The Race

The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. Even though it's high summer, it will not be "warm" by most people's definitions. 

It's a good idea to be ready for weather conditions ranging from warm and sunny, to rainy and windy. Think layers! You can always drop clothes off at the waterstations. 

In terms of footwear, trail running shoes are recommended though the course can be run on normal running shoes. 

Full Marathon: 42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Half Marathon: 21.097 km / 13.1 mi

Quarter Marathon: 10.55 km / 6.56 mi

Distance changes:
Distance changes can be made up until 2 days before the race starts. 

For downgrades from marathon/half marathon to quarter marathon, you will be refunded the difference if the change is sent to us no later than three weeks before the race. Later downgrades will not be refunded. If you wish to upgrade from the quarter marathon to marathon/half marathon, you will be required to pay the difference. 

Distance change is NOT permitted on Race Day.

Age limits
Marathon: 18 years
Half Marathon: 15 years 
Quarter Marathon: 8 years 
Note: Quarter Marathon runners under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  

In compliance with Icelandic law, it is strictly forbidden to walk or run outside the marked trails and roads.
Please be respectful of the delicate ecosystem! 

Gear:
Nordic trekking poles and baby joggers are not allowed.
The use of head-phones is strongly discouraged from kilometer 5 to 9 when running in the protected area of Dimmuborgir.

The race has a time limit of 7.5 hours from the start of the marathon and half marathon.
The quarter marathon will start 5 minutes after the marathon and half marathon. 

A cut-off point has been established on the marathon route at the 32 kilometer mark - 5 hours and 30 minutes after the start.  

Any runner who has not passed the cut-off point after 5.5 hours or finished within 7.5 hours will be swept up by a race official and taken back to the finish area.

The race pack contains your bib number with timing chip, a re-usable and collapsible silicone cup, and your race T-shirt.

The bib number must be attached to the front of your body and readable - both for safety and for photographic purposes.

The bib numbers are color coded according to the distance you are running. 

• Full Marathon: Blue
• Half Marathon: Red
• Quarter-Marathon: White

Please do not bend or fold the bib number as the timing chip may be damaged. 

It is possible to deposit a small bag or backpack with personal items to be available in the finish area after the race. Please mark your belongings with name and/or bib number.

Runners can also drop personal supplies at the water station by the foot of Hverfjall volcano. This station is passed roughly after 11 and 15 kilometers. The main purpose for this personal supply drop is to have a wind jacket and/or gloves and a warm hat available in case the weather is on the colder side, as the top of the volcano is always more windy. Other supplies like drinks and snacks, however, are also possible to deposit here (see Route & Elevation for more details).

The race organizers and their partners cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged items or valuables. 

Kindly note that 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 running course without advance notice. This also includes the decision to cut the course short - for instance in case of bad weather.

By signing up for the Iceland Volcano Marathon, you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons.

Watch race recaps from previous and past years here:

Race recaps

Route Map

Elevation Map

The Iceland Volcano Marathon has a few stretches on paved roads and paths but is mainly run on a mixture of gravel and volcano sand on trails and four-wheel drive tracks.

The route is marked with orange trail marking flags, arrow signs and kilometer markers. At crucial sections red and white caution tape and race crew will point runners in the correct direction. 

Kilometer and arrow signs are color-coded according to the distance they represent.
Marathon = blue, Half marathon = red and Quarter marathon = white.

Toilets will be available at the start area which is also passed again after approximately 11 and 15 kilometers. Toilet paper is available at all water stations.

The marathon route has an out-and-back stretch totaling 4 km. At the turn-around point of this stretch marathon runners will receive a wristband to prove that they went all the way out. The wrist band must be carried for the remaining part of the race to the finish line. No wrist band = no time!
The wrist band applies for MARATHON runners only!

Please do not litter along the route. Waste bags will be placed at all drink stations. We are in a national park with a fragile ecosystem and kindly ask all participants to respect and take care of the environment.

Medical Team Availability
English speaking doctors from Denmark and Icelandic paramedics will be on-site during the race. The medical team is ready in case of injury or severe exhaustion, and will patrol the route as well as stand by the finishing line. They have the authority to stop runners if they deem it necessary for health reasons.

If any treatment is unable to be carried out by our doctors and it is necessary to refer a participant to a local medical facility, our medical team and organization will not be held liable for any treatment carried out by local medical facilities. It is advisable to purchase medical insurance before your journey. 

All decisions by the medical team are final.

If you need to drop out, head to the nearest drink station and we will transport you back to the finish area, but expect some wait time, due to the conditions of the route.

The Iceland Volcano Marathon is timed by MyLaps using BIB-chip. The chip is attached on the back of the bib number and will record each runners net time. Do not fold or bend the bib as it could damage the chip.

Results will be available here on the day of the race as runners finish. There are no age categories.

Live tracking is not possible due to lack of connection in the area. Be aware of online and SoMe posts with links to live tracking and streaming. They are scams and phishing attempts.

Water and Electrolyte drink is served at all stations.

The collapsible silicone cup in the race pack must be carried through-out the race to get drinks at the water stations.
It is also possible to carry your own bottle, but keep in mind that the water stations are calculated on cup sizes, so filling up a large bottle is not allowed as it will leave no water to the runners behind.

Marathon runners will be offered energy gel at roughly 25 and 30 kilometers.

All finishers receive a medal.
The top three men and women on marathon and half marathon as well as the male and female winner of the quarter marathon will receive a symbolic award.
There are no prize money in the Iceland Volcano Marathon.