SOUTH POLE CHALLENGE
“THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A PHYSICAL CHALLENGE – THIS IS A PLATFORM TO INSPIRE OTHERS”
JONATHAN KATTENBERG SOUTH POLE CHALLENGE DECEMBER 2026
Jonathan Kattenberg is currently training for a record-breaking attempt to reach the South Pole unsupported.
Jonathan Kattenberg is currently training for a record-breaking attempt to reach the South Pole unsupported. It is part of his project. “Project Life,” to inspire those who are struggling with their mental health and to demonstrate that life really does begin at 50.
The South Pole, also sometimes known as the Terrestrial South Pole, or the Geographic South Pole, is the southernmost point on the Earth where all directions point North, and where there are no assigned time zones.
Jonathan will be covering 715 miles (1,200 km) starting at the Hercules Inlet in Antarctica, a narrow imposing, ice-filled inlet at the southern end of the Zumberge Coast and the northwestern end of Queen Elizabeth Land. He will endure some of Earth’s most extreme conditions as he treks to the where Earth’s axis meets its surface.
He will face frostbite, snow blindness, hypothermia, dehydration, and altitude sickness, as he walks alone on a journey that will test his endurance both physically and mentally, spending nights alone in a tent with temperatures reaching as low as -78F degrees (-60C degrees).
Jonathan Kattenberg training in Upper Derwent Valley
Whilst there are organisations that offer expeditions to the South Pole for seasoned trekkers, few people attempt the route single handedly. Jonathan’s aim is to break the world record for reaching the Pole solo in the shortest ever time, beating the current record of 22 days, 6 hours and 22 minutes, a record set by the Frenchman, Vincent Colliard.
“The South Pole world record attempt is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a platform for inspiration, education, and personal development. A platform that will launch ”Project Life”.
WHY DO IT?
Inspiring Others Through Action
Jonathan Kattenberg is driven by a mission to inspire others through adventure, resilience, and mindset mastery. His past achievements include completing a 1,053-mile unsupported charity fundraiser in under 13 days, highlighting his dedication to making a difference.
As is undertakes this test of determination, he will be accompanied by his sons’ two toy bears, promoting the importance of being a good male role model and father, whilst raising awareness of the need for men to call out domestic violence against women and children.
Jonathan Kattenberg training near Upper Derwent Valley reservoir
THE MOTIVATION?
“Desire, drive, and tenacity are the real keys to success”
A devoted father of two, Jonathan leads by example, showing his children the value of courage, perseverance, and purpose. He has a passion for pushing the limits of human performance while using his journey to educate and inspire others.
With a commitment to personal growth and helping others harness mental resilience for success in life he regularly demonstrates through his work as a successful mountain leader and adventurer that achievements like these are possible without a military or elite sports background.
“The secret to walking to the South Pole is to put one leg in front of the other, and to do this enough times”
SOUTH POLE RECORD ATEMPT 2026
The Objectives
Driving transformation through adventure and education.
The South Pole world record attempt is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a platform for inspiration, education, and personal development. A platform that will launch ”Project Life”
The objectives include:
Transformational Talks and Workshops: Delivering impactful talks and workshops to businesses, organisations, and individuals, focusing on resilience, mindset, and performance.
Navigate Your Future Program: A structured course combining mindset training with outdoor adventure, enabling participants to develop strategies for success in life and business.
Multi-Day Adventure Events: Engaging individuals in hands-on experiences parallel to Jonathan’s training and expedition, offering unique insights into overcoming challenges.
Raising Awareness and Supporting Charitable Causes: Bringing attention to key social issues and charities dedicated to mental well-being, supporting vulnerable individuals, and calling out men who commit violence against women and children.
Showcasing the Power of Being 50+: Challenging stereotypes and demonstrating that age is no barrier to extraordinary achievements.
SOUTH POLE RECORD ATEMPT 2026
The CHARITIES
Partnership Opportunities
Jonathan is committed to partnering with charities focused on mental wellbeing and supporting vulnerable individuals. If you represent a charity looking to collaborate, discussions are open to explore impactful partnerships.
Among the charities that Jonathan supports is KidsOut. The charity provides wellbeing experiences and new toys for children who along with their mothers have fled emotional, violent, and sexual abuse, and live in one of over 650 women’s refuges in the UK.
Getting to the Start Line
Partnership Opportunities
The South Pole World Record Expedition is a ground-breaking adventure that requires substantial support.
We offer a variety of partnership opportunities for sponsors, investors, and supporters who want to be part of history, with a return on investment.
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