Imagine running past polar bears and glaciers, under the midnight sun, or along the edge of the fjords. Jimmy “The Runner” Vika shares his six favourite Norwegian running events that you can brag about completing once you return home.
While one very popular race is The Great Fjord Run in Bergen, endorsed by Ethiopian former world champion Haile Gebrselassie, Jimmy Vika has even more top races on his list.
The hardcore outdoor enthusiast ran 20 marathons in Norway in just 20 days — a staggering 844 kilometres — to promote the non-profit Right to Play.
“Running makes you open your senses and enhances the experience of nature. In addition, you can discover places that you don’t have access to from a car or a bus, and you can cover different areas and attractions in a short amount of time,” says Jimmy.
Throughout Norway, locals organise a whole host of races that are as diverse and exotic as the nature itself. Several races are on trails that take you through natural terrain.
There are also shorter distances for every level, races for children, cultural events and lots of other fun activities.
Check out some of the top races in Norway!
1. The Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø
Running under the midnight sun in the city of Tromsø at the end of June is something everyone should experience at least once. A fantastic atmosphere and unrivalled Arctic scenery make this a truly unique event.
2. The Spitsbergen Marathon, Svalbard
Running on Svalbard is incredible. You get even closer to the pristine Arctic nature in running shoes. The local community works hard to give visitors a good experience, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a polar bear along the route.
3. The Hardangervidda Marathon, Hardanger
Start in the fjord-side town of Eidfjord in Hardanger and run through picturesque scenery. Discover famous areas up close, including the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, the Vøringsfossen waterfall, and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
4. Blefjells Beste, Buskerud
This ultra-trail race with a limited number of runners, in Blefjell in Telemark, has become one of my favourites because you can choose between multiple distances from 6 to 57 kilometres in beautiful mountain terrain. The longest routes include several peaks with stunning views.
5. Fjellmaraton, Beitostølen in Valdres
I’ve had some of my best experiences in the mountain village of Beitostølen in Valdres. Running across the sunny high mountain plateau of Valdresflye early in the morning is unforgettable. You might experience everything from tall banks of snow on both sides of the road, to 20 degrees Celsius and shorts weather in the town centre of Beitostølen after the run. You can choose between several distances from 1 to 42 kilometres.
6. The Oslo Marathon
I love sightseeing in the capital while running. If you complete this half marathon or marathon, you get to see almost all the neighbourhoods around Oslo's city centre. Each year, around 20,000 people participate, and thousands of spectators line the route to cheer you on all the way to the finish line.
Upcoming marathons
Bergen24.04.2026Bergen City Marathon
Welcome to Fjordkraft Bergen City Marathon (FBCM), which will be held on Saturday, 25 of April 2024. Join us and celebrate the 14th anniversary og this fantastic run with a beautiful and inspiring course. Experience the atmosphere at the start and finish lines at the World Heritage Site Bryggen in Bergen, run through Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen), and enjoy the amazing view from Fjellveien. The course also continues along the beautiful walkway around Store Lungegårdsvann. You will be met by a buzzing crowd as you run through Nygårdsparken. This is where the 5 km run starts. Narrow streets and charming wooden houses at Nordnes lead you further on to Nordnesparken. This is where the Kids Run starts. You will now be ready to take the final leg back to Bryggen. It will be a wonderful experience for you to compete in a running event close to the city centre. Distances that suit everyone Sport1 Marathon 42 km BMW Half Marathon 21 km De Bergenske 5 km Vestkanten Kids Run 2 km BT-relay (21km/10leg Do you want to participate? Go to signup HERE. PROGRAM kl. 06.30 Opening of Changing rooms in Vikinghallen kl. 07.00 -15.00 Storage service in Vikinghallen kl. 07.45 Warm up together with our instructor kl. 08.00 Start Sport 1 Marathon from Bryggen kl. 09.00 Entertainment starts kl. 09.30 Warm up together with our instructor kl. 09.40 Start BT-relay from Bryggen kl. 09.45 Warm up together with our instructor kl. 10.00 Start BMW Halvmarathon from Bryggen kl. 12.00 Start De Bergenske 5km from Møhlenpris Idrettsplass kl. 12.30 Award ceremony kl. 13.00 Start Vestkanten KidsRun 2km from Nordnesparken kl. 14.00 Traffic opens (Max time marathon 6 hours) PRIZES All participants at FBCM will receive a medal. The beautiful medal is decorated with a well-known and cherished design from Bergen. The City of Bergen has granted FBCM the right to use the design which is from when Bergen was an European Capital of Culture in 2000. Among other things, the design can also be found on the city’s manhole covers. Awards to: - the three best female and male runners – Marathon - the three best female and male runners – Half Marathon - the three best female and male runners – 5km - the best team in the three different classes in the Relay - all those who participate in the Kids Race. There are also exciting prizes that are drawn by start number. Check if you are a lucky winner at bergencitymarathon.no. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 2012 – 1,700 entrants 2013 – 5,000 entrants 2014 – 7,000 entrants 2015 – 9,140 entrants 2016 – 10,760 entrants 2017 – 10,650 entrants 2018 – 11,332 entrants 2019 – 12,329 entrants 2020 Cancelled 2021- 9,014 entrants 2022 – 9,415 entrants 2023- 11,600 entrants 2024- 14,800 entrants
Isdalstø03.09.2026 - 05.09.2026The Great Fjord Run
A unique running weekend with several runs over three days. The Great Fjord Run takes place in Bergen – in the heart of the fjords. If you are looking for a race that’s something special, The Great Fjord Run is the run for you. Sign up: www.knarvikmila.no
More fun runs in Norway
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