Overview
The Midnight Sun Marathon is the world's northernmost marathon, drawing approximately 1,124 finishers each June in Tromsø, Norway, 350 km above the Arctic Circle. Runners start in the evening and finish at midnight under the golden Arctic sun that never sets. The course passes the Arctic Cathedral, the Tromsø Bridge, and the fjord waterfront on rolling Arctic terrain in 24-hour daylight.
Midnight Sun Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Midnight Sun Marathon 2027 race day
The next Midnight Sun Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, 19 June 2027 with a 10:00 pm start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 150 m of climbing on a rolling with moderate climbs layout.
Midnight Sun Marathon course route
The Midnight Sun Marathon is an evening loop in Tromsø that starts in the city centre and finishes at midnight beneath the Arctic sun, crossing the Tromsø Bridge and passing the Arctic Cathedral along the fjord waterfront. The bridge climb is the clearest elevation test on an otherwise moderate Arctic course, and the 24-hour daylight makes the late-race miles uniquely atmospheric. Spectators gather in the city-centre festival area and along the bridge and waterfront as runners race through the golden Arctic night.
Midnight Sun Marathon elevation profile
The Midnight Sun Marathon course is rolling with moderate climbs over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 150 metres of climbing and 140 metres of descent, with a net climb of 10 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
For the Midnight Sun Marathon, the race is held on the Saturday closest to midsummer in June, with a 10:00 pm start. Registration is at https://www.midnightsunmarathon.no/.
Midnight Sun Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Midnight Sun Marathon 2025: fly over the marathon course! Video of the race path.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Midnight Sun Marathon elevation profile?
- The Midnight Sun Marathon has 150 metres of total climbing and 140 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling with moderate climbs, with 10 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Midnight Sun Marathon?
- The Midnight Sun Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course from Tromsø city centre to midnight in the city-centre festival area.
- What time does the Midnight Sun Marathon start?
- The 2027 Midnight Sun Marathon starts at 10:00 pm local time on Saturday, 19 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.midnightsunmarathon.no/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the sun really not set during the Midnight Sun Marathon?
- Yes. Tromsø is above the Arctic Circle, and in June the sun does not set. Runners complete the marathon in continuous daylight — the midnight finish is in full golden sun.
- When is the Midnight Sun Marathon?
- The race is held on the Saturday closest to midsummer in June, with a 10:00 pm start. Registration is at https://www.midnightsunmarathon.no/.
- How cold is the Midnight Sun Marathon?
- June in Tromsø is mild Arctic summer, often 8–14 °C (46–57 °F). Wind off the fjord can make it feel colder — layers are essential.
- Does the Tromsø marathon cross the Tromsø Bridge?
- Yes. The Tromsø Bridge climb offers panoramic views of the Arctic Cathedral and the fjord — the course's main elevation challenge.
- What makes the Midnight Sun Marathon unique?
- Running a marathon at midnight in full sunlight above the Arctic Circle is an experience found nowhere else on earth. The Arctic Cathedral and fjord scenery complete the bucket-list appeal.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Tromsø.
Uppsala, Uppsala County, Sweden· 1,090 km away
Uppsala Marathon
The Uppsala Marathon attracts about 2,500 finishers each September through Sweden's historic university city north of Stockholm. The course passes the Uppsala Cathedral (Scandinavia's largest), the Gustavianum museum, and the Fyris River. September crisp Swedish autumn and flat Uppsala terrain make it a popular regional marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
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