Polar Night Marathon

Polar Night Marathon (Tromsø, Norway) is a midwinter race staged north of the Arctic Circle, run in the distinctive blue Arctic light before the sun returns. It’s known as Norway’s biggest winter race, bringing runners from many countries into the streets of Tromsø for an atmosphere that feels both festive and wild: candles and city lights along the route, cheering crowds in the darkness — and, if you’re lucky, Northern Lights overhead.

The marathon is AIMS-certified (control measured), and the event offers four distances on race day: Ishavskraft Marathon (42.2 km), Polar Night Half Marathon (21.1 km), Mørketidsmila (10 km), and Mørketidstrimmen (5 km).

Ishavskraft Marathon — 42.2 km

• Marathon entry requirement: must document a marathon under 4 hours within the last 2 years.

• Maximum time: 5 hours.

• Cut-off: you must reach approx. 20 km within 2:25 or you must stop.

• Required equipment (marathon): headlamp (fully charged) + reflective vest.

• Drink stations: approx. 10 km, 20 km, 32 km, 37 km (+ warm drink at the finish).

• Toilets (marathon): start/finish + Giæverbukta and Vangberg, plus at 32 km and 37 km.

Polar Night Half Marathon — 21.1 km

• Maximum time: 3 hours.

• Drink stations: 5 km, approx. 10 km, approx. 16 km, and after finishing.

Mørketidsmila — 10 km

• Drink stations: 5 km and after finishing.

• Awards: prizes for top 3 men/women and top 3 in each class (as stated for this distance).

Mørketidstrimmen — 5 km

• Timing: yes, but no ranking (no results list).

• Drink stations: after finishing.

Age limits (as stated)

• 5 km: from 11 years

• 10 km: from 13 years

• 21.1 km: from 15 years

• 42.2 km: from 18 years
(Age/class is determined by birth year, not birthday.)

Medals & awards (as stated)

• All finishers receive a medal at the finish.

• Awards ceremony: 19:30 at Scandic Ishavshotell (race day).

• Top 3 men/women awarded for 10 km, half marathon, marathon.