Iceland Trail Running

5VH Trail Run Aug 4 to Aug 13, 2023

The 5VH Trail Race is a 28 km race across Fimmvörðuháls which is one of the most popular and gorgeous hiking routes in Iceland. Arrive a week earlier, do some easy runs in beautiful scenery and get prepped for the race by the Race Directors. In between running days, you will have plenty time to explore Iceland on your own.

DAY 1, 2 AUG 4,5: REYKJAVIK

When you arrive in Iceland at the Reykjavik Airport you can the flybus shuttle to the downtown area where you will be within walking distance to your hotel. If you prefer, a private airport transfer can be arranged. You will spend the night in downtown Kex hostel in 4-6 bed dorms with the chance to get to know your fellow travelers and race participants. Private rooms are available for those that wish to upgrade.

The next day you can spend as you like, for example getting to know the downtown area while you recover from jetlag. No schedule these first two days but start looking forward to an adventures week, ending with an epic Trail Race. We will provide you with suggested sightseeing tour options

DAY 3 AUGUST 6

Today we will pick you up early at Kex Hostel in Reykjavík. We drive 2 hours to Þórsmörk (The Valley of Thor.), exploring the waterfall Seljalandafloss on our way there, a waterfall you can walk behind! Once in Þórsmörk, we will do a 15 km route with 270m elevation. Expect gorgeous scenery. We end up running the last 3 km of the 5VH Trail Run, imagining how we will feel at the end of the race.

After showering and eating at Volcano Huts, we drive to Skógarfoss, where the race starts, and explore this beautiful waterfall and walk up the iconic stairs that launch the race.

Lastly, we drive to Reynisfjara and spend half an hour at this famous spot before heading back to the capital. En route we stop at a gas station where people can have a quick dinner. In the evening, we drop you off at your hotel/guesthouse in Reykjavík.

DAY 4 AUGUST 7

We pick you up in the morning and drive 40 minutes to Hveragerði. There we do an 11 km run with 460m elevation. In the middle of the run, we will take a dip in a natural hot river that is about 38° Celsius (100°F) before we finish downhill. Expect to see plenty of hot springs and hot, bubbling mud on the way! You will be back well before 2 PM and can spend the rest of the day as you wish.

DAY 5 AUGUST 8

A day off where you do whatever you wish in Iceland. If you need ideas from locals, we have your back.

DAY 6 AUGUST 9

We are getting close to the race, so today we do an easy 6 km sightseeing jog. We pick you up in the morning and drive about 20 minutes to a beautiful, desolate, peaceful place.

The starts in the Heidmork Nature Reserve and continues towards the lava tunnel of Búrfell. You will see caves and old sheep gathering areas before we walk up the volcano Búrfell and run on the ridge of the crater.

Afterwards, we will take you to Laugardagslaug, situated close to the Reykjavík City Center. There you can enjoy the hot tubs, steam bath and don’t forget to use the cold-water tub!

Then we will have lunch together where we will go through the logistics of the 5VH Trail Race and prepare mentally for the big day

DAY 7 AUGUST 10

You have the day off to do as you please

DAY 8 AUGUST 11

Today you can make your own plans until 3:00 PM when we travel to Skógarfoss, right where the race starts. This night you will spend at Hotel Skogafoss in nice twin or double rooms. This way, you won’t have to wake up early in the morning on race day and drive all the way from the capital. This last day before the race, dinner is included. Enjoy eating with your fellow competitors and make final preparations for the big day!

DAY 9 AUGUST 12 RACE DAY

The 5VH Trail Race starts at 9:00. You wiill eat breakfast at the hotel and join the other competitors at the start line around 8:30. Enjoy this fantastic race, whether you intend to go as fast as possible or just cruise along and smell the roses.

When you have finished your accomplishment, taken a shower and put on fresh clothes in Volcano Huts, you can buy yourself something to eat and enjoy your time in the other wordly place of Þórsmörk until the bus takes you back to Reykjavik.

DAY 10 AUGUST 13

It´s time to say good bye to this magical country, unless you want to stay longer and explore further, that’s up to you.

On your way home, your muscles will be tired and your head dizzy with overload of beautiful scenery that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Make Iceland Trail Race Trip a dream come true!

INCLUDED

  • Three epic trail runs with Arctic Running guides with transportation included.

  • Accommodation 8 nights in 4 or 6 bed dorms in the hip downtown Kex Hostel. The night prior to the race a twin/double room at Hotel Skogarfoss where the race starts.

  • Breakfast is included at Hotel Skogarfoss but not at Kex Hostel (available on site at a fair price, no need to preorder).

  • On Day 3, the Day Trip includes an epic, guided trail run in Þórsmörk, showers and lunch at Volcano Huts, exploration of the end and the beginning of the race route and sightseeing two waterfalls and the spectacular Reynisfjara.

  • Admission to the 5VH Trail Race 2022 and transportation from Reykjavik and back.

  • On Day 6, the Day Trip includes admission to a public outdoor swimming pool, lunch and Race prep by an experienced runner who has done the race and knows the route well.

  • On Day 8, dinner at Hotel Skogafoss is included.

  • The company of fellow adventures!

    NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks. Except for lunch the 7th and 10th, dinner the 11th and breakfast the 12th, you buy your own meals. At Kex Hostel you have the choice of using the cooking facility or eat out at their restaurant/bar or at countless restaurants in walking distance.

  • Nothing except accommodation is included on days off.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

For 8 nights out of 9, you stay at Kex Hostel, a hip downtown hostel with a bar/restaurant and where you can hang out with fellow participants in the the evening. There are also plenty of various diners in walking distance. Make your own meals or eat out — your choice! Get to know fellow participants as you stay in 4-6 bed dorms with the choice of mixed genders or ladies only. Alternitavely, a limited selection of twin/double rooms are available for an extra fee.

The night before the race, all participants stay in a twin/double room at the peaceful Hotel Skógar, situated just where the race starts. After sharing dinner, you can count on a good night’s sleep—and no need to get up super early!

COST: $2450 USD Per Person Single Supplement: $600


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