BUCKET LIST RACES
1 MIN 25 SECONDS
Run beneath the midnight sun in northern Norway
You’ re running through the Arctic capital, Tromsø, enjoying views of both the mountains and the sea at midnight. You’ re definitely packing lights and headgear to ensure you can see, right? Wrong! This race is run during the polar day so, while it starts in the evening, it’ s light the entire time.
One of the most distinctive features of this marathon is the opportunity to run during the midnight sun. From late May to mid-July, the sun doesn’ t set in northern Norway, creating a surreal atmosphere for runners. Imagine racing under a bright sky at midnight, with the sun casting long shadows over the picturesque landscape. How’ s that for a bucket list experience?
The annual event attracts 6,000 runners from around the world and offers five distances: 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, 5 km, and even 800 m. You could take the whole family on a running holiday for this.
The Midnight Sun Marathon has been held in Tromsø every year since 1990. The city lies about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and is mostly situated on a small island surrounded by the sea and beautiful mountains.
The marathon route takes participants through some of Norway’ s most stunning landscapes. From the majestic fjords to rugged mountains and lush valleys, the natural beauty is awe-inspiring. As you run along the coastline you’ ll be treated to views of the Lyngen Alps and the shimmering waters of the Arctic Ocean. Every mile is a feast for the eyes.
And the Midnight Sun Marathon is not solely about running: it’ s also a cultural celebration. The event typically features local music, food stalls, and festive activities, giving participants a chance to immerse themselves in Norwegian culture.
This year it’ s happening on 21 June 2025. The marathon will only set you back R2,275— a reasonable price for an international marathon. Click the button below for more information.
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