We can't wait to welcome you to the heart of the highlands. Below is a roundup of important information that we kindly ask all runners to review in advance.
We’re expecting many guests at our event and kindly ask everyone to show respect for the surrounding environment.
See you on July 26!
Race package pickup
Race packages can be collected at the 66° North store (Faxafen 12, Reykjavík) on July 21 and 22 between 16:00 and 18:00, or on race morning at Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll. During the Reykjavík pickup event, 60 km runners can also drop off a small bag which will be accessible at an aid station during the race.
Getting to the highlands
Plan ahead for the drive to the highlands. The road will be busy so the drive might take longer than usual. We encourage carpooling to reduce traffic and minimize environmental impact in this sensitive area.
We will be offering bus transfers to Kerlingarfjöll on race day. As Kjölur can be challenging to drive, and to help reduce traffic and minimize impact on this sensitive area, we strongly encourage participants to book transfer. All registered runners will receive an email with further details on bus registration in the lead-up to the race.
Due to the high number of visitors during the event, those arriving by car are asked to park at our designated parking area by Spítali rather than at the hotel in Ásgarður. The parking area will be clearly marked and easy to find. This helps ensure smooth movement for runners and prevents the course from being obstructed by parked vehicles. The Spítali parking area is located 800 metres from the hotel and is connected by a scenic walking path. A shuttle service will also operate on race day. Runners will have access to the hotel’s luggage storage for bags and any personal items they wish to keep on hand.
Food
On Friday evening, a carb-loading feast will be available for runners who wish to load up before the race. The meal is included for hotel guests, but campsite guests can also enjoy it for an additional fee, paid on site.
Porridge will be available for all runners on Saturday morning, as well as a barbecue feast after the race. Both the porridge and the post‑race barbecue are included in the race entry fee and do not require table reservations. Friends and family may purchase food at the barbecue for an additional fee, paid on site.
Anyone wishing to dine at the restaurant must reserve a table, both for the carb-loading dinner on Friday and for those planning to eat at the restaurant on Saturday evening.
Hotel guests don't need to reserve a table for breakfast.
Aid stations
Aid stations will be positioned along the course, offering water, energy drinks, and at some stations, energy supplies (e.g., chocolate, bananas, and snacks) and emergency assistance (see map).
Participants are required to carry a minimum amount of fluids and nutrition with them, see the rule on mandatory equipment.
Click on the distances to view detailed information and the locations of aid stations.
Please note that disposable cups are not provided at aid stations. Runners must bring their own drinking vessel. Kerlingarfjöll Ultra runs through a protected nature reserve, and this policy is part of our efforts to reduce environmental impact by minimizing waste in the area.
12 km: One aid station in Hveradalir at 6 km.
22 km: First aid station in Hveradalir at 6 km, and a second aid station at Kerling at 14 km.
60 km: Aid station 1 in Hveradalir at 6 km, station 2 at Loðmundur at 15 km, station 3 at Kisubotnaskáli at 21 km, station 4 at Grákollur at 34 km, and station 5 at Kerling at 44 km.
Start and cut-off times
Start times and cut-off times are as follows:
60 km: Start time 08:00, cut-off time 12 hours.
Runners who haven’t reached Grákollur within 6 hours will be required to withdraw from the race.
22 km: Start time 11:00, cut-off time 6 hours.
12 km: Start time 13:00, cut-off time 4 hours.
Course description
The race course will be clearly marked with signs, flags, and/or course marshals positioned along the route.
Participants must stay on the marked paths at all times. Short-cutting or deviating from the marked routes may result in disqualification from the competition.
The race courses include uneven terrain, inclines, rocks, roots, mud, and other natural obstacles typical for trail running. Participants need to proceed with caution and adjust their speed accordingly.
A more detailed description of each race course can be found here:
60 km course presentation
On Friday, we will present an overview of the 60 km running route, course conditions, weather forecast, and other useful details for participants. 60 km runners arriving in the highlands that day are encouraged to join and take advantage of this great opportunity to get informed and prepared for the race ahead. The presentation will take place in our hotel lounge at 20:30.
Timing and results
The timing of the race will be conducted using electronic timing equipment from Tímataka.
Participants must wear their assigned race number in a visible location on the front of their clothing throughout the race to ensure accurate timing.
Official race results will be published on the website timataka.net.
Safety and medical support
Health professionals and rescue team members will be available at the start/finish line and at strategic aid stations along the route.
Participants requiring medical assistance should immediately inform the staff at aid stations.
In emergencies, participants should call emergency services and follow instructions from the race directors and medical personnel.
ITRA score
The 22 km og 60 km races are ITRA certified and finishers receive ITRA score and points.
22 km: 1 point and ITRA score.
60 km: 3 points and ITRA score.
Mandatory equipment
Participants must wear appropriate running shoes with good traction and clothing suited to the weather forecast.
It is mandatory to carry a mobile phone to contact emergency services and/or race directors.
Specific equipment requirements for different distances:
12 km: All runners must carry a reusable hydration vessel, a whistle, and dress according to the weather.
22 km: All runners must carry a reusable hydration vessel, a whistle, a foil blanket, 200 kcal of energy, and a windproof and waterproof jacket with a hood, in addition to dressing according to the weather.
60 km: All runners must carry a reusable hydration vessel, a whistle, a foil blanket, minimum first aid supplies, 500 kcal of energy, and rain gear (windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers), in addition to dressing according to the weather.
Environmental protection
Participants are expected to respect the natural environment and minimize their impact on the nature of the Kerlingarfjöll area.
Littering is strictly forbidden except in areas specifically designated for this purpose, including hydration stations and at the race finish line.
Participants must carry their trash to the next drink station or the finish line.
Runners must stay on marked trails to prevent damage to the fragile ground.
Disqualification, penalties, and race direction
Participants may be disqualified for violating competition rules, displaying unsportsmanlike behavior, or endangering themselves or others.
The competition organizers reserve the right to impose time penalties, disqualifications, or apply other appropriate measures as necessary.
The race director has the authority to make final decisions regarding all aspects of the event, including but not limited to, route changes, cancellation of the race, or disqualification of participants.
Refund and name change policy
Please note that if you find yourself unable to participate, you have the option to request a refund until June 15. Should you need to transfer your participation to someone else, name changes on registrations are permitted until July 24.
