Reykjavik Marathon Race Guide: Price, Elevation, Course 🏃‍♀️🏃

This renowned event, set in Iceland’s stunning capital, offers more than just a race – it’s a remarkable blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and athletic challenge.

Held in August, the Reykjavik Marathon offers milder temperatures averaging 14.5 degrees Celsius making the run less physically demanding.

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a first-time participant, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need.

From the unique course details and elevation gains to the registration process and race day logistics, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Reykjavik Marathon.

Overview of the Reykjavik Marathon

Quick Facts

2024 Date	August 24th, 2024
Total Participants	1,000
Registration Cut Of Date	July 5th 2024
Required Qualifying Time	N/A

Reykjavik Marathon Price

Entrance to the race is around $175.

Travelling Fit is an official tour operator of the Reykjavik Marathon and offers a 7-Day / 6-Night package which includes a meet and greet dinner, a tour of Reykjavik City, a visit to the stunning South Coast and Glacial Lagoon, group lunches, dinners, gatherings and of course the Reykjavik Marathon or shorter distances.

Packages start from $ 3760 with a guaranteed entry to the Reykjavik Marathon. Check out our Marathon Package and Half Marathon Package to learn more.

Race types and distances

Race Type	Distance
Marathon	42.2 km
Half Marathon	21.1 km
10 K Race	10 km
Fun Run	3 km

Reykjavik Marathon elevation gain

The total elevation gain for the Reykjavik Marathon is 174m. While the course is generally run through relatively flat city streets, there are instances where runners will be required to run on tracks. The most challenging climbs occur during the 14th and 22nd km of the race.

Reykjavik Marathon course / route

The Reykjavik Marathon course offers a scenic route through Iceland’s picturesque capital, combining urban charm with natural beauty.

The race begins in the heart of Reykjavik, immersing runners in the vibrant atmosphere of this lively city.

From the bustling start line, participants weave through the city streets, absorbing the local culture and architecture.

The route then leads through charming streets, passing landmarks such as the historic Seltjarnarnes church, a symbol of Iceland’s cultural heritage.

As participants advance, they are greeted by the scenic beauty of the coastline along Sæbraut, with breathtaking views of the North Atlantic.

Participants run past iconic landmarks, including the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager sculpture, a nod to the city’s artistic soul.

Runners experience varied terrains, from smooth city pavements to softer coastal trails.

Highlights include running alongside the serene Tjörnin, the city’s central pond, and through the lush greenery of Reykjavik’s parks, offering a refreshing contrast to the urban sections.

Nearing the end, the course circles back to the city centre, where the finish line is set against a backdrop of lively celebrations and enthusiastic crowds.

The route not only challenges the athletes but also takes them on a tour of Reykjavik’s most iconic spots, making the marathon a memorable journey through the heart of Iceland.

Reykjavik Marathon Map

Check out the map below to see the route for the marathon.

Refreshment stations

To support runners throughout the Reykjavik Marathon, a series of refreshment stations are placed along the route. These stations are located approximately every 4 to 5 kilometres, ensuring that participants have regular access to hydration and energy sources.

Hydration Options: Each station offers Gatorade and water, catering to the runners’ hydration needs and preferences.

Nutritional Support: For marathon runners, a selection of bananas and oranges is available at alternate stations in the latter half of the course, providing essential nutrients and a natural energy boost.

Station Locations: Specifically, these refreshment points are situated at the 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K, 35K, and 39K markers, as well as at the finish line. This distribution ensures that runners are well-supported throughout the entire marathon.

Reykjavik Marathon Medals / Awards

Every participant who crosses the finish line is awarded a medal. The design is specific to the Reykjavik Marathon. It reflects Icelandic culture making them a cherished keepsake for runners.

The top three male and female runners will receive a trophy and prize money paid out in Icelandic Krona (ISK).

Preparing for the marathon

Training Tips

Preparing for the Reykjavik Marathon involves specific training strategies to ensure you’re ready for its unique challenges. Here are some key training tips:

Train for the Weather: Reykjavik can be cool and windy. Train in similar weather conditions to acclimate your body and decide on the best race-day clothing.

Incorporate Hill Workouts: Given the moderate elevation gain of the Reykjavik Marathon, include hill running in your training to build strength and adapt to varied terrains.

Practice Pacing: Learn to pace yourself correctly to conserve energy throughout the race. Use long training runs to practice and perfect your pacing strategy.

Nutrition and Hydration Strategy: Develop a nutrition plan that fuels your long runs and recovery. Practice your hydration strategy during training to avoid dehydration on race day.

Remember, every runner is different, so it’s important to tailor your training plan to your personal needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Listen to your body and adjust your training accordingly.

Gear recommendations:

Because of the unpredictable weather conditions, we advise that you wear layers that can be adjusted for cool and potentially windy conditions typical in Reykjavik.

For experienced runners, you might already have everything on the following list. For new runners however, we recommend the following for the Reykjavik Marathon: