Two Bangladeshi runners complete Antarctica Marathon expedition
Ejaj Ahmad and Asif Zahir made history on 9 March 2026 by crossing the finish line of the Antarctica Marathon on King George Island side by side—the first Bangladeshis to complete the gruelling race as a team.
Their journey began with a two-day voyage across the notoriously treacherous Drake Passage. The marathon itself spanned 42.2 kilometres over volcanic rock, mud and gravel, threading past Chinese, Argentine and Chilean research bases against the austere backdrop of Antarctica's glaciers.
With only 100 runners permitted in each edition of the Antarctica Marathon, Ahmad and Zahir's participation placed Bangladesh on the map of this exclusive global event.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Most picture Antarctica as a white expanse. We ran over mud and bare rock. Antarctica is losing 150 gigatonnes of ice every year, and Bangladesh—one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries—will bear the consequences. Traversing that changed landscape underscored why the next generation cannot afford to delay action," said Ejaj Ahmad.
Ahmad founded the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) and the Global Youth Leadership Center (GYLC), currently serving as executive chairperson of BYLC and chief executive officer of GYLC. His work centres on building institutions and movements to empower youth. BYLC also organises running events across Bangladesh to promote physical fitness and healthy living.
"This run embodies the Bangladeshi spirit—resilience and a refusal to accept limits. We wanted to demonstrate that the possibilities for Bangladesh are boundless. Dare to go where no one from your country has ventured," said Asif Zahir.
Zahir serves as deputy managing director of Ananta Group, a leading readymade garment exporter, and is a former product manager at Google. He champions the belief that ambition and responsibility are mutually reinforcing.
Both Ahmad and Zahir dedicated the run to their late fathers, crediting them with instilling the courage to break boundaries and dream boldly.
The expedition received partial sponsorship from Paragon Group and Ananta Group.
