Polar Night Marathon
Where the 2027 race is now
- Sold out
- Race daySaturday, January 9, 2027
- ResultsPosted here as soon as the timer has them
- Race day
- Jan 9, 2027 Saturday
- Distance
- 26.2 mi Marathon
- Entry
- Sold out Qualifying time
- Boston qualifier
- Unconfirmed
- Live tracking
- Not yet Shown here race week
Quick facts
- Marathon entry requires an official sub-4:00 marathon within the past two years.
- A headlamp and reflective vest are required; vests are handed out at bib pickup.
- Five-hour limit, with a cutoff near 20 km.
- Marathon runners must turn 18 by the end of the race year.
- Marathon start places cannot be resold or transferred to another runner.
Course
Marathoners ride a bus from the Scandic Ishavshotel to the start at Sjøtun, and the race finishes on Storgata in central Tromsø. Kilometer markers come every 5 km, with a countdown over the last 5 km, and torches line the route when the weather allows. Drink stations at about 10, 20, 32 and 37 km serve water and sports drink, with hot juice at the finish. The limit is five hours, and runners must reach about 20 km within 2 hours 25 minutes. Footing can be ice, dry snow or even bare asphalt, so follow the trail updates before choosing between spiked and regular shoes.
Race-day weather
January north of the Arctic Circle can swing from a few degrees above freezing to well below it, and conditions can change within a few hours. The sun has not yet returned above the horizon, so the race runs in the blue midday light, and the required headlamp matters. Dress warmly and check the forecast during race week.
About the Polar Night Marathon
The Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation, which also stages Tromsø's June marathon, organizes the race and bills it as Norway's largest winter race. The same day brings a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K, all starting later in the afternoon in the city center. The event is an AIMS member, and the marathon course is measured and certified. Entry to the full distance requires an official marathon under four hours within the previous two years.
Past Polar Night Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Saturday, January 9, 2027 | Upcoming | — |
| 2026 | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | Results available | Open results |
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Polar Night Marathon FAQ
When is the Polar Night Marathon?
The 2027 Polar Night Marathon is on Saturday, January 9, 2027.
Is the 2027 Polar Night Marathon sold out?
The 2027 Polar Night Marathon is sold out. View the official registration details at msm.no.
How do I track a runner in the Polar Night Marathon?
Most races publish tracking in race week. Marathon Scout links the official tracker on this page during race week, once the race or its timing provider publishes it.
Where can I find the Polar Night Marathon results?
The 2026 results and earlier years are linked on the Polar Night Marathon results page.
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