[Author’s Note: This article is the ninth in an 11-part series in AJW’s Taproom celebrating under-the-radar races.]
For the final 28 years, the Laugavegur Ultramarathon has been held in mid-July within the southern highlands of Iceland. Masking 55 kilometers and connecting the character reserves of Landmannalaugar and Thorsmork, Laugavegur is a point-to-point course held in probably the most distant and scenic areas of Iceland. Restricted to 300 members, Laugavegur has a little bit little bit of all the things — sand, gravel, mud, snow, ice, and frigid river crossings. The race can be considerably distinctive for the game in that every one members, as a way to be eligible to run, should have an ITRA efficiency index of no less than 370.
Sebastian Storgaard is a key member of the race group and has been concerned with the race for years. He cites the distinctive location within the southern highlands of Iceland as one thing that makes the race so particular.
Runners on the course of the 2024 Laugavegur Ultramarathon. All photographs: Ólafur Þórisson
“Laugavegur is particular as a consequence of how geographically remoted the occasion is. It’s primarily within the highlands of Iceland, far-off from any cities or providers. We’ve to ship many of the issues wanted for the race — meals, medical merchandise, tents, and employees over tough terrain — each to the beginning line in Landmannalaugar in addition to the end in Þórsmörk. It’s no straightforward activity and couldn’t be executed with out the mixed efforts of the hard-working and devoted those that do their utmost to placed on an impressive working occasion.”
The Laugavegur path was voted by Nationwide Geographic as probably the most stunning climbing trails on this planet, and attracts guests from around the globe.
Going through lots of the similar obstacles as different point-to-point path ultras, Laugavegur’s challenges are amplified by its distant location, difficult climate circumstances, and distinctive calls for on each members and volunteers.
Storgaard notes that the race maintains its low-key really feel due largely to the place it’s situated.
The gorgeous and distant setting of the Laugavegur Ultramarathon.
“Iceland has a comparatively small inhabitants, and the working group mirrors that. Many Icelanders know one another from collaborating within the races which might be obtainable in Iceland, in addition to many being collectively in working teams. This creates a really close-knit group that helps each other. Social media additionally performs an enormous half in permitting runners to attach with one another and supply recommendation and steering concerning the path and the race. Lastly, all of us suppose that it’s necessary to have a close-knit group as we contemplate this — before everything — a group occasion, and we wish individuals to be concerned within the course of.”
The 2025 version of the race, the twenty ninth annual, will happen in mid-July, with registration opening in November. Whereas the organizers take satisfaction of their off-the-radar standing, additionally they derive nice pleasure in welcoming runners from across the globe to their particular nook of the world. For these searching for an journey manner off the overwhelmed observe, Laugavegur could also be for you!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
Iceland is a beer lover’s paradise and on the high of most individuals’s better of Iceland record is Lava Beer, a Russian Imperial Stout produced by Ölvisholt Brugghús, a brewery in Selfoss, Iceland. Weighing in at 9.4% ABV, Lava is a pitch-black beer flavored with darkish chocolate, roasted malt, and smoke, with a darkish brown head, excellent on a chilly windswept night in Iceland’s Southern Highlands.
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