What?
This is a feral ultra marathon based in the barren south of Iceland, a solemn challenge that has delivered 18 events thus far and is touted as one of Iceland’s best. A 55K route that almost personifies the island’s volcanic activity: delicate through stages with not many rumblings, followed by an abrupt switch to explosive hills that will leave you blowing. And all that after a particularly testing first 20K.
Finishing this event will earn you one point towards qualifying for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, leaving you only one more to add to be considered.
When?
Saturday 18 July 2015. Registration opens in January 2015.
Where?
Landmannalaugar, 120 miles east of Reykjavik.
What sort of terrain?
The route ticks almost every box for those who love tasting the grit and the grime of the trail you run along – sand, gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams. There are two river crossings to make at the tailend of the race, with the aid of ropes, the only real danger being the state of your feet as your continue onwards to the finish.
How long?
The average time for the 2014 race was 6:55:05. The slowest time was 9:21:05.
How much would it cost?
£1300 for each individual.
The price includes bus travel from Reykjavik to the start camp in Landmannajaugar and return once the race is over, return flights with EasyJet, hotel accommodation shared with three other people for six nights, race entry and spending budget.
What’s the course record?
Þorbergur Ingi Jónsson, 2014, in a rapid time of 4:07:47.
What else should I know?
Iceland has one of the harshest environments on the planet, even in summer the night time temperature drops to -10C. The topography of the island means there is no escape from strong winds, which play a factor day or night.
In case you didn’t know, Reykjavik is the fifth most expensive city to live in in the world. Restaurants and luxuries may need to be abandoned in order to pursue this bucket list event.
On the plus side, Husadalur – the finish line – is located 4K west of the active Katla Volcano if you dare venture closer to the volcano that is overdue an eruption by two years.
How do I enter?
http://marathon.is/registration-laugavegur/registration
Reminder: Registration opens in January 2015.
