The marathon under the midnight sun in the Norwegian city of Tromsø is one of the most unique running events in the world. Every year, thousands of participants come beyond the Arctic Circle to cover the marathon running distance. Next, we will tell you why the race is unique and why it occupies a special place among the most famous sporting events in Norway.
History of the marathon
The Midnight Sun Marathon was founded in 1990 in the Norwegian city of Tromsø, which is often called the “Paris of the North”. From the very beginning, the idea of the race was associated with a unique phenomenon of the Arctic – the midnight sun.
In June, the sun does not set below the horizon in Tromsø, because the city is located about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. That is why marathon participants run in natural light even at night — and this has become the main feature of the event.
On June 20, 2026, the 36th Midnight Sun Marathon will take place.
Distances and marathon route
The Midnight Sun Marathon offers several participation formats for runners with different levels of training:
- marathon — 42.2 km;
- half marathon — 21.1 km;
- 10 km race;
- 5 km race;
- Children’s starts.
The route passes through the central streets of Tromsø and goes to the Tromsøbrua bridge, one of the symbols of the city. During the race, participants see fjords, snow-capped peaks and arctic landscapes, which have become the hallmark of the Midnight Sun Marathon.
Маршрут марафону через головні вулиці Тромсе та міст Tromsøbrua. Зображення з namasterunningtours.com
Records and multiple winners
Among the most successful participants in the Midnight Sun Marathon is Ebrahim Abdulaziz, a Norwegian runner of Eritrean origin. He won in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.
Abdulaziz holds the current men’s marathon record of 2:20:03, which he set in 2022.
Ебрагім Абдулазіз виграв свій перший марафон у Тромсе у 2018 році. Зображення з aftenposten.no
In 2025, the women’s marathon record was also updated. Norwegian runner Marte Mehlum-Jogensen finished with a result of 2:36:11, surpassing the previous achievement among women.
How to become a member
Registration for the Midnight Sun Marathon opens in advance on the official website of the marathon. Participants can choose one of the available distances and register online.
The cost of participation increases as the start approaches, so early registration not only guarantees a place in the race, but also helps to save on the entry fee. Also, there are age restrictions for certain distances: the marathon distance is available from the age of 18, the half marathon — from the age of 15, and the 10 km race — from the age of 13.
You can familiarize yourself with the current conditions of participation and apply on the official website of the marathon.
Interesting Facts
- The Midnight Sun Marathon is often included in the selection of races that are worth trying at least once. In particular, in 2024, Runner’s World included it in the list of European marathons worthy of attention, noting the uniqueness of the route beyond the Arctic Circle and the opportunity to run under the midnight sun.
- Even at midnight, participants can see the route thanks to natural light. For many runners, this is the main reason to come to the start.
- The record start of 2025 brought together 9000 runners from 88 countries, which was the highest figure in the history of the marathon.
- The 2025 race was attended by the famous British para-athlete and multiple world champion Richard Whitehead. This proves that the marathon is available to people of all skill levels.
- Throughout history, the race has been canceled only once — in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Already on June 20, the participants will again take to the distances to feel the atmosphere of the famous marathon under the midnight sun. We keep our finger on the pulse to always share interesting sporting events, records and stories of legendary starts. Stay tuned.
