The FWD Asia Team successfully completed the FWD 78 Degrees North Marathon, demonstrating immense courage and perseverance by overcoming the challenges of the climate and logistical support. This extraordinary event was held in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway, 1050 km from the North Pole (89 degrees North) on April 16, 2019, just three days after the last-minute cancellation of all Arctic expedition activities, including the annual North Pole Marathon.

Despite these unprecedented circumstances, FWD Group decided to host the marathon in Longyearbyen, enabling participants to fulfill their dream of completing a marathon in sub-zero and extreme winter conditions while raising funds for their supported charities. FWD Group, as the title sponsor for the third consecutive year, has been a staunch supporter of the world's "coolest" and "coldest" marathon held in the Arctic. The cancellation was due to geopolitical tensions arising from flight plans to the North Pole between the Russian and Ukrainian governments.

Undeterred by this setback, FWD successfully organized the marathon within three days, inviting all North Pole Marathon participants to join and turning the event into an unforgettable experience.