The Leif Eriksson Marathon is held every August. It begins and ends in the settlement, Qassiarsuk, down a T-shaped route where you go past Nunataaq, Inneruulalik and almost all the way out to Sillisit.
The route is tough so you shouldn’t run this marathon if you 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 you 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.
You can choose between the 10 km, half-marathon or marathon distances.
If you are fortunate, the sun will be high in the sky so you 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, you feel very safe. There is thorough information before departure, good direction signs and catering along the route.
And you will not find better support from the volunteers and other participants anywhere else.
Leif den Lykkeliges Marathon is named after the son of the fabled Viking, Erik the Red.
Now the entire area is deemed UNESCO world heritage.
Check out the latest info about the event, here.