Midnight Sun Marathon

The race is held annually in the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is located hundreds of kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. This northern location allows the event to happen under the glow of the midnight sun.

Yes, the race starts late in the evening during the month of June. Because Tromsø experiences 24 hours of daylight during the summer solstice, the entire marathon is run in bright, natural daylight even at midnight.

The course is relatively flat, but runners must contend with the physical challenges of running at an unnatural time of day. Additionally, the brisk Arctic air and potential coastal winds can make the 26.2 miles physically demanding.

While the headline event is the full 42.195-kilometer marathon, organizers also offer a half marathon and shorter races. This provides options for international tourists and locals who want to experience the unique midnight sun phenomenon.