The Islandsbanki Reykjavik Marathon and Culture Night take place on Saturday 22 August 2026. The race runs through central Reykjavik during the day, before Culture Night's evening programme.
One Saturday, two events
The marathon and Culture Night share the same Saturday in 2026. In other years, the race date moves because it is held on the Saturday of the week carrying the anniversary of the City of Reykjavik.
The course and the finish
The race takes place in the centre of Reykjavik and finishes on Laekjargata. Several distances are offered, and they are open to all ages.
Entering the race
Registration for 2026 is open. The organiser's site publishes race information and contact details for questions about logistics.
Entry is handled through corsa.is, which the organiser links from its site.
Running for charity
The race is a fundraising event. Runners can collect pledges for a chosen charity, allowing an entry to support a cause selected by the runner.
Getting around a closed city centre
Parts of the city centre are closed to driving on race day. The city publishes the current list of street closures, and road users are directed to that list rather than a fixed set of streets.
Straeto buses run at normal prices during the day, with increased frequency. They are free while the city centre is being cleared at the end of the night.
A free shuttle runs between Laugardalsholl and Hallgrimskirkja for people who park outside the centre.
What happens once you have finished
Culture Night's programme follows the race. It ends with a fireworks display after the concert at Arnarholl.
Where to eat and drink afterwards
For information after the race, read the Reykjavik nightlife guide. Culture Night events are free of charge.
Checking light hours for race day
The race starts in the morning and the city celebrates into the night. You can check sun times for the date with the daylight hours tool.
Comparing Reykjavik tours
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