ICELAND CHALLENGE
10 - 13 JULY 2025
- 2025
- 4 DAY TRIP
- 2 DAY CHALLENGE
- LAND ONLY
NEW FOR 2025! Take on the land of fire & ice on this new Iceland Ultra Adventure! Tackle 2 marathon distances over 2 days at your pace, set against the backdrop of the rugged landscape of Iceland’s South-Western highlands. Expect steep and rugged back-country terrain, breath-taking views and the very best support. This 4-day trip is action packed – a testing challenge, magnificent scenery, camping under the stars, camaraderie, full support, with the option to extend your stay & explore Reykjavik. It’s easy to join us, with plenty of flight options from the UK. An unforgettable adventure – and a Challenge like no other!
The Adventure
A fantastic Adventure, right on your doorstep. Iceland is a short flight away, yet it feels remote and rugged. The land of ice and fire will test your endurance, as you take on 2 marathon distances over 2 days. Iceland’s South-Western highlands are our destination, and despite the chilly surroundings, you can expect a warm welcome at our basecamp! The rugged terrain is the perfect backdrop, with black volcanic rock, lush green pastures and snow covered hills. You will take on 2 days of challenging terrain, covering 42km each day, through mountain passes and valleys. Expect some steep climbs and descents, breathtaking views, and first-class service & support.
This is a “land-only” trip, meaning you can book your own flights and meet the team in Reykjavik. Many airlines, including the popular ‘budget’ airlines, fly from UK airports to Iceland. On the 10th July, everyone will come together and take a transfer to our Icelandic basecamp for dinner and rest.
Early the next morning, we set off from camp for today’s 42km trail. From here, you can walk, jog or run the route that will follow dirt roads and old shepherd trails. With approx. 1500m of elevation gain, expect a testing day that rewards you with some stunning scenery. You will have rest stops and a lunch stop en route. At today’s finish line, there will be a transfer waiting to take you back to Basecamp.
The next day, it’s another 42km, with an early morning transfer to the start of the route. Today there is less elevation gain, but it’s still a testing course with wonderful scenery. We have a final night at our Basecamp, with a celebration dinner. The next morning, it’s then back to Reykjavik for a spa visit. In the afternoon, you can transfer to the airport for a flight home, or book an additional extra night to further explore Iceland’s capital!
It’s easy to join the challenge and meet the team. You can book your own flight to Iceland from your nearest airport.
There are many flight options from the UK to Iceland, with a variety of airlines including the main ‘budget’ carriers. A number of airlines operate daily flights from the UK to Iceland.
Airlines such as British Airways & IcelandAir (from Heathrow or Gatwick), and Easyjet (from Manchester) have the best arrival times.
We will run shuttles from Keflavik airport to the basecamp on the 10th July – you can reserve a space on one of these before the challenge starts.
Home for 3 memorable nights – and we go to some lengths to provide a few ‘home-comforts’ which may surprise you! There’s decent toilets, showers, good tents, a lively dining area, evening entertainment, a well stocked bar, a medical tent, and plenty of fantastic freshly prepared food by our local chefs.
A 42 km (26 mile) marathon distance challenge in the rugged Icelandic landscape – at your pace on each of the 2 days. Early starts on the both days, with stunning routes that either start or finish from camp – plus rest stops & lunch en route. On the Saturday, at the 84km finish line – a big cheer, a medal, and a cold drink await, and if you have the energy there’s plenty of time for a celebration meal & maybe a glass of beer or wine at camp!
It’s your challenge – at your pace – and our support is geared up to handle leisurely walkers, seasoned Ultra runners, and all in between! The route is signed, our fully stocked rest stops will keep you going, and we have pace walkers & runners out on the course to team up with.
Our support is second to none:
- Rest stops (am & pm) with snacks, drinks, toilets, medics
- Lunch stop at half way – cold buffet
- UK trip leader and core staff & medical team
- Signed route & local guides
- Showers & evening medical surgery + podiatrists
- Vehicle support.
- Medal & T-shirt
- Challenge App & training material
The challenge is fine for all levels of athletic ability – and you can join as an individual or couple and meet up with others, or as a team of friends or work colleagues and make it a group adventure to remember. You can sign up and Self Fund your place – (just like a holiday) – OR support a charity of your choice and fundraise. This challenge is ‘Land Only‘, so you can organise & book your own flight to make your travel arrangements easier – and you have the option to stay on in Iceland for extra days after (or before) your Ultra Adventure.
For anyone who wants to spend more time in Iceland before or after the challenge, you can book extra nights at the team hotel. Trip Extensions can be added when you sign up, or afterwards!
EARLY BIRD DEAL
£100 OFF ALL ICELAND CHALLENGE SIGN UPS UNTIL 26TH DECEMBER!
Use code ADVENTURE100
- Transfers (at arranged time from Reykjavik on 10th July + back on 13th July)
- 3 nights camping
- Camping – tent & mattress on a twin share basis (single supplement available on request)
- 2 days trekking / jogging / running
- Meals, snacks & drinks (bar type drinks are extra).
- Celebratory dinner at Basecamp
- Cold beer / drink & medal at the finish
- AM & PM rest stops & lunch stop
- Signed route & local guides
- Medical Team
- Challenge App with all the info
- Kit list & training plans
- FREE place on a 50 km UK Ultra Challenge
- Pre trip video briefing
- Iceland Challenge T Shirt
- Return flights from UK
- If not taking the team transfer, private transfers to basecamp (from £125 for private 4×4 transfer – final price tbc)
- Personal kit, sleeping bag, & equipment
- Travel insurance (get it early – and make sure it covers ‘curtailment’ – in case you are unable to travel)
- Alcoholic & fizzy drinks from the camp bar
- Any extra items, meals, or activities
- Extra nights in Reykjavik hotel
- Tips for local camp crew (we recommend Euro 50 per participant – as the local crew work very hard!)
Day 1: Thurs 10th July ’25 – Arrive Reykjavik
- Arrival and meet team in Reykjavik. Transfer to Iceland Challenge Basecamp
- Dinner and welcome briefing at camp
Day 2: Fri 11th July ’25 – 42km Hengill Marathon
- Breakfast at camp
- Start challenge from Camp
- The tougher of the 2 days, with over 1500 of elevation gain
- Route takes on Reykjadalur Valley
- Lunch stop at halfway
- Varied descent to finish line before transfer back to camp
- Dinner at camp
Day 3: Sat 12th July ’25 – 42km Þingvellir Marathon
- Breakfast at camp
- Transfer to start line
- Þingvellir was home to Iceland’s first Parliament
- Pass the Öxarárfoss Waterfall
- 600m of elevation gain
- Finish line celebration
- Evening dinner with entertainment
Day 4: Sun 13th July ’25 – Reykjavík
- Breakfast at camp
- Transfer to Reykjavík
- Spa / hot springs visit
- Transfer to airport for afternoon flight included
- Option to extend your stay and book an extra night in Reykjavík
See Itinerary tab for full details
This is a ‘Land Only‘ package. Book your own flights with any airline, and then join up with our main group in Reykjavík.
A number of airlines operate daily flights from the UK to Iceland.
The Details
If you’ve already cracked our fantastic ‘Saharan Challenge’ in Morocco or the ‘Jordan Challenge’ – this challenge will be familiar (and chillier)! This is the perfect “next challenge” for anyone looking to step things up having done an Ultra Challenge. There’s the same 1st class support & hospitality, combined with a great feeling of camaraderie from a group of up to 50 or so like-minded challengers. Whether you’re a keen walker, or a seasoned Ultra runner, you can join as an individual, with a friend, or as a group, and take the 2 marathon challenges on at your pace. It’s a great value package – for an unforgettable July 2025 challenge!
ONLINE WEBINAR
Join us for an online presentation, covering everything you need to know about this fantastic new challenge, on 14th January, 6.30pm
Prices & SIGN UP
Do it for yourself – or support a charity of your choice. Sign up online & pay an initial deposit to secure your place. All packages are “land only”, meaning you book your own flights. All participants get a free place on a 50km UK Ultra Challenge of their choice to use as a ‘warm up’.
* Participants must be at least 18 years old on departure day. All participants will be required to sign a Medical Declaration & prove that they have the appropriate personal travel insurance cover in place.
CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Choose how much of the trip cost to pay yourself, and fundraising double the remaining balance for charity
Corporate Team Packages
Are you looking for a new Challenge and a fantastic way to reward & bond a group? Perhaps you have a charity of the year you’d also love to support?
If so, the Iceland Challenge could be perfect for your Team – to re-energise, get fit, and to enjoy an unforgettable adventure together! We provide flexible payment & fundraising options. Push yourselves further in 2025.
FREE TRAINING EVENT
REGISTER FOR ANY OVERSEAS CHALLENGE, AND GET A FREE 50KM UK ULTRA CHALLENGE PLACE WORTH £139. GREAT EVENTS WITH FANTASTIC SUPPORT. WALK, JOG OR RUN AND KICKSTART YOUR TRAINING.