Russel Glacier, Greenland · Monday 26 October 2026
Polar Circle Marathon, held annually in October in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, is one of the most unique and challenging marathons globally. The race takes place on the Arctic Circle, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, tundras, and arctic landscapes. Runners experience extreme conditions, including cold temperatures ranging from -10 to -15 degrees Celsius and slippery ice surfaces.\n\nThe course includes a loop on the ice sheet and a section on a snow-covered gravel road connecting the ice t
Adjusted Time
4:07:47
Time difference: +7.8 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Polar Circle Marathon is a full marathon held in Russel Glacier, Greenland, scheduled for Monday 26 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 244m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 571m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Polar Circle Marathon website.
With 244m of elevation gain, this is a moderately undulating course. The route ranges from 73m to 571m above sea level (498m total range). While not completely flat, the elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't significantly impact pacing strategy.
Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Cold conditions are expected, with temperatures between -4°C and -1°C. While cold weather reduces overheating risk, runners should dress in layers and be prepared for potential wind chill. There is a low chance of rain (18%), so dry conditions are likely.
Polar Circle Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Polar Circle Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Polar Circle Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.