The picturesque town of Ilulissat provides a colorful backdrop as the Icefjord Midnight Marathon winds its way to the UNESCO-accredited Ilulissat Icefjord. With ice streching out as far as the eye can see, embark on a true trail run over rocky terrain and past impressive icebergs that glitter under nocturnal sunlight. The Icefjord Midnight Marathon offers the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers and a half marathon of 21.097 kilometers.
The picturesque town of Ilulissat provides a colorful backdrop as the Icefjord Midnight Marathon winds its way to the UNESCO-accredited Ilulissat Icefjord. With ice streching out as far as the eye can see, embark on a true trail run over rocky terrain and past impressive icebergs that glitter under nocturnal sunlight.
The Icefjord Midnight Marathon offers the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers and a half marathon of 21.097 kilometers.
Hotel Hvide FalkÂ
In Ilulissat we will stay at Hotel Hvide Falk which is centrally located in Ilulissat and you have the chance to book a room with a great view over the Icefjord. The hotel aims to provide a comfortable stay while reflecting an authentic Greenlandic experience. All rooms have private bathrooms. We offer three room options at Hotel Hvide Falk: Standard Rooms, Bay View Rooms with stunning views of the bay and Bay View Apartments.Â
Hotel IcefiordÂ
At one of the best locations in Ilulissat you will find Hotel Icefiord. During your stay at Hotel Icefiord, you can experience the Diskobay and all it offers at first hand. Enjoy the fresh air, the sea and the extraordinary view of the ever-changing constellations of icebergs.
6 DAY PACKAGE
01 June 2023
All participants will meet at Copenhagen Airport Terminal 2.
The flight to Greenland departs in the morning and Air Greenland does not cooperate with other airlines, meaning you must claim your luggage at Copenhagen Airport, clear customs, and check in again for the flight to Greenland. As check-in closes one hour before departure, we therefore strongly recommend that you do not book a same-day connection, but instead arrive in Copenhagen one or more days in advance.Â
A 4.5 hour flight will bring us to Kangerlussuaq, where we arrive in the morning at 11:25 local time (GMT –3 hours). We will receive a meal aboard the flight. Here, we will transfer to a domestic flight to Ilulissat. Due to the smaller size of domestic carriers and limited seat availability, the group will be divided into two flights.Â
All flights will have landed by late afternoon, and in Ilulissat we will check into our hotels. After we have settled in, you are invited to join us for a tour of Ilulissat. We will walk around town with a local guide who will explain the history and highlight places of cultural significance. The tour will begin at the historical Hotel Hvide Falk, and wind its way past the Zion Church, the local fish market, and the colorful houses on our way toward the harbor. Along the way, enjoy interesting stories on a variety of topics, such as the origin of Ilulissat, how the city has developed over the years, and the importance of its fishing culture. The walking tour is an excellent opportunity to get your first glimpse of the fascinating culture in Ilulissat, and your guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have.Â
In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a Greenlandic buffet.
If you still have some energy left at the end of the day, you can join an evening kayak excursion among hundreds of icebergs.Â
Meals: Plane meal and dinner
02 June 2023
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you can shake off the travel stiffness with a light hike through one of the region's most acclaimed areas. We will hike to the Sermermiut Valley, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptionally beautiful nature and unique importance to glaciological science.Â
The hike is a must-do activity in the region and will take us approx. 2 kilometers south of Ilulissat, beginning at the Icefjord Visitor Center. From there, we enter the UNESCO-area on a wooden path toward the famous ruins of Sermermiut. Sermermiut is an ancient settlement that has been home to many different Inuit people for more than 4000 years. The stone ruins of old turf houses are scattered on various hilltops that we will be able to see as we walk. We continue through the old settlement to Nakkaavik, a cliff whose name means 'the place to fall.' You can ask your guide about the origin of this haunted name. From here, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the Kangia, the famous Ilulissat Icefjord with its many massive icebergs. While you explore the enchanting surroundings, your guide will prepare hot coffee and tea to keep you warm in the arctic wind. We will follow the same wooden path back to town.Â
In the afternoon and the evening, you have the chance to experience the Icefjord by boat. We will embark on a boat trip with experienced guides who will give us information as we wind our way through the icy giants. No matter the weather, the icebergs make an impressive sight - they shimmer and shine with the sun, while clouds highlight the extraordinary blue colors hidden in the ice. The experience is much more exciting in small boats, so we will be using two 12-participant boats. This means there will be four departure times for this trip: two before dinner and two after dinner.Â
In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a pasta dinner and get the race briefing. Please note that the race briefing will be your last chance to change distances. You can also ask race officials any questions you might have.Â
Tonight, you will also have the possibility to join an evening kayak excursion.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
03 June 2023
It's nearly time! You have the morning and afternoon to sleep, explore, and prepare yourself for the night to come. Â
For those who would like to get a taste of the local culture, a limited number of guests can join a "Kaffemik" excursion at the home of a local Greenlandic couple.
The marathon begins at 21:00, and the half-marathon will begin at 22:30 - all races will be done by 4:00 at the latest.
Meals: BreakfastÂ
04 June 2023
Today is a justified relaxation and recovery day. Most of us will likely sleep the morning away.  You may also use the day to explore on your own, or join one of the optional excursions. On this day we will run a sail excursion to the Oqaatsut, a tiny, authentic settlement 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat. Otherwise, we also offer a day trip by boat to the immense Eqi Glacier.Â
In the evening, all participants will gather for the celebration dinner. Together, we will revel in the prior night's victory, share stories, and enjoy a good meal together.Â
Meals: Breakfast and dinnerÂ
05 June 2023
We have one final day to enjoy the charm of Ilulissat and its surroundings. Again, you may choose to explore on your own, or if you haven't been kayaking yet, we highly recommend it!Â
Today there is also our final optional sail-excursion to the Oqaatsut settlement or the Eqi Glacier , in case you haven't been able to join the previous day.Â
Meals: Breakfast
06 June 2023
Sadly, it is time to say farewell to Ilulissat. We will fly first to Kangerlussuaq in the morning. Once in Kangerlussuaq, we will board a flight back to Copenhagen that will arrive around 21:30. There will be a meal served aboard the flight.Â
Guests are responsible for their own flights home from Copenhagen. Keep in mind that you will need time to collect your bags and check in for your new flights, and thus we don't recommend booking flights within three hours of arrival. Given the late time of our arrival, we strongly recommend booking a night in a hotel in Copenhagen and flying out the next day.Â
Meals: Breakfast and plane mealÂ
5 DAY PACKAGE (SOLD OUT)Â
01 June 2023
All participants will meet at Copenhagen Airport Terminal 2.
The flight to Greenland departs in the morning and Air Greenland does not cooperate with other airlines, meaning you must claim your luggage at Copenhagen Airport, clear customs, and check in again for the flight to Greenland. As check-in closes one hour before departure, we therefore strongly recommend that you do not book a same-day connection, but instead arrive in Copenhagen one or more days in advance.Â
A 4.5 hour flight will bring us to Kangerlussuaq, where we arrive in the morning at 11:25 local time (GMT –3 hours). We will receive a meal aboard the flight. Here, we will transfer to a domestic flight to Ilulissat. Due to the smaller size of domestic carriers and limited seat availability, the group will be divided into two flights.Â
All flights will have landed by late afternoon, and in Ilulissat we will check into our hotels. After we have settled in, you are invited to join us for a tour of Ilulissat. We will walk around town with a local guide who will explain the history and highlight places of cultural significance. The tour will begin at the historical Hotel Hvide Falk, and wind its way past the Zion Church, the local fish market, and the colorful houses on our way toward the harbor. Along the way, enjoy interesting stories on a variety of topics, such as the origin of Ilulissat, how the city has developed over the years, and the importance of its fishing culture. The walking tour is an excellent opportunity to get your first glimpse of the fascinating culture in Ilulissat, and your guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have.Â
In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a Greenlandic buffet.
If you still have some energy left at the end of the day, you can join an evening kayak excursion among hundreds of icebergs.Â
Meals: Plane meal and dinner
02 June 2023
This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you can shake off the travel stiffness with a light hike through one of the region's most acclaimed areas. We will hike to the Sermermiut Valley, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptionally beautiful nature and unique importance to glaciological science.Â
The hike is a must-do activity in the region and will take us approx. 2 kilometers south of Ilulissat, beginning at the Icefjord Visitor Center. From there, we enter the UNESCO-area on a wooden path toward the famous ruins of Sermermiut. Sermermiut is an ancient settlement that has been home to many different Inuit people for more than 4000 years. The stone ruins of old turf houses are scattered on various hilltops that we will be able to see as we walk. We continue through the old settlement to Nakkaavik, a cliff whose name means 'the place to fall.' You can ask your guide about the origin of this haunted name. From here, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the Kangia, the famous Ilulissat Icefjord with its many massive icebergs. While you explore the enchanting surroundings, your guide will prepare hot coffee and tea to keep you warm in the arctic wind. We will follow the same wooden path back to town.Â
In the afternoon and the evening, you have the chance to experience the Icefjord by boat. We will embark on a boat trip with experienced guides who will give us information as we wind our way through the icy giants. No matter the weather, the icebergs make an impressive sight - they shimmer and shine with the sun, while clouds highlight the extraordinary blue colors hidden in the ice. The experience is much more exciting in small boats, so we will be using two 12-participant boats. This means there will be four departure times for this trip: two before dinner and two after dinner.Â
In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a pasta dinner and get the race briefing. Please note that the race briefing will be your last chance to change distances. You can also ask race officials any questions you might have.Â
Tonight, you will also have the possibility to join an evening kayak excursion.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
03 June 2023
It's nearly time! You have the morning and afternoon to sleep, explore, and prepare yourself for the night to come. Â
For those who would like to get a taste of the local culture, a limited number of guests can join a "Kaffemik" excursion at the home of a local Greenlandic couple.
The marathon begins at 21:00, and the half-marathon will begin at 22:30 - all races will be done by 4:00 at the latest.
Meals: Breakfast
04 June 2023
Today is a justified relaxation and recovery day. Most of us will likely sleep the morning away.  You may also use the day to explore on your own, or join one of the optional excursions. On this day we will run a sail excursion to the Oqaatsut, a tiny, authentic settlement 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat. Otherwise, we also offer a day trip by boat to the immense Eqi Glacier.Â
In the evening, all participants will gather for the celebration dinner. Together, we will revel in the prior night's victory, share stories, and enjoy a good meal together.Â
Meals: Breakfast and dinnerÂ
05 June 2023
Sadly, it is time to say farewell to Ilulissat. We will fly first to Kangerlussuaq in the morning. Once in Kangerlussuaq, we will board a flight back to Copenhagen that will arrive around 21:30. There will be a meal served aboard the flight.Â
Guests are responsible for their own flights home from Copenhagen. Keep in mind that you will need time to collect your bags and check in for your new flights, and thus we don't recommend booking flights within three hours of arrival. Given the late time of our arrival, we strongly recommend booking a night in a hotel in Copenhagen and flying out the next day.Â
Meals: Breakfast and plane mealÂ
Optional Excursions
Running Copenhagen - 31/05
We've arranged a specially-crafted running tour for Icefjord Midnight Marathon participants that you can book if you would like some sightseeing in Copenhagen and to stretch your legs before heading off to Greenland. The relatively short distances, the fantastic sights, and the vibe of the city makes it perfect for sightseeing while running. The tour departs at 15:30 from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). From the statue of world famous storyteller H.C. Andersen, we will head towards the main sights in Copenhagen including the Parliament, the Queen’s castle and the Little Mermaid.
The route has been planned with the beautiful scenery of Copenhagen in mind and we will be running along the canals and the harbour as well as through some of Copenhagen’s many parks. We keep our tours very informal and run only in smaller groups, so there is plenty of time to ask questions about the sights, places, or people that we pass, or any other questions that you may have during the tour. The pace will be adjusted according to overall level of the participants, but you should expect between 5-6 minutes per kilometer.
About the Tour
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (starting at 15:30)
Distance: Approximately 8km (starting at the H.C. Andersen statue at City Hall Square)
Inclusions:Â
Local running guideÂ
Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement - 04,05 /06
We start the tour by boat from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut; a 30-minute boat tour where we sail among the gigantic icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord on their path north of Ilulissat. After we arrive in Oqaatsut our guide will take you on a tour of the settlement where you, among other things, will see the school, church, and fish factory of Oqaatsut. Our guide will tell you all about living in a small settlement-community and the history of Oqaatsut.
The settlement tour ends at Restaurant H8 Explorer where we will be serving lunch made from local ingredients. After lunch you will have time on your own to hike in the area or simply enjoy a peaceful hour or two with a cup of coffee and unforgettable views before the boat sails us back to Ilulissat.
Afterwards we will board our boat which will take us speedily back to Ilulissat. On the route back there is plenty of scenery to enjoy. The 70 million year old volcanic Disko Island to the west and the green mainland to the east. We will pass Ilulissat Airport and the popular bay Bredebugt, which is surrounded by small cabins owned by locals.
Note: the option to do this excursion on May 30Â is only available for the 6 day package.
About the Tour:Â
Duration:Â 5 hours
Time:Â 11:00
Inclusions:Â
-Â Boat trip to and from OqaatsutÂ
- Restaurant lunchÂ
- Local guide
Kayak among Icebergs - 01,02,03,04,05 /06
Ilulissat is known as the capital of icebergs, and you will see why as we paddle our way through the gigantic ice fjord just south of the city. You can smoothly slice your way through the water while keeping your eyes open for whales - 15 species regularly inhabit Greenlandic waters in the summertime!
There will be morning guided kayak groups on several days. In the evenings, you can experience the serenity of the landscape as we calmly paddle our way among the “floating mountains under the extraordinary midnight sun.
Whether it is sunny or cloudy, the icebergs offer beautiful reflections – the sun will emphasize their sparkle, while clouds evoke the deep blue color of the ice. Your guides will provide information on the ice sheet and its glaciers, as well as the story of the original kayak that was made from sealskin and wood and will answer any other questions you may have.Â
Thanks to our certified kayak guides, modern equipment, and safety protocols, it is possible for you to paddle through this remarkable landscape. The tours are open to all levels, whether you are a master paddler or it’s your first time in a kayak. We take pride in providing a safe and comfortable experience for everybody, and want everyone to be able to experience the magic of floating among the largest collection of icebergs in Greenland.Â
Note: the option to do this excursion on June 05 is only available for the 6 day package.
About the Tour:Â
Duration:Â 3 hours total - 2 hours paddling timeÂ
Departures:Â The excursion will start at 20:00 on 01, 02 and 05 June. On 03 and 04 June the excursion will be a morning tour and start after breakfast. Please pick the day and time you prefer when booking, but please note that due to participant limitations and various excursion schedules, we cannot guarantee a specific day or time.Â
Inclusions:Â
- Certified guide Â
- Kayaking gear (double sea kayak, paddle, thermal suit, dry suit, life-jacket, boots, and gloves)
- Pictures from the tour which can be downloadedÂ
- A bottle of water and a chocolate barÂ
Eqi Glacier Express - 04,05 /06
Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which ends in the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. By boat, it is possible to get very close to the glacier and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off (called 'calving'). The sounds are enormous and the sight of icebergs crashing into the water is breathtaking.Â
We will sail on modern boats that will get us quickly to the glacier. The route heads north along the coast, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often seen. Further along we will pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains and boasts waterfalls and a rich bird life.Â
Upon reaching Eqi, we will anchor at a safe distance and idle for approximately an hour in front of the glacier. While we wait for the ice to calve, we will enjoy a packed lunch that we've brought with us from the hotel. After we've thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the glacier, we'll head back to Ilulissat.Â
About the Tour:Â
Duration:Â 6 hours
Time: 10:00
Inclusions:Â
- Packed lunch from Hotel Hvide FalkÂ
- Boat trip to and from Eqi GlacierÂ
Meet the Sled Dogs - 03/06
We'll begin our excursion at Arctic Living the place of Flemming, a local musher who will meet us outside next to his dogs. He will tell us about raising the pups, the expeditions he has been on, and mushing itself. We'll also be able to observe the dogs, but please remember that these are working animals and not pets - they are not meant for cuddling.Â
Please note that only 12 people can join each group in this excursion at one time so first come first served!Â
About the Tour:Â
Duration: 1,5Â hoursÂ
Time:Â 10:00
Inclusions:Â
- Sled dog lectureÂ
Ice Camp - 30/05 - 01/06
Day 1Â - 30 May: Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - Ice Camp
We will meet at Copenhagen airport where a 4.5 hour flight will bring us to Kangerlussuaq. We arrive in Kangerlussuaq in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, we will depart for the Ice Camp. With all-terrain vehicles, we will drive about an hour toward our destination: Point 660 on the edge of the ice cap. Here, we will have an important briefing on safety and the coming activities.
Following our experienced guide, we will then venture onto the Greenland Ice Sheet, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers. We will hike a few kilometers to our destination, where our first priority is setting up camp. After our accommodations are in order, it is time to relax with a warm beverage and enjoy the total silence that the ice sheet imposes.
Dinner will be wholesome, simple, and warm, consisting of freeze-dried food that is easy to carry on such an expedition. In an environment where no other food sources are availabe, this humble meal will feel like even more of a gift.Â
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 2Â - 31 May: Ice Camp - Kangerlussuaq
Following a night spent snuggled in our warm sleeping bags and an energy-packed breakfast, we will head out on our hike. We will proceed with care over seemingly eternal fields of ice, following our guide and always being careful of any potential ice fissures. Throughout the duration of this expedition, we will maintain a safe distance from danger and plot a route across secure terrain. Crampons and trekking poles will provide each guest with extra stability. Ropes will not be used.Â
Please note: As a participant on this trip, we expect you are willing to pull a sled with your own/group equipment from the ice edge to the camp. This effort is considered by the majority of participants to be a fairly easy and natural task to perform, but be aware it is expected.
Depending on weather conditions, we will either enjoy our packed lunch whilst hiking or back at base camp. As our adventure concludes, we will break camp, pack up our goods and leave only our footprints behind.
We will then drive back to Kangerlussuaq to check into the Polar Lodge, where we will stay for the evening. Dinner will be at Roklubben.Â
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3Â - 01 June: Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat
Today we will make our way from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, our final destination.Â
Meals: Breakfast.
Inclusions
Exclusions
What to Bring
Hotel Hvide Falk  (Sold Out)Â
| Â | Double / Twin | Single (supplement) |
| Standard Room SOLD OUT | £2400 | £360 |
| Bay View Room SOLD OUT | £2545 | £477 |
| Bay View Appartment SOLD OUT | £2545 | £636 |
Hotel Icefiord (Six Day Package)
| Â | Double / Twin | Single (sup) |
| Standard Room | £2818 | £636 |
Â
Extra nights in Copenhagen
| Â | Double / Twin | Single (sup) |
| Standard Room | £86 | £54 |
Marathon or Half-Marathon: £227
Race entry includes:Â
Â
| EXCURSION | PRICE |
|
 Running Copenhagen |
 £36 |
|  Sail to Oqaatsut Settlement |  £227 |
|  Kayak among Iceburgs |  £154 |
|
 Meet the Sled Dogs |
 £45 |
|  Eqi Glacier Express |  £281 |
|  Ice Camp | £509 |
Â
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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