Marathons in Scandinavia are quite popular and both travelers and locals flock to Scandinavian marathon events regularly. Every year, Scandinavia holds several notable large marathons, along with many smaller marathons. Even if you won't be running along, it's interesting to watch and enjoy the excited atmosphere.
Here are the major annual marathons in Scandinavia:
Midnight Sun Marathon (Tromsø, Norway): Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon is a Midnight Sun Marathon hosted by Norway's city of Tromsø in mid-June each year. This marathon was started in 1990 and its special feature is running in the Midnight Sun. At almost 70° N you can run in broad daylight in the middle of the night. This major Scandinavian event includes a marathon, half-marathon, adidas Race (10 km), mini-marathon (4,2 km) and a race for kids.
Stockholm Marathon (Sweden): This is held in early June annually. Stockholm was selected as the #1 marathon destination by the Ultimate Guide to International Marathons. Runners from all over the world will line up outside the 1912 Olympic Stadium when the race starts this June. The marathon weekend starts with a Marathon Expo and a Barilla Pasta Party on Friday. Saturday is the day of the marathon and on Sunday, thousands of kids run the Stockholm Mini Marathon.
Glitnir Copenhagen Marathon (Denmark): The Copenhagen Marathon offers runners a good running environment and now follows a route with start and finish near the Royal Library, The Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant). The traffic-free Copenhagen course has been improved and is now easier and faster to run. It consists of three loops of, 16, 12 and 14 km respectively and lets runners meet spectators and look at Denmark's historic buildings and landmarks in the capital. This marathon is held every May.
Gothenburg Half Marathon (Sweden): The Gothenburg Half Marathon has grown to be one of the greatest long distance races in the world and is steadily becoming more popular for visitors. It takes place in mid-May. The marathon course starts outside historic Slottsskogsvallen Athletic Arena in Gothenburg. The youth race (taking place the day after the Half Marathon) is Sweden's largest running event with 8,000 children between 7-17 running in Slottsskogen park.
Laugavegur Marathon (Iceland): In late July each year, Iceland hosts the Laugavegur Marathon. It starts in the highlands of Landmannalaugar and extends to Thorsmork, which is a total distance of 34 miles. The beautiful course takes you from Iceland's natural springs to a valley nestled between two glaciers (called Thórsmörk). And whether you win or lose, all competitors are invited to a delicious barbeque dinner after they have finished the race.
Glitnir Reykjavik Marathon (Iceland): The Glitnir Reykjavik Marathon in Iceland's capital attracts thousands of runners on the third weekend of August, and offers three different levels. It is a lot of fun to run throught the streets of Reykjavik in a regular marathon, a half-marathon, or a 10 km race. Glitnir, the race title sponsor, is offering prize money for the first five male and female runners in each distance. This large marathon is held in the middle of August each year.
Åland Marathon (Finland): In late October, visit western Finland's autonomous island Åland to join the Åland marathon taking place there, in the town of Mariehamn. This annual event consists of a marathon, a half-marathon, a 10km Fun Run, Nordic Walking, and even a Disney Minimarathon for the young ones!
Finland Ice Marathon: Summer is not the only time of year for a great marathon event! The Finland Ice Marathon is a wonderful annual event in February that offers numerous races for all ages. Learn more about this marathon in the Finland Ice Marathon!
