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Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat

- Early Bird Deposits From £309 - 

Book now with 20% Deposit

Itinerary

Step into a world of fire and ice! Iceland is truly remarkable. Run Weekends is offering a 6 day, 5 night experience for trail runners of all abilities. There's several elements to this trip. Not one, but two outstanding and famous trails, a 3 hour whale watching trip, 2 nights camping in remote mountain huts, and a final morning at the glorious Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa. We'll run together at a casual pace led by expert guides and team. For this trip, you'll be carrying your gear for 3 of the 6 days with us (while we're out on the remote sections). So pack sensibly, wrap up warm, and have at least 2 litres carry capacity for water at all times. (See below for mandatory kit)

 

The Laugavegur Trail. Stretching for 55 kilometers through Iceland's stunning wilderness, this iconic trail takes you from Landmannalaugar to Þórsmörk, showcasing the country’s surreal landscapes. The trail leads you through diverse terrains of volcanic deserts, lush valleys, expansive glaciers, bubbling hot springs, and vibrant green moss-covered lava fields. As you run, the ever-changing scenery feels like you're exploring a different world. During this two day section of the trip we'll camp in remote mountain huts. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag. If one famous trail wasn't enough, you'll also continue your journey from our final nights camp in Þórsmörk to the extraordinary Skógafoss waterfall. This is called, (good luck pronouncing it) The Fimmvörðuháls Trail finishing at Skogar. This waterfall stands at 60 meters high and 25 meters wide. Skógafoss is one of Iceland's most iconic waterfalls, known for the rainbows that often appear in its mist on sunny days. The trail itself offers you the opportunity to witness an array of natural wonders, including 35+ other waterfalls along the Skógar River, two glaciers, and the volcanic landscapes that make the day truly special.

We've crammed a lot into your 6 days in Iceland with us. Whales, Spa, 100km of guided volcanic trails, and 2 nights/3 days staying in remote mountain huts making our own meals together, plus the other 3 days you'll be in slightly more comfortable accommodation where we'll be taking in some of the best reviewed restaurants in Reykjavik. Never feel any pressure to run at a certain pace. We always build enough time into the itinerary to enjoy the running, walk the hills if you need to, and we'll run together as a group.​ Please note: due to the elevation, some of the miles of both trails will be either walking or hiking. There's just some bits that are not easily runnable. It's a good chance to snack and take photos.

Day 1 - Wednesday - 1st July

Welcome to the magical world of fire and ice

 

Your Run Weekend will begin at 17:00 in Iceland's capital - Reykjavik. Your Run Weekends team will be waiting to greet you at your accommodation in the city centre. A welcome drink and briefing will be held shortly before we head straight out for a gentle 5km shakeout run. Once we've all met and finished our run around the coast of the city, we'll shower and change before dinner at 20:00. We don't need to worry about daylight because Iceland gets about 21 hours of sun in summer. Dinner will be at a local traditional place in town. Feast well, before the remote trail begins tomorrow.

Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Day 2 - Thursday - 2nd July

Laugavegur Trail (Day 1)

Landmannalaugar to Alftavatn - 25km +900m

Into the wilderness we go. From the relative comfort of Reykjavik, we'll transfer the 3.5 hours to the head of the Laugavegur Trail. The trail starts in Landmannalaugar, it passes through Laugahraun lava field and then up alongside Brennisteinsalda mountain. This is a great stop for views of the colorful Landmannalaugar area. Continuing up to a plateau, small ravines cut through stunning obsidian fields (volcanic glass fields). If the weather is good once we hit Jökultungur you'll have a chance to see three glaciers – Mýrdalsjökull, Eyjafjallajökull and Tindfjallajökull. Tonight is spent in the Alftavatn mountain hut. We'll cook our meals from the food the crew have carried with us - group cooking, in the hut kitchen. A proper mountain escape. Dry clothes if needed and some drinks will close off the day.

Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Day 3 - Friday - 3rd July

Laugavegur Trail (Day 2)

Alftavatn to Porsmork - 30km +1400m

Today is a day of river crossings. We'll head out into the morning light from Álftavatn towards Brattháls where the trail takes you down to the Bratthálskvísl river. The river is crossed on foot and so we'll likely get wet - possibly up to our knees. (We'll take our shoes off) The landscape here is unmistakably Iceland. It's worth brining a decent camera with you. The trail drops down towards Fremri Emstruá where the river runs through a narrow canyon and is crossed this time by bridge. Passing through two ravines, Slyppugil and Bjórgil we'll start to see more and more vegetation the closer to Þórsmörk we get. After another river crossing and one more big hill we'll our final obstacle for the day. The Þröngá river can be challenging to cross if it's been raining because the river bed is often rocky - so we'll take it steady. After the Hamraskógar forest, the trail finally drops down into Langidalur valley in Þórsmörk, where the Laugavegur trail concludes. We stay for our second and final night in a small remote mountain hut. Dinner together, dry clothes, and bed.

Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Day 4 - Saturday - 4th July

Fimmvörðuháls Trail & Skogafoss Waterfall

Porsmork to Skógar - 30km +1400m

The best waterfalls in Iceland. Many Iceland adventures end when the Laugavegur trail stop but a little further lies a stunning trail full of waterfalls and narrow volcanic tracks. Today we'll complete the entire length of the Fimmvörðuháls Trail to the Skogafoss Waterfall where we'll get transport back to Reykjavik (If you're lucky we'll try and squeeze in the other massive waterfall - Seljalandsfoss - due to time this may not be possible, but we'll try). It's a big day. Hills, rocky trails, and so many opportunities to stop for photos, and therefore snacks. If you're partial to a specific trail snack please make sure you pack enough to keep you going. We'll cater for snacks en route but there's only so much the team can carry. The Fimmvörðuháls trail is one of the most amazing routes in Iceland with unforgettable views. You're essentially running between the glaciers of Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. This route offers the most dramatic scenery Iceland has, from a series of canyon waterfalls to a volcanic moonscape. There is a mountain hut at the top of Fimmvörðuháls which usually has snow. The uphill to Thórsmörk Valley is splendid with its diverse landscapes, 26 waterfalls, grass tundra, and volcanic plateau. We recommend bringing poles. No more hut accommodation. Tonight we're back in Reykjavik with a dinner at a brilliant restaurant nearby. You'll be ready for a feast.

Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat
Day 5 - Sunday - 5th July

Whale Watching & 10km Night Run

Yesterday was the conclusion of two great trails in the wilderness of Iceland. Today it's all about trying to get a glimpse of the oceans most wonderful creatures - The humpback whale. Our whale watching tour is set to begin at 09:00. With a pick up from our accommodation after breakfast we'll have 3 hours on the water with cameras grasped in our hands. It's whale season, so the chances of seeing them is high, but of course we can't guarantee anything. The remainder of the day is a group lunch, chance to rest the body, and a final 10km around the city to ensure our legs are fully exhausted. Tonight is also a night to explore the town and pick up any souvenirs. Or maybe even hit the bars.

Whale Watching with Run Weekends Iceland Running Retreat
Day 6 - Monday - 6th July

Recovery Day - Geothermal Spa & Goodbyes

You can't come to Iceland without experiencing the geothermal pools. The Sky Lagoon is one of the best in Iceland and for us, it's a chance to rest the legs and begin recovery. We'll have carried our bags, completed 100km with 3500m of elevation, waded across rivers, and generally been at the mercy of the weather. This little morning spa trip will be a way to take time to reflect on a week well spent. Having checked out of the hotel before our Spa visit, we'll return to collect our bags. The Run Weekends team will arrange one shuttle service to the airport at around 14:00 which will signify your time with us coming to and end. If you'd like to stay longer, of course there's plenty more to see. Feel free to make your own way to the airport anytime today. You want to join us?

Iceland Running Events Iceland Running Holiday Retreat

- Double Booking Discount - 

Save up to £150 each

Highlights

- Early Bird Places Available -

Save up to £200 each

Image by Gwenn Klabbers

Included

Accommodation

3 Nights in Reykjavik

2 Remote Mountain Huts

(Shared rooms)

Running

25km, 30km & 30km (Remote Trails)

5km & 10km (Around the city)

Meals

5 x Breakfast 5 x Lunch 5 x Dinner

Meals are a mix of basic group cooked meals & excellent restaurants

Travel

Journeys to and from trail heads, various excursions and meals are included.

Activities

5 x Running Days

Whale Watching Trip

Geothermal Spa

Excellent Resturants

Photos

Nick and the team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.

Not Included

Travel

You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location. Reykjavik -  Meeting Point = Hotel (info provided once booked).

Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.

Extras

All drinks.

Additional food.

Snacks on run route.

Accommodation upgrades

Extra meals

Kit

Run gear, warm mountain clothes, spare socks, swimwear and towel. Warm coat and layers. Any bags or bottles etc you may want for the runs. You'll carry your run pack yourself.

Early Bird

Standard

Limited Availability

1 Person
(Sharing)

2 Persons
(Sharing)

1 Person
(Sharing)

2 Persons
(Sharing)

All bookings (1 person or 2 persons) will be in a shared rooms.

Nick Butter Run Weekends Run Leader

Run Leader

Nick Butter

You'll be running with Nick.

 

Nick is very keen for every Run Weekend to be as inclusive as possible. Runners of all abilities, shapes and sizes, ages and genders, and from all walks of life are welcome. You're in good hands: Nick has travelled to every corner of the world, run over 1000 marathons, and has dreamt up Run Weekends because he want's to showcase the world through running, just as he has. We all run together, we look after each other, and enjoy the weekends as a group.

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Getting to us

Meeting Point

Your Run Weekend will commence at 17:00 in Reykjavik. Upon booking you'll be given detail of your first nights accommodation in the city centre (along with the rest of your itinerary). The Run Weekends team will be waiting for you to arrive between 14:00 and 18:00. If you intend to arrive much earlier or later please just let us know.

Arrival & Departure Times

Please arrive between 14:00 - 18:00 on 1st July.

Your Run Weekend will conclude at 14:00 on 6th July in Reykjavik. The Run Weekends team will arrange ONE shuttle to the airport from 14:00. Please feel free to stay longer or arrange alternate travel.

Getting to Reykjavik 

There are a number of options to reach the city of Reykjavik. (Please note these are suggestions only, we cannot guarantee travel routes).

 

Suggested Flights: (Remember - we do not cover your travel to and from your Run Weekend)

From UK - Manchester, Heathrow, or Bristol fly direct.

From US - JFK, Chicago, Newark fly direct

Important: Trip Confirmation

This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.

Packing List

Mandatory:

  • Running Shoes (Trail)

  • Socks x 4 or 5

  • Shorts x 2 or Running Leggings

  • T-Shirt / Vest x 2

  • Lightweight Waterproof / Windproof x 1

  • Long Sleeve Breathable x 1

  • Running Bag (2-3 litres minimum)​​

  • Swimwear & towel​​

  • Medical / Allergies Card

  • Head Torch

  • Gloves & Hat

  • Foil Blanket & Whistle

  • Warm Jumper & Thick Layer

Optional

  • Extra thick layer

  • Medical Kit - Blister plasters etc

  • Watch & Charger

  • £100 (17,000ISK) Emergency Cash

  • Lightweight Battery Pack & Cable

  • Gloves and or Cap

  • Extra casual evening outfit 

  • Extra snacks or drinks

  • Painkillers / Anti Inflammatories

  • Waterproof phone case

  • Top Tip: Backup your phone before you come incase you drop it

 SECURE YOUR RUN WEEKEND 
 DEPOSIT ONLY 20% 

Pay in full, or just 20% at checkout and the rest no later than 60 days before your Run Weekend.

Are you coming?

Visit our FAQ'S for more info.

Email Us

Got a questions?

contact@runweekends.com

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