Ben Saunders Aiming to Set New North Pole Speed Record

British explorer Ben Saunders today announced his intention to become the fastest person to reach the geographic North Pole. So far, only two people have managed to reach the North Pole unsupported. This is Ben’s second attempt to hit the North Pole in record time, with the previous one, which took place last year, failing due to a faulty fuel container that leaked.

Just like last year, Ben will face nature’s dangers alone, on foot, aiming to set a speed record. The expedition is supported by Land Rover and aims to break the current record of 36 days and 22 hours, which was set by a team using dog sleds in 2005. This will also serve as a training session for the explorer’s 2012 Expedition, which is scheduled to kick off in October this year. We are talking about a 1,800-mile return journey to the South Pole on the centenary of Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition that will be the longest unsupported polar journey in history.

“I am fitter than ever, clothing, food and equipment have been arriving from all over the world, and we’ve been working day and night to make this expedition happen. I have no doubt that the Arctic will throw some huge challenges my way, but I’m looking forward to being back in that environment, and to finally standing at the North Pole again,” Ben said.

“Ben is an inspirational character and someone we are very proud to work with. As one of our Global Ambassador’s he is a great demonstrator of the Land Rover spirit of adventure. We wish Ben every success in his record-breaking attempt to the North Pole,” added John Edwards, Global Brand Director of Jaguar Land Rover.