Shackleton Pole To Pole Walk

The ‘Pole to Pole’ walk is inspired by Ernest Shackleton’s ‘Furthest South’ when he led a team to within 97 miles of the South Pole. On this occasion and under the  guidance of experts from Kildare Sports Partnership, participants will experience the exercise benefits of Activator Pole walking / Nordic Pole walking  in a 97 minute trek along the Barrow blueway walking route.

Assemble 14:45, Sunday 10th November, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare.

On 9th January 1909, Ernest Shackleton and three comrades were within 97 miles of the South Pole. Supplies were running short, the strain of the previous two months sledging was evident, and they faced a journey of 700+ miles back to safety. Faced with the choice of risking lives to achieve the goal, Shackleton made the agonizing decision to turn back.

9 January 1909
The last day out we have shot our bolt and the tale is 88.23 S 162 E. The wind eased down at 1 am. At 2 am we were up and had breakfast and shortly after 4 am started south with the Union Jacks and the brass Cylinder of Stamps. At 9 am hard quick marching we were in 88.23 and there hoisted H.M.’s flag took possession of the plateau in the name of H.M. and called it King Edward Plateau. Homeward Bound. Whatever regrets may be we have done our best.”

Acclaimed as one of the greatest leadership decisions ever made, Shackleton’s prioritisation of the welfare of all over heroic failure earned him the respect of his comrades then, and others since. It became a hallmark of his leadership.

The South Pole was first reached in December 1911 by the Norwegian Roald Amundsen and his team. He was inspired by Shackleton, and acknowledged that with a little more luck, Shackleton would have been first to the South Pole in 1909.

Listen to Ernest Shackleton describe the ‘Nimrod’ expedition here.