Online registration for this was straightforward with plenty of information available. My friend and I were looking for an overseas half marathon in August where it wouldn’t be blazing hot. Iceland fitted the bill in that respect. The weather on race day was sunny but cool (15 deg C).

WARNING! As others may have mentioned Iceland is expensive. Accommodation, food, drink, goods. As almost everything is imported, the cost is 2-3 times the cost in the UK. Do not get a taxi from the Airport to Reykjavik. We could have bought a car for the price we paid. Book a bus transfer, it is the best value method. Hotels in the centre of Reykjavik are expensive, we found cheaper (but not cheap) within walking distance. AirBnB is an option.

The various runs were held on a Saturday and registration was the day before. Quite well organised, a short queue for bibs and t-shirts. Quite a few stands and exhibitors but everything was much more expensive than the UK.

There were no waves and it was a mass start for the marathon and half marathon. The course was all road and the first stretch took you out of the city centre and through the housing estates. Support was quite good in places, locals on their doorsteps cheering or banging pots and pans. There were quite a few local bands and singers on the route.

The drinks stops had water and energy drinks both in cups. In some areas, the locals put on what looked like tables of buffet food. I wasn’t sure if was open to everyone or for locals and clubs so I went past those. I didn’t need anything and they were close to the start of the half marathon.

Once out of the houses it was onto the coastal road which was a great view. As we headed inland there was a gentle but long hill to a roundabout where runners doubled back up and down the hill. Then it was through the docks and back into the city centre. Not much support out of town but very good on the last couple of miles.

Just a medal and drink at the end. Fortunately, we found a shop for a coffee and a pretzel that accepted contactless payments. After the shock of another large bill we watched the runners cross the finish.

Mixed feelings on this race. Efficient admin and good course – my first sub 1.30 half marathon. Quite a sterile marathon and also the entry fee was reasonable the facilitating costs were astronomical.

The race was held on the same weekend as the Icelandic national day so there was a lot of partying afterwards. The locals are very friendly and welcoming and have a great sense of humour.