We spoke with Raymond Page, Executive Director – Fund Services in our Singapore office, who recently completed the challenging Antarctic Ice Marathon. Raymond raised funds for the Cheshire Home Organisation in Singapore, a vital residential home that supports 67 residents and operates a Day Care Centre for 50 individuals.
In our interview, Raymond shared what inspired him to take on this extreme challenge, how he prepared physically and mentally, and the powerful impact of combining sports with charitable giving.
If you wish to learn more about this charity and the work they do, visit: The Singapore Cheshire Home – Home Is Where Happiness Is
What inspired you to take on the Antarctic Ice Marathon? What drew you to this extreme challenge?
My primary inspiration came from my passion for running, travel, experiencing life, and taking on new challenges. Running has always been something I have enjoyed throughout my life. From school cross country to running my first two marathons at ages 16 and 17, it has been a way to test my limits and make my fitness regime more meaningful. My children leaving home allowed me to pick up running as a hobby again over the last 10 years.
Having completed ultra 280k races in the Sahara Desert (Marathon Des Sables), 100k races in the Himalayas, Malaysian Jungle, Hong Kong New Territories, and Australian Blue Mountains, I wanted to experience running in a snow environment. I had heard about the Antarctic Ice Marathon, and it was on my radar to attempt this event and experience such a remote continent that few people have set foot on. It was not just about completing a marathon but doing so in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
As part of my efforts, I always try to support a charity. On this adventure, I decided to raise funds for the Cheshire Home Organisation in Singapore, which provides care and support for individuals with physical disabilities. Such fundraising always gave my efforts a deeper purpose and add the determination to finish. The idea that my participation could make a difference in the lives of others is incredibly motivating, both during training and on race day.
How did you prepare for such extreme conditions, both physically and mentally?
Preparation is critical for any event. It was very problematic training for such a cold event while living in Singapore; my freezer was not large enough! I knew that running in Antarctica meant dealing with sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and uneven, icy terrain. I focused on endurance training to build up my stamina and incorporated strength workouts to get my body ready for the rough terrain. I researched cold running advice from around the world and purchased the correct clothing using good technical clothing in layering system. I ensured that I followed all the advice from the race organizers to stay safe. The key is to be able to manage your body temperature using wicking technology to prevent moisture from freezing on your body. It was difficult running when totally covered to prevent frostbite.
Mental training is important to pushing through pain barriers and finishing the race. To be honest, the scenery and serenity of the actual run made the mental side very manageable.
The Cheshire Home Organisation gave me the determination to push through tough moments; when my body began to grumble the thoughts of and responsibility toward the people I was helping, gave me that extra push, especially when I was struggling with ice blocks in my gloves and nose!
Can you describe the experience of running in Antarctica? What were the conditions like, and what was going through your mind during the race?
Running in Antarctica was surreal and unforgettable. The scenery was incredible—snow-covered mountains the endless snow and ice stretched as far as the eye could see, with nothing but the sound of the wind to accompany us. The snow sparkled like a desert of diamonds. Temperatures hovered between -10 and -20°C, and the wind made it feel even colder. The terrain varied from hard-packed snow to sections of uneven drifts, making each step much less efficient and more challenging than running on paved roads.
During the race, I concentrated on my pace, breathing, and managing my body temperature. Being alone in such a pristine, beautiful environment with zero noise pollution was a very cathartic experience and allowed the mind to freewheel, giving quite a meditative adventure. As in any marathon, the last 10k can push your body and mind, whilst it it is always euphoric when you sight the finish line. However, in this case, the feeling was tempered with a sense of sadness as the run was coming to an end and my journey home from such an amazing place was also fast approaching.
What does it mean to you to have raised funds for the Cheshire Home Organisation? What message would you like to share about combining sports with charitable initiatives?
Raising nearly SGD 4,000 for the Cheshire Home Organisation was very rewarding. It gave my marathon journey a sense of purpose that extended beyond personal achievement. Knowing that my efforts would make a difference in the lives of those with physical disabilities needing a home to reside in made every training session and challenging moment on the course worthwhile.
Combining sports with charitable initiatives is a powerful way to bring people together and create positive change. It shows that personal passions can have a broader impact. To anyone considering a similar path, I would say: choose a cause close to your heart and let it inspire your efforts; the sense of accomplishment is magnified when you know you are contributing to something with which you have a strong connection.
Now that you have completed this challenge, what are your future aspirations in running?
Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibility of joining my daughter to run the New York Marathon. I have run a half marathon with her in Sydney, and she wants to complete a full marathon. The New York Marathon is such an iconic event and would be an amazing first marathon for her to attempt. She has already refused to follow in my footsteps to Antarctica!