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.
Work is underway on updating a new race route. A route description and map will be available soon. All distances finish on Geirsgata.
The Course
*Changes to the race route are currently being made
Race route 2025:
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.
REFRESHMENT STATIONS
*Published subject to possible changes in location
There are total of 10 refreshment stations in the marathon and are located every 4-5 km. The first two stations are for marathon, half-marathon and 10 km runners, located at Eiðistorg and Eiðsgrandi. Next, there are two stations on Sæbraut, the first is near Harpa and the second at the turnaround point by Sundahöfn. After that, there is a station at Hátún, Langsholtsvegur, Naustabryggja, Fossvogur and Bergstaðastræti. The last stations is at the finish line on Lækjargata.
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.
Service
The entry fee includes a variety of services that ensure a unique experience for the runners. Here you can find more information about the services provided on race day for all distances
