8 March 2018 | Hong Kong
FWD Group (“FWD”) today announced its title sponsorship and region-wide participation for the FWD North Pole Marathon 2018, the world’s coolest marathon.
Taking place on 9 April, the race will see FWD sponsor 11 runners across Asia featuring both disabled and amateur athletes who will showcase their passion and determination to take on extreme challenges and embrace the experience of a lifetime. Ahead of the highly-anticipated race, a number of runners will also be raising funds for charity whilst sharing their inspiration for participating in one of the world’s most challenging and physically demanding events.
Tim Oliver, FWD Group Chief Commercial Officer said, “We are delighted to once again see the FWD North Pole Marathon come to life in 2018. Through FWD’s sponsorship and protection, we look forward to following the stories of our runners from around Asia as they prepare for this extreme challenge and ultimately conquer the world’s coolest marathon.”
“Our FWD Team Asia will be supporting and fundraising for disabled charities as part of our community care focus to empower people with disabilities across Asia. Our belief at FWD is that everyone should embrace the opportunity to pursue their passions and live life without hesitation.”
All participants will make a 10 day trip from April 2 to 12 to help them acclimatise and train in sub-zero temperatures to prepare for the harsh conditions of the North Pole. As part of FWD’s sponsorship, each participant will receive a comprehensive health check tailored for athletes, as well as insurance cover which includes travel insurance and individual accidental insurance so runners can focus on preparing for running on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean in the northern most marathon on earth.
Details of FWD-sponsored participants in the North Pole Marathon:
Hong Kong
The Hong Kong team will be fundraising for the Hong Chi Association and Special Olympics.
Indonesia
Japan
Philippines
Singapore
Vietnam
Rest of Asia
FWD sponsored a number of elite runners for the 2017 FWD North Pole Marathon to great success.Bhim Bahadur Gurung andSamir Tamang, two Nepalese trail runners, who raised funds for their hometowns, came second and third respectively in the Men’s Marathon.Chan Ka-ho from Hong Kong came in fourth behind his team-mates while compatriot and former Hong Kong Olympics Track Team member,Christy Yiu Kit-ching, finished third in the Women’s Marathon.
With the FWD team taking first place in the team competition, each of the participants expressed their pride in having completed the marathon successfully, given the many first-time challenges that they had to overcome, including running a marathon on ice and uneven snow at a latitude of 89° North while enduring temperatures averaging -40℃.
FWD North Pole Marathon 2018 Timetable
1 Apr | Arrive Tromso, Norway (Adapt to cold weather, rest, and practice) |
4 Apr | Arrive Svalbard |
7 Apr | Pre-race departure briefing by race organizer) |
8 Apr | Fly to North Pole |
16 Apr | FWD North Pole Marathon |
17 Apr | Return to Svalbard |
18 Apr | Free to return Home |
Charities being supported by #FWDTeamAsia
About FWD Group
FWD Group spans Hong Kong SAR & Macau SAR, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia, offering life and medical insurance, general insurance, employee benefits, Shariah and Family Takaful products across a number of its markets.
FWD is focused on creating fresh customer experiences, with easy-to-understand products, supported by digital technology. Through this customer-led approach, FWD aims to become a leading pan-Asian insurer that changes the way people feel about insurance.
Established in Asia in 2013, FWD is the insurance business of investment group, Pacific Century Group.
For more information please visit www.fwd.com