Midnight Sun Marathon

Location: Tromsø
Country: Norway
Website: https://msm.no/
2025 Marathon Date: 21/06/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 20/06/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:20:27
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Midnight Sun Marathon is one of the most visually unique races on the global calendar, held in the Arctic city of Tromsø each June during the height of Norway’s endless daylight. With a late-evening start and a backdrop of fjords, forests, and snow-capped peaks, the Midnight Sun Marathon offers runners a striking and surreal experience in near-continuous sunlight.

The race starts and finishes in the centre of Tromsø, with the route crossing the bridge to Tromsdalen and looping through the quieter suburbs before returning to the city. While the course includes some undulations—most notably the bridge crossings—the profile is generally forgiving. The cool Arctic air and absence of sun glare contribute to surprisingly pleasant running conditions.

Though the event has an exotic feel, it’s well organised, with efficient logistics, friendly volunteers, and a clear international appeal. Many runners travel from abroad for the novelty of racing in daylight near midnight, but the atmosphere remains intimate and communal. Aid stations are spaced logically, and local support is enthusiastic despite the unconventional race timing.

The Midnight Sun Marathon offers a slower-paced, more reflective alternative to the intensity of major city races. For sub-3 hopefuls, the field isn’t deep, but it’s possible to find company at pace, especially among visiting athletes. The quiet stretches can be mentally demanding, but the views and uniqueness of the setting more than compensate.

This is a race to be remembered. From the golden hues of the Arctic evening sky to the soft stillness of the city after dark, the Midnight Sun Marathon is about more than just a finish time. It’s a reminder of the freedom and adventure that long-distance running can unlock—and a chance to take part in something that feels both otherworldly and warmly welcoming.

The Midnight Sun Marathon is a bucket-list race for those seeking a story worth telling.