Woman who lived at South Pole reveals how they run through all 24 time zones every Christmas

A woman who spent a year living at the South Pole has revealed what she and other residents get up to at Christmas.

Michelle Endo is one of a very few people who have spent an entire year down at the South Pole.

And we're not just talking Antarctica here, we're talking the actual South Pole.

There are three permanent stations in Antarctica, and one is close to the geographical South Pole, which is where Michelle went.

It's named after the leaders of the two expeditions who made it there, so the Amundsen-Scott South Pole.

The 32-year-old from San Francisco described living on the station as like working on a cruise ship, or living on a space ship.

In fact, through the winter months the station is entirely self-sufficient as it's too dangerous for planes to reach, unless there's an emergency or 'Among Us' type situation.

And despite there being a gym, music room, and library among other things to keep people amused, they still come up with creative ways to pass the time.

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This includes an annual head-weighing contest, 'you can bring your own head', and also running round every time-zone.

Michelle said: "On the morning of our station Christmas, we do a fun run called 'Race Around the World'.

"It's a 5k course that circles the Geographic South Pole so that participants get to run 'around the world' through all 24 time zones.

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"Some participants take it seriously, while others like to dress up in fun costumes or onesies to do it."

She added: "It's the small things that make all the difference down there and really boost morale."

So, does that mean you start one day and finish the next? Or that you're running back in time?

While there are no people who are from the South Pole, there are teams of scientists who live there carrying out research.

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And the research station also needs people to staff it so the scientists can focus on science.

That means cooks, mechanics, medics, electricians, plumbers, IT technicians, basically anyone you would need to keep somewhere running smoothly.

Michelle worked as a hospitality manager, doing six days a week with other staff at the station.

But for anyone who is thinking about a prospective trip, be warned.

The roles are extremely sought after, especially at the Amundsen-Scott station, so getting a place there is very difficult.

But if the prospect of spending a year at the South Pole and running through every time zone sounds like your cup of tea, then it's not impossible!

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