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All details are based on the 2021 Reykjavik Marathon and the prices and dates should be used as a guide only. Please click on the "BECOME A PRIORITY CLIENT" button above to sign up, so that we will notify you as soon as further information becomes available. Alternatively, please pay a preliminary deposit and guarantee your place for next year.
The course of the Reykjavik Marathon is unique, and very scenic and takes you along many of Reykjavik’s main sights. Highlights include: Harpa Concert Hall, Sólfar (the Sun Voyager) by the seaside, Höfði where Reagan and Gorbachev made a step in ending the Cold War, Grótta lighthouse and the Government Offices in Lækjargata.
The Marathon is one lap (except for the last part, as it goes nearly the same route as in the beginning of the race). The race starts and finishes downtown within sight of the pond and the city hall.
The first part of the course runs through a residential area where many of the locals come out of their houses to cheer the runners on. This is followed by a section where the runners pass along the seaside and have excellent views of the ocean, but also of the mountains surrounding Reykjavik, including Esjan and the Snaefellsjokull glacier. Participants in the marathon also run through the Ellioaardal valley, the location of one of the country’s more popular salmon fishing rivers, a small waterfall, and some woodland.
In the last part of the race, the participants pass a number of famous buildings, including Hofdi House, a Reykjavik City Council reception venue where US president Ronal Reagan and USSR General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev met for a summit in 1986.
Most of the race takes place on the streets of the city, although parts of the route are run on tracks, particularly the seaside and salmon rivers sections.
Reykjavik and surrounding areas only have about 200.000 inhabitants so the crowds are not huge however the support is fairly strong when running through residential areas. The spectators are very enthusiastic and there is also entertainment along the course.
Testimonials
All details are based on the 2021 Reykjavik Marathon and the prices and dates should be used as a guide only. Please click on the "BECOME A PRIORITY CLIENT" button above to sign up, so that we will notify you as soon as further information becomes available. Alternatively, please pay a preliminary deposit and guarantee your place for next year.
Entry Fees
Entry is included in your Marathon package
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Reykjavik Marathon
Start Time
The full Marathon starts at 8:40am
Cut-Off Times
There is a 7 hour 30 minute cut-off for the Reykjavik Marathon
Race Timing
Timing for each participant is done with a chip.
This data chip has to be securely fastened to one of the participant’s shoes using their shoelace.
If a participant does not have a chip fastened to their shoe it is not possible to measure their time.
Race Packets
Race Packs include race bib, timing chip, official handbook, t-shirt, free entry to the geothermal baths post-race day and plastic bag to place your belongings on race day.
For everyone booked on a Travelling Fit package, your race pack will be personally delivered to your hotel for pick up.
Pace Setters
There are pace makers in all timed distances. The pace makers will run in bright coloured vests with balloons fastened on them.
Information about the pace makers speed will be available one week before the race.
Aid Stations
Refreshment stations will be located approximately every 5 KM.
Water and Powerade will be provided and bananas will be available near the 21km and 30km mark. Runners in the full marathon can leave a refreshment at the EXPO.
At the refreshment station by the finish line Half Marathon runners can also have pretzels.
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
Competitors can leave their personal belongings at the information centre in Menntaskólinn í Reykjaví (big white school building). The information centre is located by the start/finishing area.
This area will be opened from 7am to 3pm on race day.
The belongings will be guarded but responsibility is not guaranteed for any valuables or money left in the storage area.
Transport
Both hotels offered on the Travelling Fit marathon package are within a few minutes’ walk to the start/finish area.
Expo
NOTE: For everyone booked on a Travelling Fit package, your race pack will be personally delivered to your hotel for pick up.
Alternatively, race pack with bib number, chip for timing, t-shirt etc. can be picked up in Laugardalshöll Sports Hall, Engjavegur 8, Reykjavik.
Opening hours (to be confirmed)
Thursday 19 August 15:00-20:00
Friday 20 August 14:00-19:00
Various exhibitors will present health related business and products and it will also be possible to buy some Reykjavik Marathon official clothing at the EXPO.
Please use entrance A when you come to the EXPO.
For those who are not able to show up at the EXPO it will be possible to pick up the race packages at the race information centre on Saturday morning August 22nd from 7:00 o’clock. The location is MR (white big school building) by the start/finishing area.
Note that bib pick-up on race day is NOT recommended
Finishers T-shirts, Medals and Certificates
A Medal for all Finishes and Special prizes for winners.
Weather Conditions
The Reykjavik Marathon takes place in August and the average temperature for this time of the year is about 14,5°C or 58°F, which is ideal for running a marathon.
Other Events
Half Marathon
10km fun run
3km fun run
600m fun run for young children
Reykjavik Marathon and Half Marathon
Travelling Fit made my experience of running the Reykjavik marathon truly memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Everything was thought of from local tours, to providing us with a commemorative...Travelling Fit made my experience of running the Reykjavik marathon truly memorable and a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. Everything was thought of from local tours, to providing us with a commemorative running jacket to choosing hotels walking distance to the start and finish and taking me to some great local restaurants. Will definitely be back for the next “Run the World” adventure in Cuba. Thanks for putting on this package and taking me to a place I’d otherwise probably not visited.
Written By JILL HENNESSY, NSW
Reykjavik Marathon and Half Marathon
Julian and I were honoured to be part of the first "Run the World" Marathon experience, in Iceland. The organisation, by Travelling Fit, from the time of our first enquiries, right through to the ...Julian and I were honoured to be part of the first “Run the World” Marathon experience, in Iceland. The organisation, by Travelling Fit, from the time of our first enquiries, right through to the completion of the tour, was exceptional. It gave us the opportunity to visit one of the countries on our ‘bucket list’ and fulfil a commitment to enjoy running experiences in new locations. The incorporation of tours, accommodation and selected meals in the package, in addition to the entry to the race, made for a total experience to be enjoyed and shared with a terrific group of like-minded people. We congratulate the Staff of Travelling Fit for developing the concept of the “Run the World” tour and for their hard work and professionalism in arranging the Reykjavik Marathon experience. Thank you.
Written By CHRISTINE WALKER, QLD
Reykjavik Marathon and Half Marathon
"Run the World with Travelling Fit" and you shall never regret it. This experience will never be forgotten. The care and attention put into making sure our every need was taken care of was second to ...“Run the World with Travelling Fit” and you shall never regret it. This experience will never be forgotten. The care and attention put into making sure our every need was taken care of was second to none. The other obvious thing, was that we were made to feel a part of the team even though we were new comers and others had travelled together before. This was due to the warm and friendly nature of Travelling Fit and crew. Thank you.
Written By PAUL AND ROBYN MADIGAN, QLD
Reykjavik Marathon and Half Marathon
Thanks, Mari Mar! You were always positive, upbeat, supportive and made everybody feel like your most important client! You're really very good at what you do. I was particularly moved by your ...Thanks, Mari Mar! You were always positive, upbeat, supportive and made everybody feel like your most important client! You’re really very good at what you do. I was particularly moved by your short speech about what TF means to you, combining your passions for running and travel, and your desire to share that with others and help people achieve some dreams. So thanks to you and the TF team for all your hard work!
Written By KEVIN HANNA, USA