appreciation for all his various activities so I replied to put-down Pete that Ben was going to have the time of his life down under doing whatever they asked of him. Asked about his own real job, he said he was part-timing at Home Depot and, you guessed it, hating it. I can only imagine Admiral Benbow's response to the guy - damn the real job, full speed ahead!!

The oceans of the world await Ben and for now he's got his charts out for the North Pole - and it's really more like flank speed. All you have to do, sir, is give him the nod. He would get so much out of the run but he would give as much to the enterprise in return as a participant, blogger, photographer and overall PR man. Benbow for these and so many other reasons is the guy to take your place without question. I guarantee you'll be a happy man if you choose Ben - and he'll on top of the world.

As an avid fan of his blog (reminding me that life does exist outside of New York City), Ben Urmston combines all the elements fit for the challenge: good writing, good speed and good looks. Good luck Ben!

Ben is definitely your man to run in the North Pole marathon!!! You will not be disappointed.....in fact, I think that he'll win the race! I've known Ben since he was little and I echo all the things that have been said about him. He has unbelievable perseverence, character, and athletic ability and there's no question about it.....BEN IS THE ONE TO BE IN THE RACE....no ifs, ands, or buts!!!!!!

Ben is the best choice for running this marathon, without a doubt. His back to back South Pole/North pole marathons makes for a good story. He's the most positive, sincere and friendly person on the planet. Sharp as a tack and a good writer to boot, I really can't imagine a better person to do this.

We reckon we can spot a winner from afar and Ben is one. You don't need to know him for long to realise what enormous ability and potential he has and, with a family like his, success is assured. He is a natural choice for the North Pole marathon. He will run, he will write and he will photograph; all with amazing energy and flair.
He must be selected.

Ben comes from that rare stock of muggle that can make magic out of terrestial matter. You cannot imagine what a wonder of a human being he is. Also he happens to be quite fit and of deep conviction. The best mix to have a interesting and postive outcome for running in the cold!

My goodness! You ran a marathon in Antarctica with a time of 3 hours, 55 minutes and you list your experience as 'intermediate'??!! I've never met you, but I can tell you're a pretty modest guy. No offense to the other contestants, but they all seem eager to label themselves 'gurus'. It sounds like you're quite climatized to the cold conditions and your profile tells me you'd really enjoy running the North Pole marathon...I hope you get it mate!

I am Ben's cousin. I am 8 years old. I think Ben is a great person. We go to Martha's Vineyard every year. Sometimes when Ben's sleeping, we stick some flower seeds in his beard. I think he should run in the North Pole Marathon.

I have know Ben Urmston for most of my life and truly this is the man to run the North Pole. It would be such a mistake not to have such an ambitious guy like Ben take on the task of this marathon. I am so inspired by his journeys and his love for life, he is truly remarkable. Ben is a very dedicated person to his family and friends. He is a role model, a positive thinker and someone I admire deeply. Choose Ben to run the race, I can't think of anyone better to fill these shoes!!!

how long would it take to get to Antarctica by plane?

Ben is definitely the man for the job. He will win it for sure. CHOOSE BEN!!

As I write this, I have just finished part two of "Urmston's Antarctic Adventures," Ben's account of life in the Arctic written for the hometown paper. Ben brings to the table the most compelling story-line of any potential runner: If he completes a marathon in the North Pole, he will have run marathons at opposite ends of the earth. Comparing the two experiences would make for a fascinating, instructive story, and Ben has proven his willingness to share his adventures with those of us not lucky enough to be there.

I look forward to reading Ben's report on his latest adventures in Antarctica in the local paper as well as his daily blog. They are instructive, entertaining, and well written. How many people do you know who would run a marathon in subzero weather in the South Pole and want to be challenged again in the North Pole? Ben has my VOTE!!

Ben would be the BEST. He has kept us all enthralled with his updates all winter. He writes wonderful and engagingly, really connects with those of us back home; we're right with him as he goes through his day, physically and spiritually. And he actually wants to run this marathon - hello??!! - so his choice to try, and I'm behind him all the way. He'd bring his experience alive on so many levels, and I can hardly wait to hear all about it. I'd choose him - no question!! He'd do you proud in ways you could hardly imagine, because he thinks and acts outside the box, but alwa