Iceland: Embark on a Mythical Journey Through Untamed Beauty. This specially crafted expedition is designed for runners seeking adventure amidst landscapes that defy reality. Encounter rugged volcanoes, thundering waterfalls, colossal glaciers, sprawling lava fields, and bubbling cauldrons of hot spring water at every turn. Along the way, enjoy comfortable guesthouses, rejuvenate in thermal baths, savor a variety of local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the perpetual daylight of summertime. Dive deep into the geological marvels of one of the world's most captivating terrains.
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About The Host
Each person on our small, multinational team brings a unique set of running abilities, travel experience and guiding expertise to the table, but something that we all have in common is an addiction to exploration, a borderline obsession with running and a love of helping others experience the world in this very unique way. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, practice Leave No Trace principles and have guided well over 200 running trips combined. When you join a trip you’ll be traveling, running and exploring with at least one (if not 2 or 3) of us - click below for our bios!
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Why Iceland?
Iceland holds near-mythical status in the minds of many, and for good reason - it is truly unlike any other place on Earth. The landscape is an unbelievable tapestry of volcanoes, rivers, rugged coastlines, and geothermal activity, the weather is wildly invigorating and the 300,000 people who comprise this small nation are known for extending the warmest of welcomes to all who visit. For the trail runner and outdoor adventure seeker, there is simply nothing that compares!
What’s included in the trip cost?
The trip price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, 7 nights accommodation, all meals from dinner on the first day until breakfast on the final day, on-trip transportation, drivers, experienced trip leaders, local logistics team, 7 organized runs, all entry fees to pools/hot springs/museums, ferry tickets, guided glacial snowmobiling and team swag. In short, just about everything is covered from the moment you land until the moment you leave!
What isn’t included in the trip cost?
The cost does not include your flight, airport transfers (it’s much more affordable and convenient to utilize the Flybus - we’ll provide detailed guidance to all registered participants!), alcohol, tips or personal purchases.
How far do I have to be able to run?
Multiple distance options will be offered each day, and plans will be tweaked according to the ability mix of the group. Daily maximums are listed on the itinerary and there is no time or pace pressure. We will take it day by day and clearly explain each run as they come along so you can adjust to suit your needs!
While this is not a particularly high-mileage trip, the terrain, the weather and the views combine to create big experiences with every run!
What sort of terrain will we be running on?
Most runs feature a mix of single track trails and dirt/gravel roads. There is not too much technicality, but the best views are always somewhere up above - work on those hill skills! While trail running experience is not required, we strongly encourage everyone to spend some time off-road in preparation.
What time of day will we be running?
Most days we will run mid-morning (after breakfast and before lunch), though we will have an arrival day evening shakeout. However, weather conditions or logistical considerations could always cause the schedule to shift, so please show up with an adaptable, adventurous attitude. The key is to just relax and roll with it – it’s not about “getting it in,” but rather about exploring a brand new place each day!
What will we do when we aren’t running?
There are lots of additional activities packed into this one including several (okay, a lot of) visits to hot springs and public swimming pools (this is a core tenet of Icelandic culture), a guided glacial snowmobiling experience, a boat trip to the Westmann Islands and plenty of sightseeing stops - think waterfalls, geysers and bubbling mud amongst other geological wonders!
What is the accommodation like?
Over the course of the 7 nights we’ll stay at four different boutique lodges and guesthouses, all with warm, modern rooms, cozy gathering space, hearty breakfasts and welcoming staff on offer.
What is the weather like?
Iceland in August is marked by long days and short nights. We will have daylight for over 16 hours a day, giving us plenty of time to explore! However, this is Iceland - you are just as likely to see rainy, 40F temps as you are warm sunshine*. Layers and waterproof rain gear are key - a full packing list is provided upon registration!
*note: a “warm” summer day will rarely exceed 65-70F / 18-21C
Can I have my own room at hotels?
Due to the small size of the accommodations that we use, we can’t guarantee private rooms and you should expect double occupancy rooms; solo travelers will be placed with a same-sex roommate. Once the group is set (3 months from departure) there may be an opportunity for a limited number of single rooms; you can indicate interest when you sign up, and we will offer them in the order in which you registered.
What sort of food will we be eating?
Breakfasts will be at the lodges and will serve hearty cooked and continental style breakfasts that cater to all tastes. We will be picking some great lunch and dinner spots to highlight the best of Icelandic cuisine, from fresh local seafood to hearty lamb dishes. Some days we will bring a picnic lunch to have post-run if we’re in a remote area, and there will always be vegetarian and vegan options. Most places will have fairly typical international menus as well as local options and they are very used to catering to the needs of visiting tourists!
What sort of vehicles will we be traveling in?
We will travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus driven by a professional local tourism driver.
What should I pack?
We’ll provide a detailed packing list after you sign up, but do note that trail shoes, a hydration pack with at least 1.5L water storage + room for extra layers/snacks and waterproof rain gear is required!
What time should my flights be?
Your flight should arrive in Reykjavik no later than 9am on the first day (most flights arrive early morning!). This allows time for immigration, baggage claim and the one hour Flybus journey to downtown Reykjavik, where you’ll meet your guides and the rest of the group at 1pm for transfer to our hotel. If you choose to arrive a day early, we recommend staying downtown - this will make it very easy to meet up with the group on arrival day!
The group meetup is at the BSI Bus Station, which has luggage storage should you arrive early and want to explore town.
Departure flights on the final day should be no earlier than 9:30am.