Iceland Volcano Marathon & Half 2024
Run Through a Geological Hot Spot with the Iceland Volcano Marathon 2024
Set near Lake Mývatn, at the divergent boundaries of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Iceland Volcano Marathon route will take you on an adventure through a hotbed of geothermal activity with geysers, hot springs, and lava rock.
The route traverses single-track trail, plains of lava lock and several minor volcano craters. The massive Hverfjall crater is a wonderful focus point on the route. As they run the rim of the crater, runners will pass through soft, black volcanic sand, as well as through the ethereal lava fields known as Dimmuborgir, or “Dark Fortress,” and under a wild natural arch. Here at Marathon Tours & Travel we will take care of your accommodation, entry and logistics so you can focus on the challenge ahead.
Meals Included
Enjoy daily breakfasts & a post-race celebratory dinner
Guide
Our English-speaking tour leader will support you
Transfers
Transportation Reykjavik-Mývatn / Húsavík & return
Trip Extension
Trip extension available upon request
Accommodation
Various hotels, from economy to deluxe
Entry
Guaranteed race entry for a distance of your choice
Celebration Party
Celebration dinner with transportation included
Excursions
Selection of excursions available
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Wednesday 21 August 2024
Arrival Day – Welcome to Iceland!
Arrive at Reykjavík. The day is yours to discover the world’s northernmost capital city at your own speed!
Thursday 22 August 2024
Iceland’s Scenic West Coast & Race Briefing
After an early breakfast, board the bus for a scenic drive up along the west coast of Iceland. Along the way, the guide will tell you about Iceland. In the afternoon, you will reach Akureyri, known as “The Capital of the North,” which lies just 100km (62 miles) away from the Arctic Circle. Here, race officials will provide a race briefing and distribute your goodie bags while we enjoy a snack meal. After the briefing, continue to Mývatn/Húsavík where you will get settled into your hotel.
Friday 23 August 2024
Mývatn Route Highlights
On today’s tour you will visit some of the places that are on the marathon route including Dimmuborgir, Hverfjall and Hverir solfataras. Enjoy the sights of lava structures, craters and boiling sulphur mud pits before a visit to the steaming grounds in Bjarnarflag where locals bake their world-famous Geyser bread. Meet a local who will explain the story behind the tradition and you’ll have a chance to taste a bread baked in nature‘s oven, heated by the geothermal heat from geysers.
Saturday 24 August 2024
Race Day
Today is the big day – the Iceland Volcano Marathon is on! Runners will have the rare opportunity to run the dirt and gravel roads around the majestic Hverfjall crater. At the finish line, a BBQ lunch will be served to participants. Shuttle busses will then take all participants back to their hotels.
Monday 26 August 2024
Farewell Iceland or Hello Extension!
After an early breakfast, you will board shuttle busses that will drive through Reykjavík to Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Expected arrival at Keflavik Airport is 14:30. Knowing this, it is not advisable to book your flight out of Iceland earlier than 16:30* on this day. Not ready for the adventure to end? Join one of our optional extensions or book extra nights in Reykjavík.
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Extensions
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Extensions & Excursions
Please note these extensions are for our 2023 packages. 2024 to be confirmed.
Pre-Tour: The Golden Circle – 5 – 7 September 2023 (3 days)
Take a tour of some of Iceland’s most magnificent attractions.
East Iceland Highlights – 12 – 16 September 2023 (5 days)
Get a taste of Iceland’s overwhelming outdoor attractions by exploring everything from waterfalls to glaciers to black sand beaches.
Geothermal Nature Baths – 10 September 2023 (3-4 hours)
Soak – literally – in the magic of Iceland’s geothermal activity.
Whale Safari – 11 September 2023 (7 hours)
Meet the friendly giants of the sea in the breathtaking surroundings of Skálfjandlói Bay.
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Packages & Rates
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Please note the information below related to our 2022 packages and is subject to change for 2023.
Marathon Tours & Travel Iceland Volcano Marathon Packages
Each package includes the following:
- Transportation between Reykjavik-Mývatn/Húsavík and return
- English-speaking tour leader
- 1 night accommodation in Reykjavik
- 4 nights’ accommodation in Mývatn or Húsavík
- Meals according to itinerary
- Celebration dinner including transportation
- Exclusive Iceland Volcano Marathon reusable water bottle
- Selection of tours and excursions (see details under “Extensions”)
Guaranteed race entry
- Marathon or half-marathon – £240
- Quarter marathon – £130
Race Entry Includes:
- English-speaking race officials
- Medical team
- Timekeeping
- Transport to the starting point
- Manned drink stations including safety equipment
- Start number and medal
- Exclusive Iceland Volcano Marathon T-shirt
Why Book with Marathon Tours & Travel?
Choice of hotels
The 6-day tour package has a selection of accommodation combinations ranging from economy to deluxe standards.
Logistics covered
We take care of all of the logistics for you, so you can focus on the event and your trip. Book our 5-night package and in addition, book one of our optional excursions or extension tour.
You’re in Safe Hands
Whether you are running or supporting, we have an expert team to ensure your trip runs smoothly. Your travel package is protected by ABTA.
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Hotels
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Event Information
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Please note the information below related to our 2022 packages and is subject to change to change for 2023.
Race Date: August 12 2023
Race Time: 07:30AM (the Marathon and Half-Marathon will start together, the Quarter Marathon will start shortly after)
The Course:
The Iceland Volcano Marathon 2024 is run on a variety of surfaces, including asphalt, soft volcanic sand, volcanic rock, gravel, and dirt. Although the race can be run in normal running shoes, trail running shoes are recommended if one is hoping for top placement. You can view a course map here and the elevation chart here.
Weather:
The Icelandic late-summer is not known to be warm. Expect temperatures between vary 41-51 degrees F (5-11 degrees Celsius). If we are lucky, temperatures may rise to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Icelandic weather is notoriously fickle, and rain can be expected at any time.
Eligibility:
- Marathon – 18 years +
- Half-Marathon 16 years +
- Quarter Marathon 8 years + (those under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult)
Time Limit:
- Marathon – 7 hours (must finish by 14:00PM). Five hour cut-off point at the 20 mile marker.
- Half-Marathon – 7 hours (must finish by 14:00PM)
- Quarter Marathon (must finish by 14:00PM)
Awards:
Everyone who finishes their running event within the time limit will receive a Finisher Medal and Race short
Difficulty: The course difficulty is challenging
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Seven Continents Club
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The Seven Continents Club®️ (SCC) offers a unique opportunity for runners to run on all seven continents of the globe, as well as providing numerous benefits to its members. The club operates as a global frequent traveller club for runners, offering waitlist priority for high-demand events, early pre-registration periods for a number of races in popular destinations and tour package vouchers for money off international tour packages. What’s more, Seven Continents Club®️ rewards all its members for the extraordinary achievement of running marathons on each continent with their own special finishers medal and certificate of completion. Join the SCC today!
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