It was in the 2012 Suzuki Midnight Sun Run that the half marathon distance was first available to participants. The total number of registered participants for the 2012 Suzuki Midnight Sun Run was 1.990 and 159 of them registered for the new distance, the half marathon. Last few years about 7-800 runners take part in this distance. The half marathon distance is 21,1 km long.
Participants
The half marathon distance is open for all runners 15 years and older. It is not recommended that inexperienced runners participate in this distance. The time limit for this distance is 3 hours.
Registration
Registration should be done online here and the registration finishes 30 minutes before the race starts. Runners can also register at the race package pickup on June 21st 15.30-21.00. Click here for further information about the Suzuki Midnight Sun Run registration.
Refreshment stations
Participants in the half marathon will be able to quench their thirst every 5 k. So when they reach the finish line they will have also reached the fourth refreshment station. It is the Icelandic company Ölgerdin that provides Gatorade drinks and water. See detailed location of the refreshment stations on the race map.
Toilets
Participants in the Suzuki Midnight Sun Run can use the bathrooms at Laugardalshöll sports hall (number pickup). Temporary toilets are also available at the finish area behind the Ice skating Rink, in Elliðaárdalur Valley by the dam (after about 5K) and by the golf course in Grafarholt (after about 11K).
Prizes
All participants will receive a medal at the finish line. Therefore all participants can receive a medal if they want to. In the half marathon prizes are awarded to the first three men, women and non-binary as well as the first participants from each age group will receive a prize. See further information about the prizes available in the Suzuki Midnight Sun Run here.
Timing
Timing is done by an electronic timing. Each participant gets a number with a chip that measures the time. More information here.
The course
The half marathon begins in the streets of the valley Laugardalur but after that the course mostly follows paths. Following Laugardalur participants run through a deep rooted residential area before entering Elliðaárdalur. Elliðaárdalur valley is one of Reykjavik's most popular outdoor areas. Through the valley run the famous salmon rivers Elliðaár which the valley is named after and runners will run along side. Also in this beautiful valley runners will run along side a riding trail. The course will take runners by lake Rauðavatn before they run through a golf course in the newly built residential area Grafarholt.
The course is measured by certified AIMS measurer and accredited by the Icelandic Athletic Federation.
The 21 km course is demanding, hilly and steep from km 3 to 12. Click here to view a map and an elevation map of the course.
