Reykjavik Marathon
Reykjavik, Iceland · Sunday 22 August 2027
Reykjavik in August offers a remarkable setting for distance running. The Icelandic capital sits on the edge of the North Atlantic, where long summer daylight extends well into the evening, giving runners ideal conditions for a late-August marathon. The city itself has a relaxed, outdoor-focused character, and the race draws participants from across the Nordic region and beyond. The event has deep local roots, with results dating back to 1984, making it a well-established fixture in the Icelandic running calendar. The course takes you through terrain that typifies Iceland's landscape: flat to gently rolling sections with minimal elevation change, ranging between sea level and just under 50 meters high. Much of the route follows trail surfaces rather than road, which means you'll be dealing with the varied footing that comes with Icelandic ground. The gentle rolling nature suggests nothing punishing, but the trail surface and potential weather exposure are real considerations. This is not a fast, predictable marathon on asphalt. Instead, expect a more grounded experience where the landscape and conditions demand your attention as much as your legs do.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
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Adjusted Time
3:59:26
Time difference: -0.6 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain186m
Elevation High48m
Elevation Low0m
Weather Forecast
High13°C
Low11°C
Chance of Rain100%
How hard is Reykjavik Marathon?
Moderateharder than 35% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Reykjavik Marathon plays about 4 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #742 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #2 of 4 in Iceland. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Reykjavik Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Reykjavik Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:57:30 | −02:30 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:28:25 | −01:35 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:59:26 | −00:34 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:30:32 | +00:32 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:01:43 | +01:43 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:33:00 | +03:00 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:04:21 | +04:21 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Reykjavik Marathon 2027 Course Analysis
Reykjavik Marathon is a full marathon held in Reykjavik, Iceland. It is scheduled for Sunday 22 August 2027. The course is run on road surface with 186m of total climbing, with its high point near 48m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Reykjavik Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
With 186m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.
Expected Race Day Weather
Based on historical weather data for August, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 11°C to 13°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a high chance of rain (100%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.
Surface Type: Road
Reykjavik Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Reykjavik Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Marathons of similar difficulty
If Reykjavik Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.