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ICELAND LAUGAVEGUR
ULTRA MARATHON.
2009 DETAILS WILL BE UPDATED SHORTLY.
"Very tough run but a beautiful challenge and great scenery. Very good organisation; Really enjoyed it and will be back next year." Richard, 2008 competitor
The "Laugavegur" course is one
of the most beautiful in Iceland, stretching from Landmannalaugar
in the highlands to Thorsmork, a natural reservation area.
The area is famous for the yellow, orange and purple hues
of the surrounding mountains.
The race blazes a trail through moss fields,
meadows of wool grass, steam springs, and bizarre lava formations
where various blossoms defy the raw climate.
The race ends at Thorsmork, described as
Iceland’s brightest pearl, surrounded by rugged mountains
and beautiful glaciers.
Sales Manager and ultra marathon runner Steve
Clark has written about the 2007 and 2008 races.
You can view 2008 runners' testimonials here.
Below is a short film of the race.
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Marathon starts in:
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Are you ready? |
Places remaining: 0 |
Do not
be fooled by the beauty of this course. This is a tough mountain
challenge and having a good race plan is essential. A common
error that runners make is taking the first part of the race
too fast. Normally, this distance is hiked in four days.
The distance from Landmannalaugar to Thorsmörk
is approximately 55km. The course is multi-terrain (sand,
gravel, grass, snow, ice, rivers and streams).
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ROUTE
DESCRIPTION
The first section of the
course is from Landmannalaugar to Hrafntinnusker. The distance
as the crow flies is approximately 10km, with an elevation
of just under 500m. The scenery is pretty and the terrain
gentle, but this is the toughest part of the course as most
of it is uphill. Since this section is only one-fifth of the
total race course, setting off at a slow pace is advisable.
A stretch of snow and ice (about 500m) has to be crossed shortly
before Hrafntinnusker is reached. Take extra care when going
through areas of geothermal activity. Nearing Hrafntinnusker
the path is very steep and most people walk up the hills and
jog slowly between them. Many runners make the mistake of
attempting this section too fast and expend too much energy
running up the hills at speed. First-time participants are
therefore advised to allow 20% of their target time on this
section rather than exhausting themselves. Keep in mind that
you have 80% of the course still to come and that the race
is just beginning. Expect snow at the beginning of the course
– how much varies from year to year.
The second section is from Hrafntinnusker
to Álftavatn. The distance as the crow flies is 11km,
with an elevation of 500m. This is the highest section of
the course so snow and ice can be expected. The terrain from
Hrafntinnusker is sand alternating with snow-filled ditches,
the amount of snow varying from year to year, and the course
is therefore undulating. After this undulating section, the
path climbs until a fairly flat section is reached that passes
the highest mountain in the area, Háskerdingur. At
this point there is a small sloping geothermal area that runners
have to cross. The ground here can be muddy and slippery,
and runners should take extra care at every step of the way.
Once this area has been traversed there is a spectacular view
over the lake at Álftavatn. The path now falls sharply
and can be treacherous, so the descent should be taken carefully.
Grashagakvísl is the first river on the course, but
the stepping-stones make crossing easy.
The third section of the
course is from Álftavatn to Emstrur. The distance as
the crow flies is 16km, with a drop in elevation of 50m. Long
parts of the course are flat but there are several rivers
and streams that have to be crossed. Runners will be helped
across the largest river, Bláfjallakvísl. Participants
can have a change of shoes and/or clothes taken to Bláfjallakvísl,
and it is up to the individual to decide whether he wishes
to take advantage of this possibility. Runners aiming at very
fast finishing times generally want to lose as little time
as possible, but it is a good idea to have dry shoes and clothes
sent on, not to mention energy-giving refreshments, just in
case. This part will take approximately 30% of the total race
time, although stronger runners will cover the long, flat
stretches of sand faster. A long descent to Emstrur ends this
section.
The fourth and final section of the course,
from Emstrur/Botnar to Thórsmörk, is 13.5km as
the crow flies, with a drop in elevation of 300m. At this
point runners will reap the benefits of not having gone out
at too fast a pace. During the earlier parts of the race runners
should think in terms of conserving energy so that not more
than 30% of the total race time is spent on this section,
which contains some very challenging hills as well as long
stretches of fairly flat land. Soon after Emstrur the course
crosses the bridge over the river Fremri-Emstruá, but
care should be taken going down the steep path to the bridge.
There is a rope, which makes the descent easier. The countryside
is now very diverse and undulating. From the top of the final
hill, Kápan, the Thórsmörk valley can be
seen. On the other side of Kápan lies the final river
that has to be crossed, Thröngá. Take care when
wading through this river as the water can be up to a meter
deep. For safety reasons there is a rope stretched over the
river, which runners should hold onto as they cross. From
the river it is about 4km along an undulating woodland path
to the finish line at Húsadal in Thórsmörk.
The main refreshment stations are at Hrafntinnusker, Alftavatn,
Emstrur and Thorsmork where runners will be supplied with
special drinks, water and fruits. Sponge stations will also
be put up where it is possible, and the spring water in streams
and rivers is also drinkable.
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As you are
taking on an extreme challenge, why not run this event for
charity? Many charities will agree to cover a percentage of
the costs if you agree to and meet a fundraising target. Click
here to view the charities currently supporting the extreme
series, or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support. |
TBC
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To book your place click
here. |
Our policy
is £38.00 for up to 10, days' travel, or part thereof.
For each additional week a charge of £9.00 per week
is payable. Click here to purchase our travel insurance.
Click here
for our policy overview. |
British
nationals do not require visas to visit Iceland but you must
hold a valid passport. Iceland is a member country of the
EEA, which entitles British nationals to work or reside in
Iceland.
If you wish to stay more than three months in Iceland, you
should contact the Directorate of Immigration, Útlendingastofnun,
Skogarhlid 6, 105 Reykjavík. Tel 510-5400 view website
here.
You are not required to carry your passport with you at all
times in Iceland, but it is sensible to keep some form of
ID on you and ensure that next of kin details are entered
into the back of your passport.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children
should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence
of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to
enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the
children to leave the country. For further information on
exactly what will be required at immigration please contact
the Embassy of Iceland in London here. |
| Please click
here for our full terms and conditions. |
| Who are Across the Divide?
Across the Divide was established in 1996
by Mark and Karen Hannaford, using their many years of experience
in organising expeditions and managing large events. Across
the Divide has spent ten years working closely with our charity
clients to deliver exceptional worldwide challenges. Please
visit Across the
Divide for further information. |
| Who organises
the race?
The Reykjavik Sports Union, Reykjavik Sport
Council and the City of Reykjavik. They have 24 years experience
of running the Reykjavik Marathon and the Laugavegur Ultra
since 1997. |
Will the ultra marathon
be safe?
Yes. Across the Divide’s main
focus is on participant safety. The ultra marathon route has
been fully checked and approved. Medical back-up will be provided
at the main refreshment stations by the local organiser. The
local organiser's staff will be stationed along the trail to
prevent runners from going off the course. A medical doctor
and assistant personnel will be stationed at the finish including
an Across the Divide doctor. Full risk assessments and casualty
evacuation plans are in place. The route will be clearly marked.
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Is there a recommended
kit list?
Yes. Please click here to take
you to the kit list. |
| Are Across
the Divide ATOL bonded?
Yes. Our ATOL number is 6475. |
What standard is the
accommodation?
Twin share accommodation at the SAS
Radisson Park Inn click here for further details |
Do I have to share a
room?
Yes. In order to accommodate everyone rooms must be
shared. You can pre-arrange to share a room with a friend. |
What is the route like?
The route is extremely demanding with steep climbs and descents,
volcanic rock, sand, geo thermal areas, snow, snow filled
ditches, muddy and slippery trails and very cold river crossings. |
What is the temperature
like?
Average temperature in July at "Laugavegur" is
about 7-8 C or 45-47 F.
General information about the weather in Iceland.
Iceland enjoys a much milder climate than its name and location
adjacent to the Arctic Circle would imply. A branch of the
Gulf Stream flows along the southern and western coasts
greatly moderating the climate. However, this brings mild
Atlantic air in contact with colder Arctic air which results in
a climate that is marked by frequent changes in weather and
storminess. This also leads to more rainfall in the
southern and western part than in the northern part of the
island.
The summer tourist season is from late May to early September.
During the first half of this period the sun stays above the
horizon for almost 24 hours and the interplay of light and
shadows on mountains, lava fields and glaciers yield an ever
changing landscape.
However, even during the middle of summer the sky is frequently
cloudy or overcast and the sunshine does not warm the air
much. Hence, during daytime, the air is usually cool ("refreshing"
is the local euphemism) and cold during night time.
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Can I raise money for
charity?
Yes and we would encourage you to do so. Click here
to view the charities that already support the extreme series,
or alternatively contact the charity you wish to support. |
Can I extend my stay?
Yes. However if you wish to stay longer then you will
need to buy the non-flight package and arrange your own flights.
It will be your on responsibility to meet the group at the
airport in Reykjavik. |
| Can I book my own flights?
Yes. You must inform us that you do not wish to take
our flights, advise us of your alternative flights, and your
plans to meet the group at Reykjavik International Airport.
Failure to do so will mean that group tickets will be issued
and charged for. |
| I have my own insurance
policy so do I need to take out your insurance?
No, but you must send us a copy of your policy either
by fax to 01460 30444 or to
Across the Divide
Iceland Mountain Marathon
Across the Divide
Thorncombe Barn
Fore Street
Thorncombe
Nr Chard
Somerset
TA20 4PP
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Main luggage bag weighing
no more than 20kg
For the race:
- Running shoes x 2
- Running tights (recommended rather
than shorts) x 2
- Running T-shirt (long sleeved recommended
x 2)
- Warm head gear
- Gloves
- Running socks x 2
- Camelbak or bottles to carry at
least 2L of water
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight fleece
- Whistle
- 2 x bags with dry gear for half
way point and finish
- Towel and shower gel
Personal Items
- Clothing for when not racing
- Warm clothing for the cool evenings
- Toiletries and towel
- Camera, lots of film and a spare
battery
- Padlock or means of securing/locking
luggage
- Money belt
- Sun cream minimum factor 30
- Lip salve with sunblock
First Aid kit
- Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory
(not for asthmatics)
- Imodium for diarrhoea
- Antihistamine tablets and cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Plasters
- Zinc oxide tape (or Leucotape which
is much better)
- Moleskin and/or 'Compeed' for blister
treatment
- Dehydration mix such as Dioralyte
- Small tub of Vaseline
- Tweezers (not in hand luggage on
flight)
- Scissors (not in hand luggage on
flight)
- Alcohol hand gel
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10TH
JULY 2008 LONDON HEATHROW – REYKJAVIK
We board our international flight for Reykjavik. On arrival
we are met and transferred by coach to our hotel. We will
have an orientation briefing before sitting down to a 3 course
dinner.
11TH JULY 2008 FREE DAY IN REYKJAVIK
Today is a completely free day for you to explore the fantastic
city of Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the
hotel. Runners can leave extra clothes which will be delivered
to the south bank of the river Bláfjallakvísl
during the race (close to the half way point).
12TH JULY 2008 RACE DAY
We have a very early start to reach the race offices for 0430
am where we board our transfer to the start of the race. The
journey takes approximately 3.5 hours with a 15 minute stop
en-route. Runner’s bags will be transported to Thorsmork,
both from the start and from Bláfjallakvísl.
After the race all runners are invited to a BBQ dinner. Following
the race and prize ceremony at Thorsmork, the buses will depart
fro Reykjavik. Showers are available at Thorsmork.
13TH JULY 2008 FREE DAY IN REYKJAVIK
We have another free day to enjoy the sights of Reykjavik.
Breakfast is provided as well as a celebratory meal in the
evening.
14TH JULY 2008 REYKJAVIK – LONDON HEATHROW
After breakfast we board our return flight to the UK.
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Twin share accommodation
at the SAS Radisson Park Inn
on a Breakfast and Dinner basis (except the 12th when the
evening BBQ is provided at the finish).
The Park Inn is located in the heart of Reykjavik's
new business district and is within walking distance of the
city centre. Guests can take advantage of the nearby sports
area that has an outdoor geothermal swimming pool, excellent
jogging tracks, a football stadium and other facilities:
- 119 comfortable and well-equipped
guest rooms
- Conference room seating for up
to 100 delegates
- Wireless Internet Access throughout
the hotel
- Restaurant Café Island is
open for dinner from 1 Jun-31 Aug each year
- The hotel neighbours one of Iceland’s
largest nightclubs, the Broadway.
- Guests have free access to the
swimming pools in Reykjavik, one of which is located close
to the hotel
- Laugar, a fully-equipped, supervised
health club and spa is nearby
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Register your interest
here |
Read about Maria Davis's time on the event here.
Testimonials from 2008 race.
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