Hardy Runners Race for Glory on Russia's Lake Baikal
On Saturday, over a hundred brave runners put on their fluffiest socks and thickest gloves to take part in the annual Baikal Ice Marathon.
The event is held to raise funds to help keep the world's deepest fresh water lake clean and free of pollution.
The featureless landscape on the lake gives little sense of perspective, offering competitors nothing to focus on but how far they are from their goal. The long, cold, lonely 42.2-kilometer trail across the barren white landscape is marked only by checkpoints positioned at 5-kilometer intervals.
Here are some beautiful shots of the race which (almost) make you wish you took part.
The event is held to raise funds to help keep the world's deepest fresh water lake clean and free of pollution.
The featureless landscape on the lake gives little sense of perspective, offering competitors nothing to focus on but how far they are from their goal. The long, cold, lonely 42.2-kilometer trail across the barren white landscape is marked only by checkpoints positioned at 5-kilometer intervals.
Here are some beautiful shots of the race which (almost) make you wish you took part.
And they're off! Something slightly different from the usual trot around the block.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
Just your reflection in the ice for company.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
It's a good idea to wear bright colors out here — visibility can be close to zero.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
A brigade of snowmobiles and surface vehicles are always at the ready, just in case of an icy mishap.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
The beautiful blues of Lake Baikal are otherworldly.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
The freezing conditions didn't put these athletes off from the race.
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
A cup of tea is in store for this runner!
Masaki Nakamura / zimniada.ru
