Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is a 55 km mountain race. The race is open to both men and women of 18 years old and up. It is very important that participants are well trained and prepared for mountain running.
Laugavegur is located in the southern highlands of Iceland and connects the nature reserves Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork. Due to its location, Laugavegur is serviced for only a few weeks a year.
For many runners the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is the most enjoyable race in Iceland. The course takes runners through areas of outstanding natural beauty at the same time as being a challenging course. Hikers normally cover this distance in four days. The course is multi-terrain; sand, gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams.
The Laugavegur course is one of the most beautiful in Iceland, stretching from Landmannalaugar in the highlands to Þórsmörk, a natural reservation area. The trail is clearly designated with markers, and there will be a staff along the course to guid runners along the trail. Normally, this distance is hiked in four days.
Landmannalaugar is not only a highly interesting place in geological sense but also for its history and vegetation. Most important though is the beauty of the surroundings. Such a multiplicity of colors and shapes are not to be found in any other place in the nature. This fact and the comfortable natural bath has made Landmannalaugar the most visited spot in the uninhabited areas of Iceland. The place is relatively easy to reach (i.e. with schedule bus) and offers a huge range of traveling possibilities, including riding tours, organized there. A big number of walking paths are specially popular. There is a hut and a campground there with modern sanitary facilities, and a little shop offering the common needs of the traveler (no tank service though). In spite of the human crowd around the campground, it’s easy to be alone in magnificent surroundings within few minutes. The hot pool, nevertheless is almost always full with people, like a constant international congress.
Þórsmörk – where the run ends – is one of Icelands brightest pearls, surrounded by rugged and beautiful mountains and glaciers. Popular visit by Icelanders.
This super-truck excursion heads east through the southern lowlands, before climbing through the spectacular Þjórsár Valley into the brooding volcanic landscape of Iceland’s highland interior.
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It is more an experience than a race, see my blogpost below for details. The scenery was incredible and the course was extremely challenging. The organization of the race is … MORE
It is more an experience than a race, see my blogpost below for details. The scenery was incredible and the course was extremely challenging. The organization of the race is great despite the huge distance. Will plan to run again.
Destination Race for the Adventurous
If you want to run through glacier capped mountains, volcanic like deserts, and rivers than this is the race for you. This point to point race isn't one you can … MORE
If you want to run through glacier capped mountains, volcanic like deserts, and rivers than this is the race for you. This point to point race isn’t one you can wake up in your hotel room and walk to the start line for. The bus ride there was a couple hours and even that felt like an adventure sometimes. This was truly a wonderful race in a wonderful country. Getting the opportunity to stay in and explore the area for a few days before/after the race was totally worth it. The race was very well organized, the aid stations were well supported, and all the food was delicious.