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Polar Circle Marathon
Nights
5
Date
October 25, 2025
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Polar Circle Packages please:
EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Welcome 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.
A 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 -10ºC / 15ºF, 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.
The 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.
This 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.
Marathon Tours & Travel is pleased to be Adventure Marathon’s exclusive agent in the United States and Canada for packages to this exciting destination.
Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily
Guide
English-speaking tour leader
Transfers
Roundtrip flights between Copenhagen-Kangerlussuaq
Trip Extension
Ilulissat extension offered
Accommodation
4 nights at your choice of hotel in Kangerlussauq. Pre & Post-nights available in Copenhagen
Entry
Choose the Marathon, Half-marathon or Polar Bear Challenge (both events)
Celebration Party
Post-race celebration dinner
Excursions
Choice of excursions to choose from
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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(Optional) Pre-Package: October 22
Optional Pre Tour-Day
Arrive one day early in Copenhagen to ensure that you arrive to Copenhagen and are ready for the flight to Greenland in the early morning. Explore this capital city on your own or pound the pavement with other runners and see some of the city’s most impressive sights on our optional guided running tour. In the evening, join other guests for dinner at the Albatros Travel headquarters. You will enjoy tapas and browse an exclusive collection of running clothes from CRAFT. Race packets will be distributed. Accommodation is available at Hotel Hebron, a short walk from Copenhagen Central Station which is a 15-minute train ride from the airport.
Thursday, October 23
Meet at Copenhagen Airport, Terminal 2 for your 4.5-hour flight to Greenland. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. After a brief welcome, join your optional excursion, relax and settle into your room, or hike Mount Hassel (2-3 hours) with your tour leader. Finally, we will enjoy dinner together at Restaurant Roklubben. (Flight meal, lunch at your respective hotel and dinner included)
Please note: As our flight to Greenland departs early in the morning and Air Greenland does not cooperate with other airlines, we recommend arriving on October 23rd and spending a pre-night at Hotel Hebron. If you plan to arrive on October 24, know that you must allow time to collect your luggage from your international flight, clear customs and check in for your departure to Greenland. Check-in closes one hour prior to departure.
Friday, October 24
Route Inspection Day
This morning all guests (including non-runners) will participate in a race course inspection in large all-terrain vehicles to see the beauty of this fantastic landscape and to understand the challenge of running on the ice cap. In the afternoon, those who have chosen the extension to Ilulissat, will have a pre-tour briefing. Later in the evening, all runners will attend an official race briefing at Hotel Kangerlussuaq followed by a pre-race pasta dinner. (Breakfast, sandwich lunch and dinner included)
Please note: a warm winter jacket, ski pants or similar, hiking or winter boots, hat and gloves are essential today. Runners may choose to bring their running shoes to test running conditions in addition to boots.
Saturday, October 25
Marathon Race Day!
After breakfast, marathon and Polar Bear Challenge runners will embark at 7:00 AM in all-terrain vehicles to the race start. The Marathon is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM. Supporters and runners will enjoy a BBQ lunch between 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM. In the evening, fuel with a semi-pasta dinner at Hotel Kangerlussuaq. (Breakfast, BBQ lunch at finish area and semi-pasta dinner included)
Sunday, October 26
Half-Marathon Day!
After breakfast, runners are transported to the race start. The half-marathon is scheduled to start at 8:30 AM. Today, those who ran yesterday can enjoy an optional tour or cheer runners on. A light lunch will be served in the finish area. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. All will meet again in the evening for a celebratory Greenlandic dinner and awards ceremony in Roklubben. (Breakfast and light post-race meal for runners, dinner included)
Monday, October 27
Farewell Greenland or Hello Ilulissat
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Kangerlussuaq, check-out and depart to the airport for the flight back to Copenhagen or Ilulissat if you chose the optional extension. Due to our late arrival time back into Copenhagen, an additional night in Copenhagen is highly recommended. (Breakfast and flight meal included)
(activities subject to change)
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Extensions
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Post-Race Extension to Ilulissat | Three-Night Package: October 27 – 30, 2025
Make the three-night extension to Ilulissat part of your unforgettable Greenland experience. 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.
Greenlands third largest town, Ilulissat has just under 5000 residents and offers a variety of tour options including dog sled rides, and helicopter or small plane flights over the Icefjord which can be booked upon arrival to Ilulissat and can be dependent on weather and minimum participants. Space on this extension is limited.
Monday, October 27 – Following our flight to Ilulissat, you will be transported to Hotel Hvide Falk where restaurants, museums, shops and the picturesque 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. (breakfast included)
Tuesday, October 28 – 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 or to choose an optional tour. (breakfast included)
Wednesday, October 29 – 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 ruins 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. (breakfast included)
Thursday, October 30 – 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 flight home on November 1.. (breakfast and flight meal included)
(activities subject to change)
Optional Tours
Running Copenhagen | October 22, 2025 (1.5 hours)
Stretch your legs in Copenhagen with fellow runners while seeing some of the City’s most famous sights. The tour meets at the H.C. Anderson statue in Radhuspladesen (City Hall Square). Departing at 1:30pm, we run along the canals and will pass the Queen’s castle, Parliament, Little Mermaid and many beautiful parks. 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.
Tundra & City Sightseeing Tour – October 23 & 25, 2025 (3.5 hours)
Learn about Primitive Kangerlussuaq and its transformation from an air base (Second World War – Cold War) into a small settlement with a modern international airport. Making use of Greenland’s 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.
Please 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.
Northern Lights Tour | October 24, 2025 (2 hours)
Kangerlussuaq has roughly 300 clear nights per year and artificial light is used sparingly so the backcountry’s 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’s atmosphere). Shades of brilliant green bands with the possibility of red, blue, and violet make this trip a night to remember.
Please 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.
Russel Glacier | October 23 & 26, 2025 (4 hours)
Board 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. 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.
Please note: Participants will be placed on Thursday or Sunday tour according to where they are staying and what distance they are running. Your race pack will indicate the date/time of your excursion.
Meet the Sled Dogs | October 28 & 29, 2025 (1.5 hours)
Visit the home of Flemming, a local musher, and meet his dogs. 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 – observation only. 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.
Please note: The date and time of your tour will be determined according to the number of participants and other optional excursions you have chosen. This tour is non-refundable.
Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement | October 29, 2025 (5 hours)
Our tour begins with a 30-minute boat tour from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut. 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, among other things, will see the school, church, and fish factory of Oqaatsut. Learn about living in a small settlement-community and the history of Oqaatsut.
The 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.
On 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.
Greenlandic Buffet | October 29, 2025
In the evening it is possible to book the traditional Greenlandic Buffet dinner at Hotel Hvide Falk. This is a feast of local specialties not to be missed. Eat as much as you can from land and sea.
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Packages & Rates
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Polar Circle Tour | Four-Night Package: October 23 – 27, 2025
Features:
- Roundtrip airfare from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq
- Four nights at selected property
- Meals as listed on the itinerary
- Sightseeing as listed on the itinerary
- All air and hotel taxes
- Pre-race briefing
- Celebration dinner
- Airport transfers (per itinerary)
- Services of Albatros Adventure Staff
Post-Race Extension to Ilulissat | Three-Night Package: October 27 – 30, 2025
- Flights from Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq
- Return flight to Copenhagen
- Airport transfers to hotel
- Three nights’ accommodations at Hotel Hvide Falk
- Daily breakfast
- Sightseeing as listed on the itinerary
- Hotel taxes
- Services of Albatros Adventure Staff
Not Included:
- Race entry ($TBC for the Marathon or Half-Marathon, $TBC for the Polar Bear Challenge)
- All activities listed as optional
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel Insurance
Please Note:
- Single accommodations are limited.
- Luggage is restricted to 33 pounds per person on the Ilulissat extension.
- Additional nights in Copenhagen available upon request.
Airfare:
For this tour you should fly in and out of Copenhagen. The airport code is CPH.
Flights Information:
2024 flight times – 2025 flight times to be confirmed
October 24, 2024 (Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq) 10:00 AM depart CPH – 11:40 AM arrive (SFJ) | GL781
October 28, 2024 (Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen) 1:05 PM depart Kangerlussuaq – 8:25 PM arrive Copenhagen
October 28, 2024 (Kangerlussuaq to Ilullissat) 8:25 AM depart SFJ – 9:10 AM arrive Ilulissat | GL502
October 31, 2024 (Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq) 7:15 AM depart JAV – 8:05 AM arrive Kangerlussuaq | GL501
October 31, 2024 (Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen) 1:40 PM depart SFJ – 9:00 PM arrive CPH | GL782
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian Residents
2024 Rates (all prices are per person in US dollars) – 2025 Rates Coming Soon
Polar Circle Four Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Old Camp - Ulo (bunk beds) $2725 per person $3035 Old Camp - Qajak & Tuukkag (twin/double) $2840 per person $3155 Polar Lodge $2960 per person $3455 Hotel Kangerlussuaq $3315 per person $4060 Pre/Post Nights Hotel Hebron Copenhagen $140 per person $225 Optional: Ilulissat Extension - October 27 - 30 Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Hotel Hvide Falk - Standard Room $1490 per person $1740 Hotel Hvide Falk - Bay View $1680 per person $1955 Optional Tours Rates Running Tour in Copenhagen | Oct 22 $70 per person Tundra Safari & Kangerlussuaq Tour | Oct 23 & 25 $95 per person Russell Glacier - Kangerlussuaq | Oct 23 & 26 $165 per person Northern Lights Tour - Kangerlussuaq | Oct 24 $60 per person Meet the Sled Dogs - Ilulissat| October 28 & 29 $55 per person Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement - Ilulissat | October 29 $260 per person Greenlandic Buffet - Ilulissat | October 29 $80 per person
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Hotels
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Old Camp Hostel
Offers two price options and is located 3KM away from the airport, Old Camp is a traditional hostel format with small, cozy rooms and shared bathroom facilities. Simply furnished, yet well-outfitted with all the essential amenities, such as beds, linens, and a small wardrobe, Old Camp consists of four buildings: three for accommodations each of which contain communal dining and living rooms and a fourth which serves as the reception and boutique.
Two Options:
Ulo building rooms have bunk beds
The Qajak and Tuukkaq buildings feature rooms with two single beds that can be joined together if desiredPolar LodgeIn terms of facilities, Polar Lodge is similar to Old Camp (although with bigger rooms). However, it is only about 200 yards from the airport, and directly adjacent to the start/finish area for the marathon. Toilets and bathrooms are shared and located in the hallway. The lodge has a small dining room where breakfast is served, a small kitchen with a stove, refrigerator and kettle, and a souvenir shop.
Hotel KangerlussuaqThis is an ideal choice for accommodation with, fairly large, rooms and private baths. It is close to the airport and the race start/and has a nice cafeteria, restaurant, and hotel bar. (Wi-Fi available for purchase).
Hotel Hvide Falk (Extension)This hotel is ideal for viewing and experiencing Disko Bay and the town of Ilulissat. There is a terrific restaurant and pub onsite. Choose between Standard and Bay Room options (both have private bathroom).
Hotel Hebron (Copenhagen)Located less than a 10-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station, which is easily reached by train from the airport (15 mins).
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Event Information
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Race Date:
- Marathon – October 25, 2025
- Half-Marathon – October 26, 2025
Race Time: 7:00 AM
Organizer: The race is organized by Albatros Adventure Marathons of Denmark and supported by the local community.
Course: The marathon and half-marathon take place on uneven gravel road and ice. You will run on the ice sheet, as well as roads. The ice sheet may be covered with a thick layer of snow, and the roads may be covered with ice. You will pass enormous glacier tongues and moraine plains and go through tundra and arctic deserts.
Temperature: The weather in Greenland is unpredictable. Expect temps to be -10 C (14 F) at the start, and “warm” to 10 C (50 F) by the finish. Snow and strong winds may occur, which can drop the temp below 0 and cause concern for frostbite.
Entry Fee: Entry to the marathon and half-marathon is $TBC per entry. The Polar Bear Challenge is $TBC.
Time Limit: The course time limit for the marathon is seven (7) hours. The course time limit for the half-marathon is four (4) hours.
Number Pickup: Numbers will be provided at the race briefing the evening before the event or will be picked up on way to the tented camp-site.
Awards: Awards will be given for the top three overall males and females in both races. Prize money is only for runners who live in the community. Each runner will receive a medal and T-shirt.
Running Shoes: The Polar Circle can be run in a pair of normal running shoes or trail running shoes. Spikes are mandatory when running on the ice cap. Please bring a pair of running spikes with carbon steel points that can be fitted to your running shoes. This is a definite advantage on the ice sheet sections.
Difficulty: Challenging trail course in a remote area with extreme low temperatures and wind.
For more information click here
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations or changes in any taxes or park fees.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with an initial non-refundable deposit of $800 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment is due before August 1, 2025.
Eligibility: Marathon Tours & Travel, an authorized tour operator, is required to offer travel arrangements in conjunction with guaranteed race entry. All runners must be residents of the USA or Canada. Marathon Tours & Travel is authorized to sell to a resident of a country where there is not an existing official Tour Operator.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year, or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"Always wonderful trips..." - 2023
Always wonderful trips. This one was especially remote, which I love. Great experience overall. Wonderful and well informed staff. Always good humored and fun.
"Pre-trip was excellent..." - 2023Pre-trip was excellent. The description of key issues was always right on. I felt that I understood not only the hazards of race day, but what to expect on the other days as well. It was a fabulous trip. The area is so beautiful, I didn’t want to leave.
"The course was beautiful..." - 2023The course was beautiful and unique
"Well I just finished the Polar Circle Marathon..." - 2019Well I just finished the Polar Circle Marathon ugh that was a beast of a race.
"Thanks Scott, the Polar Circle Marathon was so much fun..." - 2019Thanks Scott, the Polar Circle Marathon was so much fun. Everything was great. Glad to have worked with you on this trip. I would recommend it to everyone.
"This was one of the best organized events I have participated in..." - 2018This was one of the best organized events I have participated in. Everyone was knowledgeable and helpful. They did a great job at keeping everyone updated on events and changes due to the weather.
"Fun group of people, excellent food..." - 2018Fun group of people, excellent food and most challenging course so far.
"Hotel Kangerlussuaq was FANTASTIC..." - 2018Hotel Kangerlussuaq was FANTASTIC. Great breakfast and rooms, hot showers. Staff was outstanding. We stayed at the Clarion Hotel upon arrival in Copenhagen and the night prior to departure. The hotel is super convenient, connected to the airport terminal.
"Amazing landscape and supportive and enthusiastic..." - 2016Amazing landscape and supportive and enthusiastic it’s very well run. Old Camp is pretty low-end lodging, but there isn’t anything the race organizers can do about that. I was delighted that I was able to switch to the hotel on the second day. All in all, this is a fantastic race and experience. Bravo! staff, very knowledgeable
"I suggest recommending winter running shoes..." - 2016I suggest recommending winter running shoes (gore Tex or other), minimum shirt gaiters and long ones are fine as well. Suggest training by running in sand or other soft surface.
"Amazing landscape..." - 2016Amazing landscape and supportive and enthusiastic staff, very knowledgeable
"What did I like best? The adventure of it..." - 2016What did I like best? The adventure of it. So different than any other travel experience.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Patrick DiMatteo
Administrative Assistant
Patrick DiMatteo
Administrative Assistant
Patrick joined the Marathon Tours & Travel team after receiving his Master of Business Administration degree from Grand Canyon University. While earning his degree, he spent a year in the Harvard University athletic department working in marketing and fan engagement. Born and raised in New Jersey, Patrick also spent time working in the athletic departments of both Princeton and Monmouth University in similar roles. Patrick is a graduate of William Paterson University of New Jersey with a B.A. in Sport Management and Business Administration and has a passion for both running and sports alike. He hopes to combine his passion of travel and running with his business acumen to create incredible experiences for runners around the world.
