Lectures

Polar explorer and ex-Navy Seal; Rune Gjeldnes is the only person in the world who has crossed both the North Pole and the South Pole, unsupported on ski. He is also the holder of the world longest ski-expedition ever; 4804 km across Antarctica.
He has given more than 250 speeches at home and abroad, to corporations, organizations, the military and embassies. The speeches have been individually fitted to each customer using his experiences and knowledge from both Special Forces and the expeditions. He is keeping the weight on safety, planning and preparation, motivation factors, positive visualizing, and enduring and reaching the goal against all odds. The lectures are made in high quality digital multimedia format.

Beyond the Poles

The lecture is Rune’s open-hearted and honest account of his adventures, dreams and longing. About setting a goal, sticking to it and being true to the dream. And to never, ever give up

After the world’s worst ski trip across the Arctic Ocean, Rune Gjeldnes took on the whole of Antarctica with the world’s longest ski trip: A full 4804 kilometers across the Antarctic

It just wasn’t enough for Rune to become the first person to traverse Greenland lengthways 3000 km unsupported, or to be the first to cross the North Pole by way of Siberia to Canada unsupported in 109 days. He wanted more.

The world’s most inhospitable continent, the Antarctic lay waiting. This time he went alone to follow and fulfill an old dream, his dream of Antarctica. He wanted to be the first person in the world to cross both Poles unsupported. It became the world’s longest ski trip when he broke the old record with a full 1000 km. A distance which equals the distance between Dublin and Boston or between London and Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It was a result of four years of planning and preparations and stamina. Few believed it could be done.

The journey became a battle against the margins, the elements and most of all- against himself, but Rune led it to a success.

First and only - Against all odds

Arctic Ocean crossing 2000

This is a lecture about an historical expedition; the first and only unsupported crossing of the Arctic Ocean. But first of all a story about friendship and respect for each other; in the strength of a common will to carry on, to conquer the destructive forces and let a positive attitude rule. Mental strength was the thin red line. A good plan, hard work and self-discipline led to success. Their ability to see the irony of the situation, suppress the negative and maintain their respect for each other, lead to victory.

The Norwegian Navy Seals, Rune Gjeldnes and Torry Larsen, started out from Cape Arctichesky in Siberia on 16th February 2000, on a journey none believed were possible.

With 400 kilos supplies divided on four special sledges, they were ready for the battle with the elements. When they reached the Geographical North Pole, they were halfway there. After 109 days and 2000 km, they landed on Cape Discovery in Northern Canada with no food left, no water left, totally exhausted and weighing 53.2 kilos less than when they started.

Today, 18 international expeditions have attempted this unsupported crossing. None have succeeded.

Some customers

The Norwegian National Defence College
McKinsey & Company
Kongsberg Group ASA
Norwegian Embassy, Washington
Wallenius Willhelmsen Line, USA
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington
Naval Academy, USA
Smedvig Offshore
Rolex USA
Explorers Club, New York & Washington