ISLANDE · Highlands (Kerlingarfjöll)
Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km: Running Through Iceland's Volcanic Highlands, Measured
Informations clés
Distance
60 km
Date
Droit d’inscription
33,500 ISK
€ / km
€3.85
Nouvelle date en attente
Cette course a déjà eu lieu. La date de la prochaine édition est en attente.
Highlands playground: colorful rhyolite mountains, river crossings, and true interior Iceland feel.
Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km is a volcanic highland trail race held on July 25–26, 2026, starting and finishing at Highland Base Hotel in the Kerlingarfjöll massif of Iceland's central highlands. The course covers 60km with 2,100m of gain (35 m/km) through rhyolite mountain ridges, geothermal steam valleys, deep canyons, two river crossings, and past the iconic Kerling rock pillar — with almost half the course (49.1%) on flat volcanic plateau terrain. Entry costs ISK 33,500 (~€3.85/km) — the highest per-kilometre entry fee in this research batch. ITRA 3 points. Previous editions have sold out; 2026 availability unconfirmed as of research date. Keflavík (KEF) is approximately 2.5–4 hours by road; no public transport; 4WD may be recommended. First held in 2024 (3rd edition 2026) with approximately 28–34 finishers per edition. Post-race Highland Baths (naturally heated geothermal pools) are included. It suits adventurous runners who want Iceland's volcanic interior as a race setting rather than a backdrop.
Élévation et Terrain
Mètres totaux
2,100m
D+/KM
35.0m/km
Pour référence, le Tor des Géants 330 km a 73 D+/km.
Pente montante moyenne
12.8%
Pente descendante moyenne
-13.1%
Distribution du gradient de montée
| 2–5% | 4.1 km | |
|---|---|---|
| 5–10% | 5.1 km | |
| 10–15% | 3.1 km | |
| 15–20% | 0.8 km | |
| 20%+ | 1.7 km |
Profil de parcours
AnalysedDétail du terrain
| 25.7% | Montée |
|---|---|
| 49.1% | Plat |
| 25.2% | Descente |
Terrain
Ascensions
Principales montées
| Rank | Length | Elevation gain | Start km | Average gradient | Max gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.9 km · 349 m gain starts km 0 · avg 9% · max 35.2% | ||||
| 2 | 3.1 km · 155 m gain starts km 26 · avg 5.1% · max 17.7% | ||||
| 3 | 4.6 km · 143 m gain starts km 48 · avg 3.1% · max 20.4% |
Principales descentes
| Rank | Length | Elevation drop | Start km | Average gradient | Max gradient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.5 km · 255 m drop starts km 6 · avg -7.2% · max -89.7% | ||||
| 2 | 3.6 km · 238 m drop starts km 31 · avg -6.7% · max -27.2% | ||||
| 3 | 1.2 km · 158 m drop starts km 39 · avg -13% · max -38.6% |
Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km: Running Through Iceland's Volcanic Highlands, Measured
Why the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra Costs More Per Kilometre Than TOR330 (And What That Price Buys You)▼
Q: How much does it cost to enter the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km? A: ISK 33,500 — approximately €3.85/km at current exchange rates, among the highest entry fees per kilometre in the DTR database. This reflects destination logistics, a small field, and the included post-race Highland Baths experience. Confirm current ISK/EUR rate at time of registration.
The First Race Ever Held in Kerlingarfjöll: What Pioneer Highland Running in Iceland Actually Means▼
Q: How hard is the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra 60km? A: Uniquely challenging — but not in a gradient-extremity sense. The course covers 60km with 2,100m of gain (35 m/km) and 49.1% flat volcanic plateau terrain. The difficulty comes from Iceland's interior: geothermal canyon scrambles, two river crossings, volcanic rock underfoot, and highly unpredictable highland weather. The 12-hour time limit with a mid-course cutoff is manageable for experienced trail runners but demands respect for the environment.
Getting There: Reykjavík, the Highland Drive, and Whether You Actually Need a 4WD▼
Q: Which airport should I use for the Kerlingarfjöll Ultra? A: Keflavík (KEF) — approximately 2.5–4 hours by road to Kerlingarfjöll. There is no public transport to the highlands; a rental car is required. A 4WD may be recommended depending on road conditions — confirm for summer 2026. Plan for pre/post nights in Reykjavík.
Fichiers de course
Logistique
Aéroport le plus proche
Reykjavík Keflavík (KEF)
Notes
Start: ~2.5–4.0 hrs drive to Kerlingarfjöll Highlands Resort area / Public transport: none practical; 4x4 often recommended depending on road (TODO) / Accommodation: limited at highland resort; book early; Reykjavík pre/post nights
FAR
It’ll possibly take 3+ hours from the closest large airport to arrive. Plan your adventure accordingly, take an extra day for those after-race beers or Curranz.
