The Pósthlaup Trail Run is a 50 km trail run from Staðarskáli in Hrútafjörður to Búðardalur (600 m elevation gain, 2 ITRA points). There is also the option to run a half-distance route, approximately 26 km (1 ITRA point), a 12 km route, or the final segment into Búðardalur, 7 km. The run takes place on Saturday, July 26.
Route Description
The Pósthlaup Trail Run is a 50 km trail run starting at Bálkastaðir in Hrútafjörður. The course follows an old postal route over Haukadalsskarð into Haukadalur valley, along Haukadalsvatn lake, onto a bridle path leading to the Vestfjarðavegur road in the Dalir region and follows that road all the way into Búðardalur.
The first 15 km are relatively uphill, but from there the route is mostly flat or downhill. Total elevation gain is around 600 m, with the highest point being Haukadalsskarð.
Roughly halfway along the course is Kirkjufellsrétt (near the farm Smyrlhóll in Haukadalur), where the 26 km race begins, timed to coincide with the arrival of runners from Hrútafjörður.
The 12 km race is a new addition, beginning at a gravel pit near the fishing lodge by the Haukadalsá river.
Finally, participants may choose the final leg, a 7 km run from Búðardalur airstrip at Kambsnes to the village of Búðardalur. This race will also be timed to align with the arrival of runners from longer distances.
During the main race, the youngest generation and their supporters can enjoy the Póststubburinn, a short loop in the heart of Búðardalur, and will be treated to refreshments and goodies at the finish line.
Shuttle buses will be available from Búðardalur to the various starting points: Bálkastadir, Kirkjufellsrétt, the gravel pit, and the airstrip. Aid stations and course marshals will be present along the route. Healthy refreshments from the local area will be served at the finish line.
Maps and Elevation Profiles
You can see map of the route on the bottom of this page and in the list below.
- Map and elevation profile for the 50 km route
- Map and elevation profile for the 26 km route
- Map and elevation profile for the 12 km route
- Map for the 7 km route
Shuttle Services
Shuttle buses will run on race day morning from Búðardalur to the starting points at Bálkastaðir, Kirkjufellsrétt, the gravel pit, and the airstrip. Those who decline shuttle service during registration may still request a seat by emailing ragnark@postur.is no later than July 19, 2024 (subject to availability).
Start Times and Shuttle Departures
- 50 km at 9:00 from Bálkastaðir
Shuttle departs from the old post office in Búðardalur at 7:45 - 26 km at 11:30 from Kirkjufellsrétt
Shuttle departs from the old post office in Búðardalur at 10:30 - 12 km at 12:30 from the gravel pit
Shuttle departs from the old post office in Búðardalur at 11:45 - 7 km at 13:30 from Búðardalur Airstrip
Shuttle departs from the old post office in Búðardalur at 13:00 - Póststubburinn begins at MS in Búðardalur at 12:30
Registration and Entry Fees
Registration is here at hlaup.is, see top of this page. Runners may register until 12:00 on Friday, July 25. Entry fees are as follows:
- 50 km: ISK 9,000 (plus ISK 3,000 for shuttle, if requested)
- 26 km: ISK 6,000 (plus ISK 2,000 for shuttle, if requested)
- 12 km: ISK 4,500 (plus ISK 1,500 for shuttle, if requested)
- 7 km: ISK 2,500 (plus ISK 1,000 for shuttle, if requested)
- Registration for Póststubburinn (1.5 km) begins at 12:00; participation is free
On July 4, 2024, entry fees increase to ISK 11,000, 8,000, 6,000, and 4,000 respectively.
Entry Fee Includes:
- Timing and race number
- Course and safety monitoring
- Refreshments and nutrition at aid stations and at the finish
- Toilet facilities at all starting points (50 km, 26 km, 12 km, and 7 km) and at the finish
- Transportation of gear from start to finish
- Prizes for top three finishers in men's and women's categories, plus random draw prizes
Race packets will be available for pickup from 11:00–18:00 on Thursday, July 24 and Friday, July 25 at the Hlaupár running store, Fákafen 11 in Reykjavík, and on race day, July 26, at the old post office in Búðardalur.
Please note: Registration closes at 12:00 on Friday, July 25, or earlier if a distance sells out.
Practical Information
A shuttle will transport runners to the starting points at Bálkastaðir, Kirkjufellsrétt, and Búðardalur Airstrip (at 7:45, 10:30, 11:45, and 12:00). Along the course, there will be aid stations and course marshals. Restroom facilities will be available at the starting lines of the three main races, as well as at the finish in Búðardalur. After the race, runners will be offered healthy and tasty local refreshments. Further information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be located at the Ormsá power station (8 km), the top of Haukadalsskarð (15 km), Kirkjufellsrétt (24 km), near Lake Haukadalsvatn (37 km), and at Breiðimelur (46 km). The last two stations also serve runners participating in the 26 km distance. Runners in all distances can enjoy refreshments at Breiðimelur before tackling the final stretch into Búðardalur.
Water and energy drinks will be available at all aid stations. Runners must bring their own reusable cup or bottle, as single-use cups will not be provided. At the finish line near the old post office in Búðardalur, local refreshments will be served.
Course Marshalling and Markings
The course is easy to follow, initially along jeep tracks and then mountain roads until reaching the main road. From there, it follows a bridle path alongside the main road. The final stretch goes through Búðardalur. Signage will be placed wherever there's a chance of confusion, and marshals will be stationed at key intersections.
There are many small streams along the course, which are not obstacles for runners. However, 50 km runners must ford the Haukadalsá river at one point; assistance will be provided there.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women in each distance category, in addition to random draw prizes.
ITRA Points
The Pósthlaup is certified by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and grants the following points:
- 50 km = 2 ITRA points
- 26 km = 1 ITRA point
Terms and Conditions
Participants take part in the race at their own risk and have no legal claims against the organizers for incidents occurring in connection with the event. Registered participants are responsible for their own race number and may not transfer it to another runner. Anyone running with a number not officially assigned to them is not considered a valid participant.
There is an 18-year age limit for the 26 km and 50 km distances.
Participants may request a 50% refund of the entry fee until July 1, 2025, by emailing ragnark@postur.is. If the event must be cancelled on short notice due to natural disasters, weather, or other unforeseeable circumstances, 50% of the entry fee will be refunded. Name changes can also be requested via email to ragnark@postur.is.
Participants are expected to respect nature and may only dispose of trash at designated aid station bins. Courtesy must be shown to fellow runners, hikers, and horseback riders along the route, and all instructions from event staff must be followed. Outside assistance is not allowed, except in emergencies. Participants are required to help fellow runners in distress until appropriate help arrives.
Participants are responsible for their own equipment and should dress according to the weather and forecast. The following gear is mandatory for the longest distance (50 km):
- A reusable cup or bottle for collecting water from streams or aid stations
- A fully charged mobile phone
- An emergency blanket
- A whistle
- A hat or buff and gloves
Race numbers must be visible throughout the race.
The race director has the right to disqualify any runner who fails to comply with these rules. The race director may also postpone or cancel the event due to external circumstances.
By registering, participants agree to these terms and conditions.
Accommodation and Activities
There are many accommodation options and various activities available in the area. See booking.com and west.is for details.
Swimming Pool
Runners are welcome at the swimming pool at Laugar in Sælingsdalur, which is open daily from 10:00–18:00.
Photos and Videos
Please note that photos and videos will be taken at the event for Iceland Post’s marketing purposes.
More Information
The race’s Facebook page is Pósthlaupið. For more information, contact the race director: Ragnar Kristinsson – ragnark@postur.is – phone +354 825 1084