Welcome

The Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation welcomes all AIMS members to the 25th World Congress of AIMS June 18–20, 2026.

The congress will take place in Tromsø, Norway, on the same weekend as the Midnight Sun Marathon. We will provide more information about the program soon, but here are some important things to note:

About Tromsø

Located at 69°N, 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø sits on a small island surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords. With a population of about 80,000, it may seem small by global standards, but it is one of the most populated cities within the Arctic region.

Being inside the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers some of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena. In winter, the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and in summer, the Midnight Sun creates a truly unique atmosphere.
From May 21 to July 22, the sun never sets – offering 24-hour daylight.

Learn more about Tromsø and Northern Norway:

• Visit Tromsø
• Visit Northern Norway

The Midnight Sun Marathon

Since its inception in 1990, the Midnight Sun Marathon has become one of the world’s most spectacular running events. The marathon starts at 8:30 PM, and most participants cross the finish line after midnight — wearing sunglasses.

The event offers four distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K.
In 2025, more than 10,000 runners registered for the event.

Q&A

How do I get there?

Tromsø may feel remote, but getting here is straightforward with a bit of planning. The city has an international airport with direct flights to major cities in Northern Europe. We recommend flying via Copenhagen or Oslo. If you need assistance with travel planning, please feel free to contact us.

How long is the transfer from the airport to the hotel?

The transfer from Tromsø Airport to the hotel takes about 15 minutes by bus or taxi. The organiser will arrange airport transfers for all congress participants.

Where do I stay?

The congress will be held at Scandic Ishavshotel, and most participants will be accommodated there. You can also choose to stay at the brand new hotel The dock 69°39 by Scandic. Please fill out the form below to book the hotel of your choice.

Prices:

• Scandic Ishavshotel: $180/ $200 (single/ double)
• The Dock 69°39: $290/ $320

Visa

Norway is part of the Schengen Area, and most nationalities follow the same visa rules for Norway as for other Schengen countries.

Find visa information at the UDI website.
If you are planning to attend, please contact the Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation to receive a personal invitation letter for your visa application.

The congress will be held at Scandic Ishavshotel, and most participants will be accommodated there. More information regarding accomodation and pricing will follow soon.

What’s the weather like?

Daytime temperatures typically range between 14–20°C (57–68°F). While the sun remains above the horizon all night, temperatures can drop in the late hours. We will provide all participants with detailed guidance on how to dress for an Arctic summer.

Program

Wednesday, 17 June 

13:00 – 21:00 / Information and registration for delegates 

19:00 – 23:00 / Social program  

Thursday, 18 June 2026 

09:00 – 12:00 / Morning session

Welcome words by AIMS President, Host City Representative, and Local Organizing Committee 

Presentation #1: Midnight Sun Marathon – Inspiring the World from the Arctic 

The host race shares how unique natural conditions (midnight sun, northern lights, polar climate) can attract global runners and transform a city into a sports tourism destination.

Presentation #2: The Future of Running Tourism  Building Cities through Sport 

Exploring how marathons are catalysts for tourism, cultural exchange, and city branding in both large capitals and smaller destinations like Tromsø.

Presentation #3: Tech at the Edge – Data, AI and the New Era of Race Organization 

How innovations in data, wearable technology, and AI are changing runner experience, logistics, and global engagement.

Special Address: World Athletics 

An update from World Athletics on global running development, partnerships, and alignment with AIMS.

13:00 – 16:30 / Afternoon session 

Presentation #4: Sustainability Beyond Borders – Greener Races, Healthier Planet 

Examining climate responsibility in the running industry, with Arctic-specific insights on how fragile ecosystems can guide sustainable practices.

Annual AIMS Reports:

• Reflecting on Achievements and Looking Ahead 
• Nomination Presentations for Board Election 
• Proposals for Hosting the 26th World Congress of AIMS 
• Proposed Amendments to the Articles of Association 

19:30 / Welcome Dinner 

22:00 / Midnight Sun Experience  

Friday, 19 June 2026 

09:00 – 12:00 / Morning session

Presentation #5: The Business of Endurance –Attracting and Retaining Sponsorship in a Competitive World 

This session explores how marathons can position themselves as powerful marketing platforms for brands. From digital storytelling to sustainability partnerships, discover what sponsors are truly looking for in 2026 and how events can deliver long-term value.

Presentation #6: AIMS Sponsors Presentations

Panel Discussions (choose 2): 

• The Changing Landscape of Sponsorship – What Brands Expect in 2026 and Beyond
• Running in the Digital Age – Social Media, Communities, and the Next Generation of Runners
• The Next Generation of Runners – Inspiring Youth Participation Worldwide
• Climate and Culture – Balancing Global Growth with Local Identity

13:00 – 16:30 / Afternoon session 

Interactive Session

An open-floor exchange where delegates co-create visions for AIMS’ role in uniting global running communities under shared values of inclusion, sustainability, and growth.

Presentation #7: The 5 Golden Principles of a Race Start – Crowd Flow & Crowd Management

Speaker: Marcel Altenburg, Start Right (UK) An engaging session on how crowd flow impacts both safety and runner experience. Marcel shares five universal principles that apply to races of any size, offering practical, science-based takeaways for organizers worldwide.

Photo of congress delegates 

19:00 / Dinner 

Saturday, 20 June 2026 

08:00 – 11:30 / Morning session 

• Host City Voting 
• Board Election Voting 
• Closing Ceremony – Final remarks and official closing of the Congress 
• Post Congress AIMS Board Meeting 

Midnight Sun Marathon 

Sunday, 21 June 2026 

13:00 / Award Ceremony Midnight Sun Marathon 

Departure of delegates