A team of Bermudian runners yesterday completed a gruelling three-day Antarctic marathon to raise cash for an island charity.

The Bermuda Penguins — Phil Martin, Andy McComb and Mark Harris — crossed the finish line after they faced unpredictable weather and temperatures that plunged to -45ºC (-50ºF).

Dany Pen, the head of Raleigh Bermuda, the beneficiaries of the team’s effort, congratulated the trio on their success.

She added: “A special thank you also to Anna Laura Hocking who made the amazing journey with the group to support Raleigh Bermuda, who unfortunately was tested positive for Covid and was unable to leave the ship.

“Raleigh Bermuda wishes her a safe recovery and we hope to also see more of her amazing races.”

The group left for Bellinghausen Bay in the Antarctic last month and endured some of the roughest waters in the world as they passed through Drake’s Passage between South America and the frozen continent.

Only 181 people have run in the Antarctica Marathon since its start in 1995 up to this year’s event.

Ms Pen said that all the proceeds raised during the Penguins’ run would go to the charity’s programmes for young people aged between 14 and 35.