Information

  • Distances10,55 km, Half marathon, Marathon
  • Date24. August 2024

Iceland Volcano Marathon, will be held in Mývatnssveit for the fourth time on Saturday 24th August 2024. Registration is open and will close on July 24th.

Volcano Marathon 2023 Web 32
Basic information

  • Type of run: Trail run
  • Where: Mývatnssveit, North Volcanic Zone, Iceland
  • When: 24th of August 2024
  • How often has it been held: 3 times (2021, 2022, 2023)
  • Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon

Registration and participation fee

Included in the registration fees:

  • Timing and results
  • CRAFT T-shirt
  • Designer Medal
  • Medical service at hand
  • #softcup reusable cup
  • Manned water stations
  • Pizza buffet and drinks at finish line

Refund policy

Before 10th June: 25% of fee is refunded, or registration is moved to 2025.

No charge is taken for name change. Participants can change the name on their registration until 14th August. For name change please email info@adventure-marathon.com with full name, name of new participant and phone number.

Route Description

The Iceland Volcano Marathon commences at the base of the Hverfjall crater. The course guides participants westward across a path made of volcanic sand and gravel toward Lake Mývatn.

The subsequent 2.5 kilometers unfold on asphalt, leading to the distinctive lava field of Dimmuborgir and through Gatklettur. Here, runners enter a narrow single-track trail surrounded by stunning flora, with Hverfjall prominently in the foreground.

Subsequently, participants ascend Hverfjall itself, reaching its summit and relishing the breathtaking panorama as they navigate the craters 3 kilometers circuit. Runners then race back down the same way as they came up.

At this point, marathon runners diverge from the half marathon runners, proceeding along the east side of the Hverfjall crater. The terrain shifts from pitch-black volcanic sand and lava rock, guiding them to the base of the Ludent crater.

The final 4 kilometers for both marathon and half marathon runners are conquered on asphalt. Here participants will race past Grjótagjá cave before finishing at Vogar Ferðaþjónusta.

The race does not start and finish at the same location. Buses will be available to drive participants between places.

  • Map and route elevation: See below.
  • Race kickoff location: Race will start at the roots of Hverfjall crater and finishes at Vogar Ferðaþjónusta.
  • Kick-off time: Marathon and Half Marathon starts at 07.00 and Quarter Marathon at 07.15.
  • The entire route is marked with obvious kilometer signs and colored flags, except on top of Hverfjall crater. On important intersections, route marshalls will direct runners the right way.

Map of the routes

Elevation profile

Volcano Marathon 2023 Web 47
Age groups

There are no age groups in the Iceland Volcano Marathons but minimum age requirements:

  • Marathon: 18 years
  • Half Marathon: 16 years
  • Quarter Marathon: 8 years old (children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a grown up)

No upper age limit.

Results and Prizes

There is no money prize, but a specially designed symbolic medal is given to anyone who finishes the race before the time limit. Trophy is given for 1st – 3rd place in each race category.

Water Stations

Manned water stations are set along the course, every 2 – 4 kilometers. All runners are given an attachable silicone cup that can be carried between water stations. Selected stations will also serve TRIBE electrolyte drinks – a 100% vegan product.

Station A: 4.5 km
Station B: 8.5 km
Station C: 10.5 and 14.5 (4.5 km for the Quarter marathon runners). Here you can also leave and/or put on extra clothing.
Station D: 17.5 and 38.5 km (7 km for the Quarter marathon runners). 
Station E: 21 and 33.5 km
Station F:  25 and 30 km
Station G: Finish Line

The race does not start and finish at the same location. Buses will be available to drive participants between places.

Further information
  • Who is organizing the run/who is responsible? Albatros Adventure Marathons, Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Who is registered race official? Name, number, email. Lars Fyhr, lf@albatros-adventure.com
  • Further information: You can always write us at info@adventure-marathon.com if you have any questions or need assistance with your booking.

Race Disclaimer

Runners of the Iceland Volcano Marathon are participating at their own risk. Albatros Adventure Marathon are not reliable for a potential injury that participants may cause themselves or others during their stay. However, we make sure that English-speaking doctors are at hand at all times.

All decisions made by the race officials and or medical team are final and not up for discussion. Albatros Adventure Marathons reserve the right to change the itinerary and/or running course without further notice in the event of extreme weather. This also includes the decision to cut the course short.