Next race
Saturday, 21 August 2027
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Hilly · 211 m gain
211 m climbing
Race profile
The Reykjavik Marathon draws approximately 7,000 finishers on an urban road in Reykjavik, Iceland. The course starts and finishes at Lækjartorg in the city centre. Mostly flat with ocean breezes; half-marathon and full share the same start.
Reykjavik Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 7,000 finishers
Course & terrain
The Reykjavik Marathon is a coastal city loop starting and finishing at Laekjartorg in the city centre, passing the Sun Voyager sculpture, Seltjarnarnes, and Ellidaardalur valley. The city-centre and valley sections are the easiest because they stay mostly flat, while the exposed coastal roads around Seltjarnarnes are tougher when North Atlantic wind picks up. Crowds gather at Laekjartorg, around the Sun Voyager, and along the more accessible seafront segments.
The Reykjavik Marathon course is hilly over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 211 metres of climbing and 217 metres of descent, with a net descent of 6 metres from start to finish.
Hilly · 211 m gain — approx. 37 m above sea level
↑ 211 m · ↓ 217 m · net −6 m
Download the Reykjavik Marathon GPX file
Marathon Focus' proprietary GPX processing removes duplicate points, adds elevation data, and formats the file so you get a cleaner, more reliable route to load into your Garmin, Coros, or Apple Watch fitness watch.
Registration
Registration is available at www.reykjaviksport.is/. The event attracts many international runners drawn by the unique combination of Iceland's natural beauty, the midnight sun, and Culture Night. Register well in advance as accommodation in Reykjavik fills up quickly during the August festival period.
Getting there
Reykjavík (RKV)
Reykjavík Domestic Airport
2 km / 1 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Reykjavik.
The Loch Ness Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each September on a point-to-point scenic road in Inverness, United Kingdom. The point-to-point Highlands scenery is the race's defining draw. The course passes long stretches beside Loch Ness, Highland moorland, and the river approach into Inverness. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027
The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 30k finishers on an urban road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The course starts in Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point. Hilly only in the first few miles leaving Edinburgh.
Next race: Sunday, 30 May 2027
The Belfast Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers on an urban road in Belfast, United Kingdom. The course starts and finishes at the City Hall. The route passes the Titanic Quarter, Stormont, and the Lagan towpath. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.
