{"id":875,"date":"2023-04-02T15:02:22","date_gmt":"2023-04-02T19:02:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usa.marathontours.com\/events\/polar-circle-marathon\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T11:24:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T16:24:41","slug":"polar-circle-marathon","status":"publish","type":"events","link":"https:\/\/marathontours.com\/en-us\/events\/polar-circle-marathon\/","title":{"rendered":"Polar Circle Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":893,"template":"","event_types":[6,106,104,101],"event_locations":[28],"event_distances":[11,12],"event_course_types":[16],"event_seasons":[22],"class_list":["post-875","events","type-events","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","event_types-adventure","event_types-half-marathon","event_types-marathon","event_types-trail","event_locations-north-america","event_distances-half-marathon","event_distances-marathon","event_course_types-trail-remote","event_seasons-autumn"],"acf":{"event_hero_image":882,"event_logo":881,"event_logo_background":{"enable":false,"background_colour":"#FFFFFF"},"event_status":"available","event_status_labels_available":"book-now","event_status_labels_waitlist":"available-soon","event_status_labels_off_sale":"sold-out","event_waitlist_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Available Soon","url":"mailto:kaitlyn.roukey@marathontours.com","target":"_blank"}},"event_additional_buttons":null,"event_book_button":{"link_option":"external","":null,"external_link":{"title":"Book Now","url":"https:\/\/bookingus.marathontours.com\/experience\/polar-circle-marathon-2026\/19","target":"_blank"}},"event_extra_button":"","event_overview":"

If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel's Polar Circle Packages please:\r\nEMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0CALL 617-242-7845<\/a><\/p>\r\nWelcome to a tough, unique marathon in truly magnificent scenery. The Polar Circle Marathon takes place in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. The endless ice and snow of this vast country make up the backdrop of this unusual race, in which runners pass glacier tongues, moraine landscapes and soundless, arctic desert.\r\n\r\nA part of the route takes place on the slippery ice cap itself, but the main part of the course is run on the gravel road (often snow covered) that connects the inland ice with the small township of Kangerlussuaq, just north of the Polar Circle. The average temperature in Greenland in October is normally around -10\u00baC \/ 15\u00baF, but colder temperatures should be expected. Snow is not unusual, and while much of the race can be run with regular trail-running shoes, it is mandatory that proper spikes are worn for running on the ice cap.\r\n\r\nThe Polar Circle Marathon is the perfect way to combine a special running event with exploring one of the most remote and beautiful corners of the world.\r\n\r\nThis is a two-day event with the marathon taking place on Saturday and the half-marathon on Sunday. Consider joining the Polar Bear Challenge (PBC) and run both races! Entry is limited to 150 runners for each distance.\r\n\r\nMarathon Tours & Travel is pleased to be Adventure Marathon's exclusive agent in the United States and Canada for packages to this exciting destination.","event_overview_button":"","event_feature_icons":null,"event_features":{"meals_included":{"detail":"Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily","title":"Meals Included"},"guide":{"title":"Guide","detail":"English-speaking tour leader"},"transfers":{"detail":"Roundtrip flights between Copenhagen-Kangerlussuaq","title":"Transfers"},"trip_extension":{"title":"Trip Extension","detail":"Ilulissat extension offered"},"accommodation":{"title":"Accommodation","detail":"4 nights at your choice of hotel in Kangerlussauq. Pre & Post-nights available in Copenhagen "},"entry":{"title":"Entry","detail":"Choose the Marathon, Half-marathon or Polar Bear Challenge (both events) "},"celebration_party":{"detail":"Post-race celebration dinner","title":"Celebration Party"},"excursions":{"title":"Excursions","detail":"Choice of excursions to choose from"},"helping_hand":{"title":"A Helping Hand","detail":""},"worldwide_events":{"title":"Worldwide Events","detail":""},"medal_bling":{"title":"Medal Bling","detail":""}},"event_gallery":[{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":893},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":890},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_video","youtube_video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=FbgYEdrMfYI"},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":883},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":892},{"acf_fc_layout":"event_gallery_image","image":884}],"event_packages":[{"package_title":"Polar Circle Marathon Package","package_duration":"4 Nights","package_dates":"October 22 - 26, 2026","package_days":[{"day_title":"(Optional) Pre-Package: October 21","day_content":"Optional Pre Tour-Day<\/strong>\r\n\r\nArrive one day early in Copenhagen to ensure that you <\/span><\/span>arrive <\/span><\/span><\/span>to<\/span><\/span><\/span> Copenhagen and<\/span><\/span><\/span> are ready for the flight to Greenland<\/span><\/span> in the early morning<\/span><\/span><\/span>. Explore this capital city on your own or <\/span>pound the pavement<\/span> with other runners and see some of the city\u2019s most impressive sights<\/span><\/span>\u00a0on our <\/span><\/span><\/span>optional guided <\/span><\/span>running <\/span><\/span><\/span>tour. <\/span><\/span>In the eve<\/span><\/span><\/span>ning, join other guests for dinner at the <\/span>Albatros<\/span> Travel headquarters<\/span>. You will enjoy tapas and<\/span> receive your race packet. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Accommodation is<\/span><\/span><\/span> available at Hotel Hebron<\/span><\/span>, a short walk from Copenhagen Central <\/span><\/span><\/span>Station<\/span><\/span><\/span> which is a <\/span><\/span><\/span>15-minute<\/span><\/span><\/span> train ride from the airport<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Thursday, October 22","day_content":"Arrival Day<\/strong>\r\n\r\nMeet at Copenhagen Airport for your 4.5-hour flight to Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. After a brief<\/span><\/span><\/span> welcome, join your optional excursion<\/span><\/span><\/span>, relax and settle into your room, or hike Mount Hassel<\/span><\/span><\/span> (2-3 hours)<\/span><\/span><\/span> with your<\/span><\/span><\/span> tour leader. Finally, we will enjoy dinner together. (Flight meal, lunch at your respective hotel and dinner included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nPlease note: As <\/span><\/span><\/span>our flight to Greenland <\/span>departs<\/span> early in the morning and Air Greenland does not cooperate with other airlines, we recommend arriving on October 21<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0and spending a pre-night at Hotel Hebron<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span>If you plan to arrive on October 22, know that you must allow time to collect your luggage from your international flight, clear customs a<\/span><\/span><\/span>nd check in for your departure to Greenland. <\/span><\/span><\/span>Check-in<\/span><\/span><\/span> closes one hour prior to departure.<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em>"},{"day_title":"Friday, October 23","day_content":"Route Inspection Day<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis morning all guests <\/span>(including non-runners) <\/span>will <\/span>participate in a <\/span>race course<\/span> inspection<\/span> in large all-terrain vehicles to see the beauty of this fantastic landscape and <\/span>to understand the challenge of running on the ice cap<\/span>.<\/span> In the afternoon, <\/span>those who <\/span>have chosen the extension to<\/span> Ilulissat, <\/span>will <\/span>have a<\/span> pre-tour briefing. Later in the evening, <\/span>all runners will<\/span> attend an official race briefing at Hotel Kangerlussuaq<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>followed by <\/span>a <\/span>pre-race pasta dinner.\u202f<\/span>(Breakfast, sandwich lunch and dinner included)<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlease note: a warm winter jacket, ski <\/span><\/i>pants or similar, <\/span><\/i>hi<\/span><\/i>king o<\/span><\/i>r<\/span><\/i> winter boots, hat and gloves are essential today. Runners may choose to bring their running shoes to test running conditions in addition to boots.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span>"},{"day_title":"Saturday, October 24","day_content":"Marathon Race Day!<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, <\/span><\/span>marathon and Polar Bear Challenge <\/span><\/span><\/span>runners will embark at 8<\/span><\/span>:00<\/span><\/span><\/span> AM in <\/span><\/span>all-terrain<\/span><\/span><\/span> vehicles to <\/span>the race start<\/span>. <\/span><\/span>The Marathon is scheduled to start at 9:30 <\/span><\/span><\/span>AM<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span> Supporters and runners will enjoy a BBQ lunch between 12:00 PM \u2013 3:30 PM. <\/span><\/span><\/span>In the evening, fuel with a semi-pasta dinner at Hotel <\/span><\/span><\/span>Kangerlussuaq<\/span><\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/span>(Breakfast, BBQ lunch at finish area and semi-pasta dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Sunday, October 25","day_content":"Half-Marathon Day! <\/strong>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast, runners are transported to the race start. <\/span><\/span>The half-marathon is scheduled to start at 7:00 <\/span>AM.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span> Today, those who ran yesterday can enjoy an optional tour or cheer runners on<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span>A light lunch will be served in the finish area<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span>The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. All will meet again in the evening for a celebratory Greenlandic dinner <\/span><\/span>and awards ceremony <\/span><\/span><\/span>in <\/span>Roklubben<\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span>(Breakfast and light post-race meal for runners, dinner included)<\/em>"},{"day_title":"Monday, October 26","day_content":"Farewell\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Greenland\u00a0or Hello <\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ilulissat<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAfter breakfast<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0it is time to<\/span><\/span><\/span> say goodbye to <\/span><\/span><\/span>Kangerlussuaq<\/span><\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span> check-out and <\/span>depart<\/span> to the airport for the flight back to Copenhagen <\/span><\/span>or <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ilulissat<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0if you chose the optional extension. Due to our <\/span><\/span>late <\/span><\/span><\/span>arrival time back <\/span>into<\/span> Copenhagen, an <\/span>additional<\/span> night in Copenhagen is highly recommended.\u202f <\/span><\/span>(Breakfast and flight meal included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(activities subject\u00a0to change)<\/em>"}]}],"event_extensions":"

Post-Race Extension to Ilulissat <\/strong>| Three-Night Package: October 26 - 29, 2026<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nMake the three-night extension to Ilulissat part of your unforgettable Greenland experience.\u00a0 The wild nature and the Inuit culture make Greenland a unique destination. Small colorful houses clinging to the mountainsides, icebergs, Inuit culture and architecture highlight this extension. With luck, we will be treated to amazing Northern lights on one or more evenings.\r\n\r\nGreenlands<\/span><\/span><\/span> third largest town, <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ilulissat<\/span><\/span><\/span> has just under 500<\/span><\/span><\/span>0<\/span><\/span><\/span> residents and offers a variety of tour options including d<\/span><\/span><\/span>og sled rides, <\/span><\/span><\/span>and <\/span><\/span><\/span>helicopter or small plane flights over the <\/span><\/span><\/span>Icefjord<\/span><\/span><\/span> which can be booked upon arrival to <\/span><\/span><\/span>Ilulissat<\/span><\/span><\/span> and<\/span><\/span><\/span> can be dependent on <\/span><\/span><\/span>weather and <\/span>minimum<\/span> participants<\/span><\/span><\/span>.\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/span>Space <\/span><\/span>on this extension <\/span><\/span><\/span>is limited.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nMonday, October 26\u200b<\/strong> \u2013 Following our flight to Ilulissat, you will be transported to Hotel Hvide Falk where restaurants, museums, shops and the\u00a0picturesque<\/span><\/span><\/span> harbor are all within walking distance. Following is a guided walking tour of the village to see iconic sights and learn about many activities the area has to offer. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy on your own. \u00a0(breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nTuesday, October 27<\/strong> \u2013 After breakfast today we will explore the beautiful area with a two-and-a-half-hour boat trip on the Ice Fjord where you will enjoy the impressive company of the 'floating mountains\". The afternoon is free to explore on your own. (breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nWednesday, October 28<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 After breakfast today we will explore the surrounding area of Ilulissat with a hike to the Sermermiut Valley. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kangia (another name for the Ilulissat Icefjord and its massive icebergs), see stone\u00a0ruins of old turf houses and learn the story of the cliff aptly name 'the place to fall'. The rest of the day is on your own. Optional tours available, weather permitting.\u00a0(breakfast included)<\/em>\r\n\r\nThursday, October 29<\/strong>\u00a0- After breakfast, you will be transported to the airport for your return flight to Copenhagen. Due to the late arrival time back into Copenhagen, you may consider an overnight in Copenhagen at Hebron Hotel and book your return fl<\/span><\/span><\/span>ight home on October 30<\/span><\/span><\/span>. (breakfast and flight meal included)<\/em>\r\n\r\n(activities\u00a0subject to change)<\/em>\r\n

Optional Tours<\/h3>\r\n

Running Copenhagen | October 21, 2026 (1.5 hours)<\/h4>\r\n\"\"\r\n\r\nStretch your legs in Copenhagen with fellow runners while seeing some of the City\u2019s most famous sights. The tour meets at the H.C. Anderson statue in <\/span><\/span><\/span>Radhuspladesen<\/span><\/span><\/span> (City Hall Square)<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/span> D<\/span><\/span><\/span>eparting <\/span><\/span><\/span>at 3:30pm, <\/span><\/span>we run along the canals an<\/span><\/span><\/span>d <\/span><\/span><\/span>will pass<\/span><\/span><\/span> the Queen\u2019s castle, Parliament, Little Mermaid and many beautiful parks<\/span><\/span><\/span>. Small groups allow plenty of time to ask questions during the tour. Pace is adjusted according to overall participant level but expect to run 3-3.75 miles per hour and approximately 5 miles.\r\n

Tundra & City Sightseeing Tour - October 22 & 24, 2026 (3.5 hours)<\/h4>\r\nLearn about Primitive Kangerlussuaq and its transformation from an air base (Second World War \u2013 Cold War) into a small settlement with a modern international airport. Making use of Greenland\u2019s longest road you will embark on a road trip to explore nature. At the harbor you will enjoy stunning views of the beautiful Kangerlussuaq Fjord before moving on to Kellyville, a small town centered on a research facility and old base. You will have the opportunity to meet and learn about Greenlandic sled dogs but, as it is not sledding season you will not be able to sled. Ample opportunity will be given to take in the gorgeous landscape and hopefully spot mush oxen along the way.\r\n\r\nPlease note: Participants will be placed on Thursday or Saturday according to where they are staying and what distance they are running. Your race pack will indicate the date\/time of your excursion.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

Northern Lights Tour | October 22, 2026 (2 hours)<\/h4>\r\nKangerlussuaq has roughly 300 clear nights per year and artificial light is used sparingly so the backcountry\u2019s cloak of darkness lies just a short drive away. The bus will take you to see an ethereal light display (a result of gaseous protons and electrons from solar wind colliding with molecules in the Earth\u2019s atmosphere). Shades of brilliant green bands with the possibility of red, blue, and violet make this trip a night to remember.\r\n\r\nPlease note: Northern Lights tour is weather dependent. In case of cloudy weather, the tour will be cancelled, and a full refund given. Because it is a natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed. Dates may be changed to accommodate the weather.<\/em>\r\n\r\n\"\"\r\n

Russel Glacier | October 22 & 25, 2026 (4 hours)<\/h4>\r\nBoard a tundra coach - a special 4WD vehicle designed to handle ice, rocks, and uneven ground- and then drive partially off-road on the fascinating route to the magnificent Russell Glacier. The drive will take approximately 1.5 hours, and you may see reindeer and musk oxen.\u00a0 The glacier is an impressive sight, with vertical walls of ice that rise as high as 60 meters. You will have a chance to hike along the glacier's edge to truly appreciate its immense power and get close enough for some great photo opportunities before heading back to Kangerlussuaq.\r\n\r\nPlease note: Participants will be placed on Thursday or Sunday tour according to where they are staying and what distance they are running.\u00a0 Your race pack will indicate the date\/time of your excursion.<\/em>\r\n

Meet the Sled Dogs | October 28, 2026 (1.5 hours)<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nVisit the home of Flemming, a local musher, and meet his dogs.\u00a0 You will learn about raising the pups, the expeditions he has been on, and mushing itself. Please remember that these are working animals and not pets - they are not meant for cuddling \u2013 observation only.\u00a0 This excursion does not include dog sled riding, but will, unlike a dog sled riding tour, give a very thorough and interesting look into the history and life of dog sled mushers in Greenland.\r\n

Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement | October 28, 2026 (5 hours)<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nOur tour begins with a 30-minute boat tour from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut.\u00a0 We will sail among the gigantic icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord on their path north of Ilulissat. After we arrive in Oqaatsut you enjoy a guided tour of the settlement where you will see the school, church, and fish factory of Oqaatsut. Learn about living in a small settlement-community and the history of Oqaatsut.\r\n\r\nThe settlement tour ends at Restaurant H8 Explorer where we will enjoy lunch made from local ingredients. Afterwards, explore, hike or simply enjoy a peaceful hour or two with a cup of coffee and unforgettable views before the boat sails us back to Ilulissat.\r\n\r\nOn the route back expect to see the 70-million-year-old volcanic Disko Island to the west and the green mainland to the east. We will pass Ilulissat Airport and the popular bay Bredebugt, which is surrounded by small cabins owned by locals.","event_extensions_packages":null,"event_packages_and_rates":"

Polar Circle Tour | Four-Night Package: October 22 - 26, 2026<\/h3>\r\nFeatures:<\/strong>\r\n