Info PolarNight Marathon

Before the race

Registration fee

The prices for participating in our events vary depending on when you register and what distance you will run. It pays to be early, this way you get a cheaper registration fee for our two largest events.

Start number distribution, Information and MSM shop

The MSM secretariat is at Rødbanken in the center of Tromsø. Opening hours will be announced closer to the event.

Age limits and class divisions

Class classification

Marathon, men/women:

Mizuno Half Marathon, men/women:

Coop Mila (10km), men/women:

NOTE: Your age group is calculated based on your year of birth, not date. This means that if you turn 18 in the year you are running the marathon, you are old enough to participate.

Registered but unable to attend?

Your order is binding and non-refundable after purchase. Read our terms and conditions here

It is only possible to transfer to next year's race in the event of illness or injury confirmed by a medical certificate. An administration fee of NOK 150,- must be paid, and the medical certificate must be sent to us no later than one week after the race.

You can also resell your start number during the period 01.10.2025-14.12.2025 on your page in the registration system. The person who takes over your Registration must pay any difference between your registration fee and the current price.
NOTE: resale is only possible within the same distance.

Change distance?

If you want to change the distance BEFORE we have assigned you a start number, you can do it yourself on your page in the registration system between 01.10.2025-14.12.2025. It is usually no problem to change to a shorter distance as long as we have available start numbers. It is usually possible to change to a longer distance by paying the difference between the registration fees, as long as we have available start numbers.

If you want to change the distance AFTER we have assigned you a start number, you must first pick up your assigned start number, then refer you to the help desk in the start number distribution. Here you can change the distance if there are available start numbers.

On race day

Luggage storage and shower

Restrooms and luggage storage are open from 14:00 to 18:30 at Kulturhuset. Luggage must be marked with the number tag on the start number before handing it in. The bib number is used as a receipt when handing in your luggage. It is not permitted to hand in large packages or luggage for storage.

Please note that there are long queues at the luggage storage before the start, so we encourage runners to drop off their luggage/clothes well in advance. Please note that luggage is delivered at your own risk , and we will not replace any luggage/valuables that are lost during the race. Clothing and items left in the starting area will not be taken care of.

There are opportunities to shower at Gyllenborg Hallen after the race. The shower facilities are open until 18:30.

Time limits

The maximum time for the PolarNight Half Marathon distance is 3 hours.

The maximum time for the Ishavskraft Marathon distance is 5 hours. You are also obliged to abandon the race if you do not reach approximately halfway (20 km) after 2 hours 25 minutes.

The course is marked with kilometer markers every five km along the course. The last five kilometers to the finish are marked every kilometer (countdown). Otherwise, the course is marked with torches, weather permitting. There are course guards at all intersections. All guards are equipped with MSM reflective vests.

Drinking stations

Polar Night Half Marathon: At 5 km, about 10 km, about 16 km and after the finish. Mørketidsmila: At 5km and after the finish. Mørketidstrimmen (5km): After the finish.

Ishavskraft Marathon : At approx. 10 km, 20 km, 32 km and 37 km.

Water and Maxim sports drinks are served at all drinking stations. In addition, warm cordial is served at the finish line.

Toilets

Toilets are only available before the start and after the finish near the start area. There are no toilets on the course.

Required Equipment

Equipment is only required for Ishavskraft Marathon. Runners must bring the following

• Headlamp with fully charged battery
• Reflective vest (this will be handed out together with the start number)

Recommended clothing and shoes

The weather in January can vary a lot here north of the Arctic Circle. Everything from several degrees above zero to double-digit degrees below zero. Check yr.no or pent.no during the week to see what the weather will be like.

Recommended clothing

The temperature can vary a lot in January, and we recommend that you check Yr.no or Pent.no for an updated weather forecast as the race approaches. In general, the temperature is between 5 degrees plus and 15 degrees minus, and often around zero degrees. These are our recommendations for clothing and shoes based on the temperatures and conditions. Please note that this advice is based on local runners who are used to the weather, and if you're coming straight from a warm climate, you may need to dress warmer. These recommendations apply if you are running at medium to high intensity. Please note that lower intensity running will require more clothing.

0 - 5 degrees: Tights, wool socks, long sleeve technical shirt, windbreaker, buff, gloves, headband/hat 0 - -10 degrees: Tights, wool socks, wool underwear, long sleeve wool shirt, vest or singlet, windbreaker, buff, mittens, headband/hat -10 degrees and colder: Tights (some prefer a technical or wool layer underneath), wool socks, wool underwear, long sleeve wool shirt, vest or singlet, thin technical fleece jacket (if it is very cold or windy), windbreaker, buff, gloves, mittens, headband

Recommended shoes

Every year, there's a heated discussion when the runners collect their start numbers - should they run with spiked or non-spiked shoes? Feel free to follow us on social media for an update on conditions on the course the week of the race and on race day.

Ice: The most challenging conditions. We put sand on the ground, but if it's warm and icy, we recommend running with shoes with spikes or with stingers or chains.

Dry snow: Great conditions. Off-road shoes work very well in these conditions, otherwise road shoes with a more grippy sole work well.

Dry asphalt: It happened in 2019! A good choice is to bring off-road shoes, such as the Mizuno Wave Mujin 10 with a rough sole.

After the race

Awards and medals

All participants who complete the race receive a medal at the finish line.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 men and women for Mørketidsmila , PolarNight Half Marathon and Ishavskraft Marathon .

Prizes will be awarded to the class winners, men/women, for Ishavskraft Marathon , PolarNight Halfmarathon and Mørketidsmila distances. The classes are: 16-17 years/ 18-34 years/ 35-39 years/ 40-44 years/ 45-49 years/ 50-54 years/ 55-59 years/ 60-64 years/ 65-69 years/ 70-74 years/ 75 years and over.

Mørketidstrimmen 5km: Timing, but no ranking.

The award ceremony will be held on race day at Scandic Ishavshotell(see on map) at 19:30.

Photos

Photographers

We have photographers who take pictures for us during the race, both on the course and at the finish line. Since our photographers move around during the race, we have no guarantee that we will get pictures of all the runners. The photos will be published on Facebook a few days after the race, as soon as we are up to date. 

Follow us on Facebook to get our latest updates!

Marathon photos

If Marathon Photos is present, we will take pictures of all participants at the finish line and send out offers of photo packages to all participants after the event.