Event Information
Example of Runners package inclusions:
- Return economy flights with Air Greenland from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq
- Return airport transfers on group flights
- Four nights’ at chosen accommodation with breakfast daily
- Guaranteed entry to the Polar Circle Marathon including start number, time keeping and medal
- English-speaking tour leader
- Transfer from your hotel to the start line
- Route inspection on the ice sheet
- Pre-race dinner
- Official Polar Circle Marathon t-shirt
- English-speaking race officials and medical team
- Post-race celebration dinner and drinks
The marathon takes place on uneven gravel road and ice.
The run starts about 4 km from the ice sheet and follows the gravel road onto the ice sheet itself. While running on the ice sheet, one must be very attentive and careful, as even with a thick layer of snow on top this section can still be very slippery. Due to the enormous powers of nature and the general retraction of the ice sheet, the exact distance on the ice will only be found a couple of days before the race, but a 3km loop is the aim. Because of the danger of falling into a crevasse, it is strictly forbidden to leave the marked route on the ice sheet.
Coming back up from the ice and passing the starting point, you have approximately 32km left to the finish line in Kangerlussuaq. Please bear in mind that although the road is gravel, it is likely to be covered in a layer of snow. Running these remaining kilometres you will pass enormous glacier tongues and moraine plains and go through tundra and arctic desert. If you are lucky you may also see reindeer and musk oxen grazing along the route. The terrain is hilly all the way with the steepest ascents being the climb coming off the ice sheet and the approximately 75m-high climb 5km before the finish line. From the ice sheet to the finish line, however, the route has an overall descent of approximately 500m.
The marathon finish line is located in front of Polar Lodge in the northern part of Kangerlussuaq.
The half-marathon finish line is located at Long Lake, just before Sanddrift Valley.
Please note that the route description is subject to change according to the forces of nature.
Do not forget that this is first and foremost an adventure. We are far away from comforts of home and this makes it impossible to offer services at the same level usually provided in city marathons.
What do I need to travel to the Polar Circle?
You will need a current New Zealand Passport to travel overseas, with a validity of six months or more after the date upon which you are scheduled to arrive back in New Zealand.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that each person has travel insurance before travelling with Marathon Tours. Although it isn’t compulsory that it’s purchased via Allianz Global Assistance (our preferred provider), we do highly recommend it, as unlike other companies, they provide cover for the actual marathon event. We recommend you take out insurance as soon as you book, as it will ensure you are covered in case you injure yourself prior to the event and can no longer travel.
Are flights included?
As we find most of our clients make the most of their time while in this part of the world, flights aren't automatically included in this package. This provides you with the opportunity to customise your travel plans with Marathon Tours. Being a fully bonded travel agency we can assist you with all your travel requirements including flights, additional tours or providing personal recommendations from our experienced team.
How do I book?
Simply click on the yellow contact us link displayed at the top of the page or phone the team on 0800 RUNNING. Should the upcoming event already be sold out talk to us about joining our contact list for the following year.
Travelling during COVID related restrictions
It is the individuals personal responsibility to be aware of and comply with each countries own COVID policies and restrictions. Failure to comply may result in being denied entry to a country and any and all costs associated with this consequence is the responsibility of the individual. Marathon Tours accepts no liability for any losses or costs incurred due to a person failing to make themselves aware of the requirements to travel.
