FWD Team Asia successfully completed the FWD ‘78° North’ Marathon, displaying grit and perseverance to rise above a maelstrom of climate and logistical challenges, overcoming unprecedented circumstances that culminated in the last-minute cancellation of all North Pole expeditions including the annual North Pole Marathon.

The FWD ‘78° North’ Marathon was held on 16th April, at Longyearbyen in Svalbard, Norway, 1050 km away from the Pole (89° latitude North). FWD Group (“FWD”) had initially been supporting the world’s ‘coolest’ marathon at the North Pole, returning as title sponsor for the third year in a row. The Marathon was cancelled at the last minute because of geopolitical tensions between the Russian and Ukrainian administrations regarding flight plans to the Pole.

Undeterred, FWD stepped in with the idea to create and organise its own marathon at Longyearbyen so that runners could still fulfill their ambitions to complete a marathon in sub-zero temperatures and extreme winter conditions while raising funds for their sponsored charities. FWD successfully arranged the marathon against the odds in three hectic days, inviting all registered North Pole Marathon runners to take part.

Tim Oliver, FWD Group Chief Customer & Marketing Officer said, “All of us at FWD are extremely proud of all the participants despite the unexpected turn of events, who displayed admirable determination and courage to persevere and complete a very challenging marathon. Congratulations to all the runners for successfully finishing the FWD 78° North Marathon.”

Highlights of the race included FWD Team Asia member and Hong Kong professional marathon runner Hard Tsui winning the overall men’s race in an impressive time of 3 hours and 1 minute while the women’s race was won by another FWD Team Asia member Joyette Jopson from the Philippines in 4 hours and 10 minutes. FWD Managing Director & Group Chief Operating Officer Rob Schimek finished the men’s race in third place with a time of 4 hours and 14 minutes behind second placed Xiaobin Qiu from China who completed the race in 3 hours and 44 minutes.

“A special mention must also go to FWD’s support team who worked around the clock, after the cancellation of the original race, to secure the alternative marathon course and we’re so proud of their resilience to deliver such an event,” added Tim. “This experience truly demonstrates our brand philosophy, to have the confidence to overcome adversity and continue fulfilling our brand promise to celebrate living.”

FWD is looking forward to returning to the North Pole in 2020.

The results of FWD-sponsored runners in the FWD 78° North Marathon are as follows:

About FWD Group

FWD Group spans Hong Kong & Macau, 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