The three women will trek across Arctic wastelands

The group will head to Canada from Heathrow Airport, before starting a 280-mile trek across arctic wasteland.

Philippa Thompson, 32, Clare Kavanagh, 30, both from Poole, Dorset, and Jocie Robertson, 30, from Bristol, hope to walk and ski into record books.

Each competitor must haul a 90-kilo sled along the route.

"We are all excited about the race and just want to get out there and get on with it," said Philippa.

"It will be unbelievable to become the first all-female team to complete the race, it is a real goal to aim for."

She said the team had been in training for six months, combining hill walking and gym work with a trial trek in Norway.

During the race - expected to last up to three weeks - the women will face temperatures of -35C and risk frostbite and dehydration.