The route is tough so the participants shouldn’t run the Leif Eriksson Marathon if they want to achieve a top time.
The organisers estimate that it takes about an hour and a half longer to run than an ordinary marathon on flat roads.
And the participants will probably not find another marathon in the world that offers more beautiful views with blossoming meadows, grazing sheep, sparkling blue sea and slices of ice along the way.
In 2017, the starting signal will sound on Saturday, 19 August when the runners can choose between the 10 km, half-marathon or marathon distances. Walking the half-marathon route is a recently added option.
If the runners are fortunate, the sun will be high in the sky so they can enjoy the South Greenlandic summer and focus on conquering the many hills that need to be traversed on the route.
Even though the marathon stretch goes down desolate tractor tracks, the runners can feel very safe. There is thorough information before departure, good direction signs and catering along the route.
- You sign up by sending name and start fee to account number 6471-1628760 – it is also possible to pay in cash the day before the marathon.
- The price for participating depends on which route the runner is running and if the runner wish to attend dinner on Saturday evening. See more information in Leif Eriksson Marathon’s open group on Facebook.
- The quickest way to Qassiarsuk is to fly to Narsarsuaq from where boats regularly cross the fjord to Qassiarsuk
- Air Greenland is the proud principal sponsor of the Leif Eriksson Marathon 2017.
For the six years the Leif Eriksson Marathon has been held, there have never been more than 55 registered runners. In other words, a tight crowd that takes off when the signal sounds.
If the runner participates in the Leif Eriksson Marathon, there is the option to stay overnight in a tent next to the school which has toilets and running water available for use. In the settlement’s service building, there are also toilets, showers and washing machines.
