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Mt. Esja Ultra

June 13 @ 08:00 - 23:00
esjan ultra

Mt. Esja Ultra

The Mt. Esja Ultra mountain running festival will be held for the 15th time on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Registration opens: February 2 at 12:00

15 YEARS OF MT. ESJA ULTRA – 15-HOUR RACE!

To celebrate the 15th anniversary, there will be:

  • A 15-hour endurance race
  • The Mt. Esja Half Marathon
  • An adventure run for children

(The Mt. Esja Ultra Marathon will return in 2027.)

15-Hour Race

How many times can you reach “Steinn” in 15 hours?

The course follows the classic loop:

  • Through the forest (Skógræktin)
  • Up the left side to Steinn
  • Down the right side

Awards (15-hour race)

  • Prizes for the top 3 men and women (those completing the most laps in 15 hours)
  • Winners receive the famous “Esjusteinn” trophy, handcrafted by stonemason Þórir Sigmundsson using stones from Mt. Esja

Additional awards:

  • First man and woman to complete 5 laps
  • First man and woman to complete 10 laps
    (The same person can win multiple categories.)

Timing & Rules

  • Competitors are ranked by number of laps completed
  • Official times (chip time only) are recorded
  • Results for 5, 10, and 15 laps are registered with ITRA (based on the longest distance completed)

If multiple runners complete the same number of laps:

  • The winner is the one who finishes the final lap first

Runners may stop at any time, but must complete at least 5 laps to avoid a DNF (Did Not Finish).

Race Time

  • Start: 08:00 on June 13
  • Finish: 23:00 (15 hours total)

Limited spots available for the 15-hour race

Mt. Esja Half Marathon

The half marathon will be held for the third time.

  • Distance: ~21 km
  • Elevation gain: ~1,500 meters
  • Start location: Esjustofa

The route follows a scenic and well-designed trail along the foothills and slopes of Mt. Esja, offering great views.

It’s an ideal preparation race for longer trail and mountain runs such as the Laugavegur Ultra Marathon.

Awards (Half Marathon)

  • Prizes for the top 3 men and women
  • Winners also receive the renowned Esjusteinn trophy, handcrafted from stones found on Mt. Esja

Details

Venue

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