Polar Night Marathon

About the Event

Embark on Norway's ultimate winter running challenge at the 2027 Polar Night Marathon, scheduled for January 9, 2027, in the Arctic city of Tromsø. Officially known as Mørketidsløpet, this event is the largest winter race in Norway, offering the extraordinary experience of running during the "Blue Hour"—the ethereal Arctic light that defines the polar night before the sun's return. As a proud member of AIMS, the marathon distance is officially control-measured and certified, attracting over 2,350 runners from 75 different nations who seek a world-class race in one of the planet's most extreme environments.

Athletes can choose from four distinct distances to suit their experience level: the flagship Ishavskraft Marathon, the Polar Night Half Marathon, the Mørketidsmila (10km), and the Mørketidstrimen (5km). The course is a visual masterpiece, illuminated by thousands of flickering candles and sparkling city lights that cut through the midwinter darkness. While the physical challenge is significant, the reward is incomparable—runners often find themselves competing under the magnificent Northern Lights as they dance across the dark sky, supported by a local crowd that lights up the route with incredible warmth and applause.

Beyond the technical specs of the race, the 2027 Polar Night Marathon is a deep immersion into Arctic magic. Organized by the Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation, the event is celebrated for its professional standards and the unique community spirit that fills the streets of Tromsø. Every finisher receives a specially designed medal, a trophy of endurance against the elements. Whether you are an elite runner looking for a unique addition to your marathon portfolio or a traveler seeking a memory for life, this race is an experience out of the ordinary. Registration is now open—prepare to run where the light meets the dark.

Races Offered

Marathon

Jan 09, 2027

straighten

Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

13:00

sell

€115.00

Half Marathon

Jan 09, 2027

straighten

Distance — 21.1K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

15:00

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€60.00

10 km

Jan 09, 2027

straighten

Distance — 10 km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

15:15

sell

€50.00

5 km

Jan 09, 2027

straighten

Distance — 5 km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

15:30

sell

€35.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Tromsø.

thermostat Temperature

-7.7° / -2.8°

wb_sunny Feels like

-12.7° / -7.2°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

0h 2m

water_drop Avg rainfall

5.8 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

3.4 cm

air Avg wind speed

10.6 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Low (1.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

86.9%

wb_twilight Sunrise

06:12

nightlight Sunset

07:57

About Tromsø

Learn more about the host city, Tromsø.

Tromsø is a city of around 78,000 people (2023) in the very northernmost part of Norway. It is almost 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to view the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. Tromsø is a surprise to most visitors: Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city. All of it, though, is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is visible from everywhere in town.