Sweating the details

HOW TO GET THERE

Several airlines fly direct to Keflavik Airport, a 45-minute bus ride from the centre of Reykjavík. Domestic flights are served from Reykjavík’s small airport near the city centre and regular flights can take you to all corners of Iceland, should you wish to explore further afield.

WHEN TO GO

April to September are the best months to experience trail running in Iceland, with long days and milder weather. But come prepared – Iceland’s climate is predominantly wet, windy and prone to change. Iceland’s high northern latitude means it experiences big differences between winter and summer daylight hours; from May to August, you won’t see much darkness. Conversely, in mid-winter, expect only about four to five hours of daylight each day.

WHERE TO STAY

The bulk of accommodation, including the many affordable hotels, is found along and around Laugavegur street in Reykjavík’s centre. Reykjavík is one of the liveliest, most sophisticated and modern cities in all of Europe, with excellent shopping, dining and drinking options.

GETTING AROUND

There is a decent bus network around Reykjavík; however, public transport options outside the city are limited. The best options for reaching the trail destinations mentioned here are by hire car, or by joining one of

Arctic Running’s trail groups, where transport to and from running spots can be arranged.

FUEL AND REFUEL

Icelandic food is inspired by the ingredients found locally: free-roaming sheep and fish make up much of the local cuisine. Coffee culture here is incredibly strong and one of the most popular go-to Icelandic bakery products is snúður, which is a large, soft cinnamon bun that’s topped with icing.

RACES

The Mt Esja Ultra, held each June in Reykjavík’s backyard, has 3K, 14K and 43K options. A well-marked course, fantastic local support and a post-race beer village make this one of Iceland’s best races and the easiest for visitors to take on.

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The Laugavegur Ultra Marathon is a 55K off-road ultramarathon event held annually in July, which regularly sells out. The course is very challenging and takes runners through many of Iceland’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.

laugavegshlaup.is

The 5VH Trail Run is a 28K trail race beginning at Iceland’s most photographed waterfall, Skógarfoss, then climbing dirt trails parallel to the river, passing almost countless further waterfalls. Upon reaching 1,000m of elevation, you’ll run on the glacier of Eyjafjallajökull, the infamous volcano that grounded many airlines after a series of eruptions in 2010.

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GETTING ORGANISED

Arctic Running offers fully supported trail-running trips from day tours to longer, custom-made itineraries that offer a perfect way to experience Iceland on the run. Margeirsdóttir and her friendly team will give you the full Icelandic experience, from hot springs to lava fields, with the obligatory hot-tub dips to soothe aching muscles.

arcticrunning.is