About This Event
The Reykjavik Marathon stands as Iceland's most established distance running tradition, organized twice yearly by the Marathon Runners Association since 1998. These intimate spring and autumn events showcase the best of Reykjavik's natural beauty, taking runners through a carefully crafted route that avoids street traffic while highlighting the city's unique geological and coastal features. The course begins in Elliðaárdalur valley among 5,500-year-old lava formations and follows the Elliðaá river, one of Iceland's premier salmon streams. Runners traverse Fossvogur Valley before reaching the seaside, passing landmarks like Öskjuhlíð hill and the geothermally heated sand beach at Nauthóll. The western section offers stunning ocean views with occasional glimpses of the Snæfellsjökull stratovolcano glacier across the bay. This grassroots event maintains its small, friendly atmosphere while providing a genuine taste of Icelandic running culture. The mostly flat asphalt trail course makes it accessible to runners seeking either a personal achievement or simply an authentic Nordic racing experience in one of the world's most distinctive capital cities.