AIMS 2026

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.

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.

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.

Where do I stay?

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

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.

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.