The Dettifoss Trail Run in northeast Iceland is probably the most beautiful and scenic trail race in Iceland. An absolute must do once in your life 🙂
The race is held in Jökulsárglúfur in Vatnajökull National Park.
The race takes you along the magnificent Jökulsá (glacier river) canyon and ends in Ásbyrgi canyon. It is said that the Ásbyrgi canyon was formed when Odin’s eight-legged horse,Sleipnir, touched one of its feet to the ground here.
It is held on the second Saturday in August and it has three distances, 32.7 km, 21.2 km and 13 km, which all end in Ásbyrgi canyon. All participants are transported from Gljúfrastofa Visitor Center in Ásbyrgi to their starting point in a bus.
Ásbyrgi has a camping site, which is very popular both with Icelanders and tourists. Staying there before and after the race is definitely recommended if the weather is favourable (which it often has been !).
The race is well organised and has a very lively atmosphere. The scenery is stunningly beautiful although be careful to keep your eyes on the trail.
Dettifoss is at 350 metres above sea level and Ásbyrgi is at 40 metres above sea level but the race is tougher than the elevation change might suggest.
We recommend that you take the option to include a meal when you register, as we think it is the perfect opportunity to fill your empty stomach after the race with Icelandic lamb while chatting to your fellow runners.
There is a limited number of participants in this race so we recommend to sign up early! Registration closes on the 1st of August.
Jokulsargljufur
For more information see:
The Dettifoss Trail Run official website
Cover photo from http://www.jokulsarhlaup.is/
