ICELAND TOUGH
TRAILS CHALLENGE
ICELAND TOUGH
TRAILS CHALLENGE
Take on two full or half marathon distances over two days through Iceland’s spectacular Landmannalaugar region, from black lava fields to colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal valleys. This short, high-impact adventure includes full support, and great support.
- 2 trails, 2 days
- Full or half marathon
- Run it, jog it, walk it
- Spectator passes
- Flight packages
- Food & drink inc
- Camp accommodation
- Transfers
- Finisher medal
Take on two full or half marathon distances over two days through Iceland’s spectacular Landmannalaugar region, from black lava fields to colourful rhyolite mountains and geothermal valleys. This short, high-impact adventure includes full support, and great support.
REGISTRATION OPENS
The Experience
Set in the spectacular Landmannalaugar region, the Iceland Tough Trails Challenge takes you across a truly unique Icelandic landscape, from black lava fields and steaming geothermal valleys to colourful rhyolite mountains and rugged highland trails. After a tough day on the course, relax in comfortable hotel accommodation and refuel with hearty local cuisine.
Enjoy first‑class support from our UK crew, medics, and experienced local team — plus warm hospitality and a strong sense of camaraderie throughout. Whether it’s a bucket‑list goal or a fundraising challenge, you can take it on solo, with friends, or as a group, and complete the Tough Trails at your own pace.
Full or Half Marathon
It’s your choice.
Half Challenge: The Iceland Tough Trails Half Challenge is 2 half marathons over 2 days.
Full Challenge: Or step up for the Iceland Tough Trails Full Challenge, tackle back to back 42km marathons over 2 days.
Walk it. Jog it. Run it.
Find your pace. Our support is geared up to handle leisurely walkers, seasoned trail runners, and all in between! The route is fully signed, our fully stocked rest stops will keep you going, and we have pace walkers & runners out on the course to team up with.
Full Support
Focus on the trails, not on boiling up noodles for dinner. We include all transfers, accommodation, and delicious meals. Expect a fully signed route, well-stocked aid stations, and expert trail guides & UK medics.
Flight packages
For early birds, we have a limited number of “flight included” packages, giving you an all-inclusive challenge with everything taken care of. Otherwise, we provide guidance on booking your own flight and meeting our team before the challenge.
Comfortable Camp
Remember the trails, not pitching a tent in the dark. The Iceland Tough Trails Challenge is based out of a comfortable camp. Expect toilets, showers, medical tent, and communal areas. We mark the completion of the challenge, and our final night in camp, with a celebration dinner & party.
Join solo or as a team
Most people sign up solo, but we welcome small groups and teams of friends, family or colleagues. You’ll be joining a group of likeminded adventurers ready to take on the trails!
Spectator Packages
Spectator packages mean family & friends can join you in Iceland. Packages include all transfers & meals, plus activities while you’re out on the trails. It helps create an inclusive atmosphere where supporters share the experience and help create a memorable finish line atmosphere.
What's Included
- Transfers (at arranged times)
- 3 nights camping
- 2 days of Tough Trails (Full or Half)
- Most meals, snacks & drinks
- Celebratory dinner at Camp
- Drink & medal at the finish
- Regular rest stops
- Guided & mapped route
- UK medics to look after you
- Challenge App
- Kit List & Training Plans
- Unlimited Free UK Training Walks
- Iceland Tough Trails medal & shirt
THE ITINERARY
SWIPE TO EXPLORE
14th July – Arrive Iceland
- Camp
- D
15th Jul – Tough Trail 1
- Camp
- B L D
- 42km / 21km
16th Jul – Tough Trail 2
- Camp
- B L D
- 42km / 21km
17th Jul – Return to UK
- Departure
- B
We have our final breakfast at camp together as a group, before visiting a local hot springs. Those flying home this afternoon will be dropped at the airport to return home with tired legs and great memories! Everyone else will be dropped off in Reykjavik centre.
17th – 19th July – Optional Extension
- Guesthouse
- B
Extend your stay in Iceland with an optional extra night in Reykjavik on 17 July, free to explore the city. On 18 July, enjoy a Golden Circle tour featuring waterfalls, volcanic craters, and vast landscapes, followed by relaxation at the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal spa. Airport transfers can be arranged the following day for your return flight home.
READY TO TAKE ON THE TRAILS?
REGISTRATION OPENS
Challenge Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.
FAQs
For any queries or question you have in relation to the Iceland Tough Trails Challenge please have a read through of our information below. Please get in touch if you have any specific questions – or if you’d like to discuss details of the challenge with one of our team
The Package
We have a number of “Early Bird” packages that include return flights to Reykjavik for the challenge dates 14th – 17th July 2027.
If you would like to fly out earlier, or return later, you can book a “land only” place, and arrange your own flights to Iceland.
It will be your responsibility to meet our team at Keflavik Airport or the meeting point in Reykjavik, no later than 2pm on 14th July, to take one of our scheduled shuttle transfers.
There are several direct flight options from the UK to Keflavík International Airport (Reykjavik), operated by airlines including British Airways, Icelandair, EasyJet and Jet2 from a range of UK airports.
Participants booking their own flights should arrive in Reykjavik by the specified meeting time on Day 1 to join the included transfer to our challenge base in Iceland’s Highlands. At the end of the challenge, an included transfer will return participants to Reykjavik/Keflavík Airport in time for departing flights. Full joining instructions and transfer timings will be provided before departure.
You will have your own tent for all three nights of camping in Iceland’s Highlands. If you are signing up as a couple or with a friend, you can choose to share a tent and use the spare tent for additional luggage and kit storage.
Our fully serviced campsite provides a comfortable and sociable base throughout the challenge, with shared camp facilities and plenty of opportunity to relax and get to know your fellow challengers. If travelling solo, you’ll be joining a welcoming group of like‑minded adventurers, with opportunities to connect before departure through our Facebook group.
If you are booking a land‑only package, you can add the following post‑challenge extension:
2 Nights in Reykjavik with Tours
Extend your Iceland adventure with two nights in Reykjavik. Transfer from camp to the city and enjoy an included afternoon sightseeing tour. The following day, join a full‑day excursion along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle, taking in spectacular waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and geothermal sights, with lunch included. Later, unwind at the world‑famous Blue Lagoon geothermal spa before returning to Reykjavik for the evening.
The package includes:
- 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Reykjavik
- Reykjavik city tour
- Golden Circle tour
- Lunch on the Golden Circle tour
- Entry to the Blue Lagoon
- Breakfast
- Airport transfer on departure day
Twin sharing: £845
Single room: £1,095
£50 deposit payable when registering
No – you will need to source your own travel insurance policy which will cover you for the challenge. Travel insurance is compulsory and we will require the details of your policy in advance of departure.
British Citizens do NOT need a visa for Iceland, but you do need a valid passport (valid for 3 months beyond your stay). If you are NOT a British Citizen please check the visa / passport requirements by visiting the website of your embassy in Iceland.
Our Supporter Pass is designed for friends, partners, or family who want to be part of the adventure without taking on the full challenge.
Supporters stay alongside the group and enjoy the same high‑quality camp accommodation, catering, and hospitality. There are also hosted activities and opportunities to experience the destination while challengers are out on the trails.
On event days, we will organise in-camp activities – allowing your supporters to to experience some Icelandic culture!
They will be waiting for you back at camp for the finish line celebrations after each day on the Trails – creating a memorable atmosphere and some emotional moments!
Fitness & Training
This is a tough challenge, but one that’s absolutely achievable with the right preparation and support.
On the Iceland Tough Trails Challenge, you’ll take on a big endurance effort across two days, with a choice of Full or Half Challenge distances. Expect rugged trails, volcanic terrain, steady climbs, and ever-changing scenery as you journey through the spectacular landscapes of Landmannalaugar.
But you won’t be doing it alone.
With full support throughout, well‑stocked checkpoints, and experienced crews on hand, you can take it on your way. Walk it. Jog it. Run it.
Preparation is key. The more comfortable you are spending long periods on your feet over varied terrain, the more you’ll enjoy the experience.
You’ll receive a structured training plan, plus access to our unlimited free UK training walks. These help you build fitness, test kit, gain confidence, and arrive ready to take on Iceland’s trails with confidence.
The Iceland Tough Trails Challenge is a rewarding endurance event, and training is an important part of getting the most from it.
Preparation will help you enjoy the experience while ensuring your body is ready for the demands of Iceland’s rugged trails. Whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, building your endurance, strength, and resilience will make a big difference over the two days.
Training will help you manage the distance, cope with varied terrain and elevation, and recover well between stages.
You’ll have access to an event‑specific training guide via the Challenge App, giving you clear, practical support to prepare and arrive confident, whatever your pace. Combined with our free UK training walks, it’s everything you need to get ready for the adventure ahead.
Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable, and you should be prepared for a mix of conditions throughout the challenge. In July, daytime temperatures typically range from 8°C to 18°C, but it can feel cooler on exposed trails, particularly when the wind picks up.
Expect anything from warm sunshine and clear skies to rain, mist and strong winds — sometimes all in the same day. The terrain is largely exposed, with little shelter, so good waterproofs and layered clothing are essential.
The good news is that July brings long daylight hours, giving us plenty of time on the trails and some fantastic views across the Highlands. We’ll keep a close eye on conditions throughout the event, and our experienced crew will provide guidance to help you stay comfortable and safe whatever the weather brings.
On Tough Trails, everyone is welcome at their own pace, but it’s helpful to know how you plan to take on your distance.
Whether you’re doing the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, if you’re aiming to complete each stage at a quicker pace, you’ll be set off after the walkers and will gradually move through the field as the day progresses.
If you’re planning a steadier pace, you’ll start earlier and take the trails at your own rhythm.
Whichever you choose, it’s all part of the same shared experience. Walk it. Jog it. Run it. Supported all the way.
Yes. There are daily cut‑off times in place, designed to keep the event running smoothly and safely for everyone.
Whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or the Half Challenge, pacing checkpoints begin from the lunch stop onwards on both days. These help guide progress and ensure all participants stay within the supported event timeframe.
As a general guide, you should be comfortable maintaining a steady walking pace across the day, including breaks.
Our crew are there to support you throughout. If needed, support vehicles and transfers are available along the route.
With the right preparation and support on hand, the focus is on helping you complete the challenge and enjoy the experience from start to finish.
Support
You’ll be looked after by a dedicated UK event team, experienced local Icelandic crew, and professional UK medics throughout the challenge. Together, they manage everything from route operations and camp logistics to your safety and wellbeing on the trails.
Out on the route, there are regular checkpoints providing water, snacks, encouragement and support, along with mobile crews and vehicle assistance if required. Back at camp, your accommodation, meals and camp facilities are all taken care of, allowing you to relax, recover and focus on the challenge ahead.
All meals and on‑event nutrition are included as part of your Iceland Tough Trails Challenge.
Each morning, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out onto the trails. You’ll then prepare your own packed lunch from a selection of sandwich fillings, snacks and trail food, which will be transported to the designated lunch stop for you to enjoy on the route.
Throughout the challenge, there are regular checkpoints stocked with water, fruit, snacks and energy options to keep you fuelled and hydrated.
Back at camp, expect plentiful, nourishing meals designed to help you recover from the day’s efforts, with a mix of familiar favourites and local influences. Everything is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the challenge, the scenery, and the experience.
The challenge will be supported by UK doctors in case of any emergencies, safety support vehicles should you need to be moved forward or collected along the route.
The route is clearly marked throughout, with visible trail markers in place where needed, so you can stay on track with confidence.
You’ll also be supported by experienced guides positioned along the route, and you’re encouraged to move with others taking on the same distance and pace, whether you’re on the Full Challenge or Half Challenge.
Our camp is fully set up to keep you comfortable, rested, and ready for the next stage.
Facilities include:
- Comfortable dining tents and seating areas
- Dedicated medical support, including podiatry care
- Constant access to drinking water
- Hot drinks and refreshments
- Warm showers (extra cost, approx £4), hand‑washing stations, and toilets
- An experienced Event Management Team on hand throughout
It’s all part of the Tough Trails experience, giving you the support and comfort you need between each day on the trails.
Yes. Each stage is broken down into manageable sections, with regular, fully supported rest stops along the route.
You can expect checkpoints roughly every few hours, including a longer lunch stop part way through the day. Exact distances may vary depending on whether you’re taking on the Full Challenge or Half Challenge route.
At each stop, you’ll have access to water, snacks, and support from the crew, giving you the chance to refuel, regroup, and get ready for the next section.
It’s all part of the fully supported format, helping you stay on track and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
All rest stops and lunch stops are staffed by our Event Management Team, local Icelandic support crew, and medical teams. They provide a welcoming place to regroup, refuel and check in before continuing on the route.
At each stop, you’ll find water refill facilities, refreshments, snacks, medical support, and seating areas where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. Your packed lunch will be transported to the designated lunch stop each day.
Please note that there are no toilet facilities at the rest stops, so participants should be prepared for the realities of a remote trail challenge in the Icelandic Highlands. Our team will provide guidance on appropriate trail etiquette before the challenge begins.
We expect the Iceland Tough Trails Challenge to attract a friendly, close‑knit group of around 40–60 participants.
The event is designed to be supportive rather than crowded, giving everyone the chance to get to know their fellow challengers and enjoy the shared experience of taking on a big adventure in Iceland’s spectacular Highlands.
Whether you’re tackling the Full Challenge or Half Challenge, you’ll be alongside people with similar goals and motivations. One of the highlights of Tough Trails is the camaraderie that develops over the weekend, supporting each other on the trails, sharing stories back at camp, and celebrating your achievements together at the finish.
Payments & Fundraising
If you’ve chosen the Self Funding option you will be invoiced the final balance 12 weeks before your trip, the full balance to be paid to us 10 weeks before the trip.
You can choose from either Full Sponsorship or Half & Half.
Full sponsorship means you will pay the trip deposit, and then fundraise at least double the remaining trip cost for your chosen charity, who will pay us the trip balance if you meet the minimum fundraising target by 12 weeks before the challenge.
Half & Half means you will pay half of the trip cost yourself (you pay the deposit when registering, then the balance 12 weeks before the challenge). You then fundraise at least double the remaining trip cost for your chosen charity, who will pay us the trip balance if you meet the minimum fundraising target by 12 weeks before the challenge.
Of course! Up until 12 weeks before the challenge, you can change between Self funded or Charity Fundraising. We want you to feel comfortable supporting your charity, so we offer flexible fundraising packages to suit your needs.
If you’ve chosen either the Charity Sponsorship target, or the Mixed Fundraising option you will have to raise a minimum of 80% 12 weeks prior to the challenge, with the remaining 20% target due to be with your charity no later than 4 weeks after.
If you are unable to reach these targets, or you are concerned about reaching them we suggest speaking to your charity, who will; require you to meet the minimum target in order to cover their costs.
You can ‘elect’ any charity to fundraise for when you register onto the challenge – we will contact your chosen charity and ask if they are happy to accept you as a fundraiser. If so – they will be in touch with you shortly, if not (as some can’t budget for these events) then we will get back in touch with you and let you know so you can choose another 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, a Tough Trails Challenge could be perfect for your team – to re-energise, get fit, and to enjoy an unforgettable adventure together! With flexible distance options to suit all abilities, spectator packages and excellent hospitality, it’s a great way to escape the office and reward your team.