Reykjavik Marathon

Maraton Reykjavíkur

View on map
Sports & AdventureReykjavík
Dates22 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
CrowdVery Small214
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe course's near-total flatness, tracing
Language["is"]Currency: ISK
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Reykjavik Marathon in Reykjavík

Reykjavik's annual road race, run each August on the Saturday nearest the 18th to mark the city's founding anniversary. Distances range from a marathon and half marathon down to a three-kilometre fun run and children's race, all starting and finishing near the city pond downtown. A flat coastal course and midsummer daylight make it a popular target for both competitive and first-time marathoners.

Two travel-agency employees devised an international road race for Reykjavik in 1983 as a way to draw tourists to Iceland, and the first Reykjavik Marathon ran in 1984 with 56 participants.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The course's near-total flatness, tracing Reykjavik's coastline before looping back through the centre, makes it a genuine personal-best route rather than just a scenic one, which is why some international runners target it specifically for time goals

02

The mystery stays covered

Because Iceland's August days stay light well into the evening, the race unfolds in full daylight from its early start, without the heat that burdens marathons at similar mid-summer dates farther south

03

The city starts moving

The event also functions as a city holiday: local businesses extend hours, street musicians perform along the route, and the finish area near city hall becomes an informal public celebration open to non-runners

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Tied to Reykjavik's founding-charter anniversary rather than an older folk custom

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the marathon has run each year since 1984 and has grown from a small tourism-boosting race into the city's largest annual participatory sporting event

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

22 August 2026

Getting around

For route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Reykjavik to work differently.

What to wear

Standard running gear suited to cool, changeable coastal weather works best, layered so it can be shed as the race warms up. A light waterproof shell is worth carrying even on a clear...

Safety

At Reykjavik Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Reykjavik.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

["is"] · ISK

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map64.14 N, 21.90 WOpen in Google Maps

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

Nearest airportKEF — Keflavik
TransportFor route-based days, arrive early and expect normal streets around Reykjavik to work differently.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Reykjavik.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Reykjavík via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Reykjavík, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearStandard running gear suited to cool, changeable coastal weather works best, layered so it can be shed as the race warms up. A light waterproof shell is worth carrying even on a clear morning, since Reykjavik weather shifts fast. Spectators should dress for wind off the water regardless of sunshine.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Iceland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Reykjavik Marathon?

Reykjavik Marathon is listed for 22 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Reykjavik Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Reykjavík, Iceland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Reykjavik, Capital Region, Iceland

How big is it?

Very Small: 214

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLwhatson.is
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates22 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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