Distance Ratification

PECS uses a camp-to-camp¹ distance tallying methodology which provides an equitable system of comparison for all unmotorised expeditions. By eliminating deviations between campsites the camp-to-camp method encourages and recognises best-practice planning and navigation². Crucially, it encourages comparison with historical journeys, undertaken at a time when route recording was not automated and campsites were the most commonly marked waypoint.

If your route includes a significant pivot point (90ºS, 90ºN, Pole of Inaccessibility etc.) this waypoint may be included if it falls between camps. Other than the pivot point and start and end points, no other non-camp points are permissible. Switchbacks, tacking, backtracking (unless the path is a return journey) or ice drift may not be included in a total distance.

If a sector of a path includes an established route with identical start and end/pivot points (e.g Hercules Inlet to South Pole), the recognised distance of that sector will be applied to the journey, in addition to any remaining distance.

While PECS acknowledges the increasing accuracy and usability of modern tracking and logging technology, the camp-to-camp methodology offers the most equitable comparisons between modern and historical journeys. Journeys may record finer waypoint intervals e.g. 10 minutes, however the camp-to-camp tally remains the recognised distance by PECS.

Journeys on the Arctic Ocean should record a straight line distance or a sum of straight line distances between significant points e.g. Russia to North Pole and North Pole to Canada.

All non-standard path and distance submissions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

¹ A camp must be characterised by typical rest and recovery strategies e.g. pitching tent, snow melting and sleeping

² Where a journey uses established start, end or pivot points but deviates significantly from a standard path, a multi-day divergence may be included in the total distance if clearly recognised as a purposeful and strategic route (camp-to-camp methodology still applies). Examples:

• A team skiing from Hercules Inlet to South Pole deviating to the Thiel Mountains may include this multi-day divergence in the total distance.
• A snowkiting team repeats a circumnavigation path around the Greenland Ice Sheet and extends the distance by maximising a favourable multi-day tack.