How do I enter the Reykjavik Marathon?

Registration is open year-round through the official website until capacity is reached or race day arrives. You can choose between a general or competition entry. Fees increase as the race approaches, so registering early saves money.

Is the Reykjavik Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The flat, low-elevation course and cool August conditions make it a reasonable choice if you're targeting a qualifying time.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is essentially flat, with a highest point barely above sea level and total elevation gain spread across the full loop rather than concentrated in one place. There are no major climbs, but the cumulative gain can be felt in the final miles if you go out too hard.

What is the weather typically like on race day?

Late August in Reykjavik is cool by marathon standards, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-40s at the start to the low 50s later in the race. Wind near the waterfront can be a factor, so be prepared for some exposure on those sections.

How large is the field?

The marathon draws roughly a thousand finishers, making it an intimate race compared to major city marathons. Expect lighter crowd support along the course and a quieter atmosphere overall.

Where does the race start and finish?

The race starts and finishes in central Reykjavik near Tjörnin pond and City Hall. Most central hotels are within easy walking distance of the start line.

Sat, Aug 22 · 2026ReykjavikSince 1984

Reykjavik Marathon

Reykjavik's marathon loops through a compact city set between the North Atlantic and a volcanic interior, with cool summer air that makes the effort feel more manageable than most August races you'll find anywhere else.

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REYKJAVIK · IS

Reykjavik

SAT, AUG 22

2026

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Race Overview

EST. 1984

Reykjavik runs in late August, which means cool air and long daylight at this latitude. The start is right in the city center near the pond and City Hall, so you can walk from most central hotels without any shuttle stress. The course is a loop through the city, and it stays low the whole way. That's the real draw here: you're essentially at sea level for 26.2 miles, in temperatures that rarely push above the low 50s on race morning. It's genuinely good conditions for effort. The crowd support is lighter than a big city race, so be ready to find your own rhythm early and hold it.

This is a Boston qualifier and the course is flat enough to run an honest race if you execute well. Don't treat the first half as a warmup lap and burn your legs chasing splits. The elevation gain is spread out and you will feel it accumulate in the final miles if you haven't paced conservatively. Entry is open registration, so getting in is easy and you can sign up well in advance. Fees go up closer to race day, so earlier is cheaper. If you want to combine a real race effort with somewhere genuinely worth visiting, this one delivers on both counts.

Field size

~1.2k

1,231 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

6:30

Standard cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:17:06

Ceslovas Kundrotas

1993

Women

2:38:47

Angharad Mair

1996

The Course

571 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑571 ft

Total descent

—

Net elevation

—

Highest point

99 ft

Lowest point

2 ft

Course shape

Loop

Start and finish in one place

The course is a loop starting and finishing near Tjörnin pond and City Hall, with a highest point barely above sea level. Total elevation gain is modest, spread across the full distance rather than concentrated in any single climb, which means no brutal wall but also no long free-fall to bank time on. The flat character rewards steady pacing from the gun. Watch for wind exposure near the waterfront stretches, which can shift effort without showing on the elevation profile. Surface is primarily road. Overall this is a net-neutral course where your legs will feel the cumulative gain by mile 20, so avoid banking early miles and treat the back half honestly.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

45°F

High

53°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late August in Reykjavik runs cool and damp. You're looking at a low-to-mid-40s start that might edge into the low 50s by the finish, which is about as good as August racing gets anywhere. The tradeoff is wind. The waterfront sections can be breezy and that exposure is real, especially if you're already tired in the back half. Bring a throwaway layer for the corral and don't let the cool air talk you into going out too fast.

Entry

OPEN

Registration is open year-round until capacity or race day. Online registration is available through the official website, with fees increasing closer to race day. Participants can choose between general or competition tickets.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

REK

23 mi

from the start

≈ 36 min transferEasy transfer

What to expect

Reykjavik International Airport is about 50 minutes from downtown. The race starts and finishes in the city center near Tjörnin pond and City Hall. Base yourself in central Reykjavik for easy access to the start line and numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

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