The Great Norse Run
Cross Iceland by foot in 10 days
UNRACE noun (/un-reɪs/)
An event without competition, winners or losers. A nomadic migration for people who love adventure.
overview
Halló there!
The Great Norse Run, a team adventure like no other. Widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice”, Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. We’re going to be passing over these whilst waving goodbye to stress with a ten-day, 209 mile trip of a lifetime.
Enroute you’ll veer wildly towards volcanoes, stare longingly at Game of Thrones scenery and — with a couple dozen new friends —slowly clap your hands overhead in true Skol war-cry style. You’ll indulge in hot spring parties and ice-cold beers, pumping music and majestic silence, and eye-poppingly stunning scenery to create unforgettable moments.
what happens
This is absolutely not a race; we will have a couple of groups—one walking/jogging then another a little speedier. 25 miles a day seems a long way, but as a tribe, we can all make it.
Expect new friendships, stunning cliff-edge views, heart-pumping climbs, and hearty meals around a campfire in the middle of nowhere. Top it off with restful nights looking out at the stars and maybe even the magnificent aurora borealis!
This is your time. Your adventure. See you on the lava fields.
your hosts
Tom Beard
Tom finds the awesome in everything and inspires those around him to achieve the previously unthinkable. Always looking for the next adventure, Tom passionately believes in the power of people, nature and positivity to overcome anything that faces us.
Nicola Soraghan
Nic has qualified to race for the Irish national team, but decided to turn that down to organise and lead collaborative and inclusive adventures in far-flung places around the world. Organised, pragmatic and loves bringing out the best in people.
schedule
Day One
Prepare
After you arrive in Reykjavik, you can grab a burger at the Big Lebowski burger bar, then team coach up to Akureyri (expedition start). You could also arrive before the 21st and have a look around. Reykjavik is an amazing place.
Day Two
Start
You'll take a ceremonial toe-dip in northern Icelandic waters, then start your official Great Norse Run. Spend the night on an Icelandic horse farm, just before the start of the interior Desert section.
Day Three
Rise
Today will be a tough day, rising slowly (then less slowly) to the Desert plateau. Spend the night at a mountain hut with natural hot springs.
Day FOUR
Spring
Enjoy a morning dip in the natural hot springs, take in the very stark wilderness views, with the tongue of the Hofsjokull glacier just visible in the distance. Very wild camping in the evening.
Day Five
Fire and Ice
Today is all about fire and ice, running between two huge icecaps—very peaceful, very surreal. Watch out for the active volcano to your left!
Day six
Desert end
Today is your last day in the Desert—prepare to see the colour green again. River crossings will be challenging today, expect to get very wet.
Day seven
Game of Thrones
You'll enter the national park and witness the Game of Thrones scenery at every turn—black mountains that look like frozen water, and impossibly shaped rock formations.
Day eight
Rainbow ground
Just when the national park couldn't get any better, the ground changes into a rainbow. Amazing soil colours and lichen so thick you can use it as a trampoline.
Day nine
Geothermal rivers
Rest in the geothermally heated river, explore the rainbow hills, walk under a waterfall, have a shower, sit in an old converted bus that's now a cafe - or do absolutely nothing.
Day ten
Wild again
More wild camping, in very wild places. We've seen the aurora each time we've been here. Yes, it really is that good.
Day eleven
Celebration
Just one more (small) icecap to run past, then land's end and the chance to throw yourself into the southern seas. The Great Norse Run comes to an official close, celebrated with tea and medals. Bus back to Reykjavik, team party, and flights home (the next day).
experience Iceland in a way most travellers never will
If you want Epic landscapes, real community, personal challenge — without the pressure of competition, you’ll love The Great Norse Run.
what’s included
What's Included
- Support Vehicles
- Accommodation
- Food and Drink
- Transfers in Country
- Guides and Support
- Entry to Thermal Pools
What's not Included
- Travel to/from Reykjavik City Centre
- Personal Insurance
- Personal Kit
- Accommodation Before/After the Event
- Evening Meal on the Last Night
- Breakfast on the First Day
upcoming dates
The Great Norse Run
July 03 — 13 2027
SOLD OUT
faq's
Once you know you know
Am I fit enough for this expedition?
Most of the team will jog a bit and walk a bit. It’s not about who gets there first (we don’t even keep track), it’s about the whole team getting across Iceland. Last time there was a group of three who walked the whole thing.
Can I ask some questions?
Yes! Contact Nic at nicola@runwild.global There is also a very active WhatsApp group that everyone uses to work out logistics and share ideas. Nic can add you to it.
Can I find out more?
Yes, of course! Please enter your details and click “Get Expedition Info” in the “Find Out More” section and you will get all the expedition information and a link to the welcome/info pack PDF.
Can I see some feature length documentaries about the event?
Can we enter as a team?
More than one person could sign up, so you can do the event with friends, but most people enter as solo runners (there’s normally a 60/40 female/male split) and then make life-long, like-minded friends on the journey.
get inspired
Watch the award winning film
kind words
When you feel like life your life is spiraling downwards it can feel like it'll never end. BUT I signed up and it immediately put the breaks on the downward spiral. On route I felt my whole being lift. And it didn't stop when I got to the end. I'm still lifting 3 years later - this is thanks to the guys at Run Wild but more so the other people who took part who are now some of my best friends.
Sam, GNR 2024When you feel like life your life is spiraling downwards it can feel like it'll never end. BUT I signed up and it immediately put the breaks on the downward spiral. On route I felt my whole being lift. And it didn't stop when I got to the end. I'm still lifting 3 years later - this is thanks to the guys at Run Wild but more so the other people who took part who are now some of my best friends.
Jenny, GNR 2026When you feel like life your life is spiraling downwards it can feel like it'll never end. BUT I signed up and it immediately put the breaks on the downward spiral. On route I felt my whole being lift. And it didn't stop when I got to the end. I'm still lifting 3 years later - this is thanks to the guys at Run Wild but more so the other people who took part who are now some of my best friends.
Brian, GNR 2021