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Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra is a 50km ultra marathon in Tromsø, Norway. Distance: 50km. Elevation: 800m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 20/100). DNF rate: 8%. Time limit: 9h. Surface: road. Established 2005.

50km moderate arctic coastal road scenic

Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra

Tromsø, Troms, Norway

"Run 50km under the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle — the sun never sets."

20
Approachable
Distance 50km
Elevation Gain ↑800m
Surface road
DNF Rate 8%
Cutoff 9h
What Makes It Unique

An Arctic ultra marathon run in 24-hour daylight under the midnight sun, with fjord views and stunning Norwegian scenery.

The Course

An ultra marathon run under the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle. The course loops around the island of Tromsøya and across bridges, with fjord views and 24 hours of continuous daylight. Surprisingly flat given the dramatic Arctic scenery.

Profile

rolling

Topology

loop

Aid Stations

6

Highest Point

150m

No Crew Access
No Pacers
No Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 5/5
Organization 4/5
Community 5/5
Aid Stations

Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.

Post-Race Culture

Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.

Beginner Friendly

Race Day Weather

Temperature

10°C

6° – 14°

Humidity

70%

Rain Chance

30%

Conditions

Arctic summer with 24-hour daylight. Cool and breezy. The midnight sun means no darkness at all during the race.

Stats & Records

Established

2005

Finishers

400

Avg Finish

5:30:00

Course Record (M)

3:05:12

Bjørn Tore Taranger (2019)

Course Record (W)

3:38:45

Therese Sjursen (2022)

Entry

Entry Cost

NOK 1500

Opens

January

Sells Out

months

Max Starters: 500
Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

Part of the larger Midnight Sun Marathon festival, the ultra distance was added to capitalize on the unique experience of running through the night in full daylight.

  • At 69°N, this is one of the northernmost ultra marathons in the world.
  • The sun literally does not set during the race — you run in full daylight at midnight.
  • Tromsø is known as the Gateway to the Arctic and offers dramatic fjord and mountain scenery.
  • The flat, fast course makes this an excellent first ultra in a spectacular setting.
  • Established in 2005.

Running at midnight in full sunlight above the Arctic Circle — your body has no idea what time it is, and it doesn't matter.

— A Midnight Sun runner

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra is a 50km (50km) ultra marathon with 800m of elevation gain. The course is loop on road terrain.

How hard is Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 20/100 (Approachable). The DNF rate is 8%. Runners have 9 hours to finish.

What is the weather like at Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

Average temperature is 10°C (range 6°C to 14°C) with 70% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Arctic summer with 24-hour daylight. Cool and breezy. The midnight sun means no darkness at all during the race.

Are crew and pacers allowed at Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed.

What is the course record for Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

The men's course record is 3:05:12 set by Bjørn Tore Taranger in 2019. The women's course record is 3:38:45 set by Therese Sjursen in 2022.

What is the average finish time for Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon Ultra? +

The average finish time is 5:30:00. About 400 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 8%.

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