The first Reykjavik Marathon was held in 1984 where 56 participants made their way through Reykjavík. The past years around 1500 runners have been registered to the Marathon distance each year.
The Marathon is 42.195 km or 26.22 miles long and the origin of the event is said to be in 490 BC where a Greek messenger ran to Athens to deliver a message of the victory of the Battle of Marathon.
We do not recommend that inexperienced runners register for the event. Participants must be 18 years or older.
PARTICIPANTS
Everyone that is 18 years or older and has been training for this event may register and take part in the marathon. There is a time limit of 6 hours and 30 minutes. If participants have not crossed the finish line before that limit they will be disqualified and the finish area will be closed.
Registration
Registration to the Marathon is available online on our site and at the expo during race package pickup in Laugardalshöll Sportshall. Click here to see further information regarding the registration.
The Course
The course goes through the greater part of Reykjavik. It is scenic and flat although some parts can be trying. The run starts at the same place as other distances, on Sóleyjargata and ends on Lækjargata, in front of the school Menntaskólinn við Reykjavík. The course is as follows: Ægisíða, Grandi, Sæbraut, Laugardalur, Elliðaárdalur, Bryggjuhverfi, Fossvogur, Þingholt and ends on Lækjargata. Click here to view the map The course is measured by certified AIMS measurer and accredited by the Icelandic Athletic Federation.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS
Refreshment stations will be located every 4-5K. Gatorade and water will be provided and bananas and oranges on the second half of the route. Runners in the full marathon can leave a refreshment at the EXPO. It will be brought to the 20K 30K and/or 35K refreshment stations. Be sure to mark your refreshments very well with your name and bib number. At the refreshment station by the finish line marathon runners can also have pretzels. The locations of the stations are marked on the route map.
Prizes
The Marathon race prizes are awarded to the first three men, women, and non-binary. The first man, woman and non-binary from each age group will also receive a prize. The age group awards ceremony is held on the Tuesday after the race.
TIMING
Timing is done by electronic timing. Each participant gets a number with a chip that measures the time.
