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The Peaks Run – Sponsored by Nettó

August 26th 2023

The Peaks Run, or Tindahlaup, is one of the most exciting trail races in Iceland. It is located in Mosfellsbaer, a town minutes away from Reykjavik. Trail races are gaining popularity over the world and the same applies to Iceland where participation in trail races increases every year.

The Peaks Run is a mountain race with a choice of running 1, 3, 5 or 7 peaks. Running all seven is one of the hardest trail races in Iceland and the shorter distances are suitable for almost every runner.

Mosfellsbaer is a lovely town that perfectly combines the advantages of urban and rural areas, the convenience of the city but surrounded by mountains and untouched nature. In recent years trails have been marked through the valleys, hills and mountains near the town.

The race is a co-operation between the town of Mosfellsbaer, Kyndill Search and Rescue team and UMFA volleyball team.

The Peak Race was on August 26th 2023. The race started at 09:00 at Varmá Sport Center in Mosfellsbaer.

The 7 Peaks

1 peak (12,4km & 420m elevation)

  • Úlfarsfell

3 peaks (19km & 812m elevation)

  • Úlfarsfell
  • Reykjaborg
  • Reykjafell

5 peaks (34,4km & 1410m elevation)

  • Úlfarsfell
  • Reykjaborg
  • Reykjafell
  • Æsustaðafjall
  • Grímmannsfell

7 peaks (38,2km & 1822 elevation)

  • Úlfarsfell
  • Reykjaborg
  • Reykjafell
  • Æsustaðafjall
  • Grímmannsfell
  • Mosfell
  • Helgafell

Helgafell is 216m high, Mosfell 276m and Úlfarsfell 296m, although the total elevation gain is much less, around 120-180m.

Grímmannsfell is the highest of the 7 peaks at 484m.

ITRA Certified Courses

The 3, 5 and 7 peak trails are ITRA certified:

  • 3 peaks = 1 ITRA points.
  • 5 peaks = 1 ITRA points.
  • 7 peaks = 2 ITRA points.

The Course

The trails in the race vary. The course uses some of the most popular hiking trails in the country, e.g. Úlfarsfell. However, there are parts in between where the trail goes across fields or down hills on no particular path.  Excellent course markings always show the way. The first and last part of race in Mosfellsbær town are run on asphalt.

Here are the 2023 results to give you an idea of how long it will take to run the various distances.

After the Race

The race ends at the Sports Center at Varmá. There is a swimming pool located at the Sport Center and we recommend a soak in the pool after the race!

Another treat in Mosfellsbaer is the bakery Mosfellsbakarí, a favorite for those hiking the mountains around the town.

Mosfellsbaer is also famous for being the hometown of writer Halldor Laxness who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955. His home, named Gljúfrasteinn, is now a museum that is open to the public.

Distances and Fees

  • 7 Peaks (38,2 km and 1822 m elevation) – Fee 7.000 ISK. 
  • 5 Peaks (34,4 km and 1410 m elevation) – Fee 6.500 ISK. 
  • 3 Peaks (19 km and 812 m elevation) – Fee 6.000 ISK. 
  • 1 Peak (12,4 km and 420 m elevation) – Fee 5.000 ISK.

Start Groups

  • 5 and 7 Peaks at 09:00
  • 1 and 3 Peaks at 11:00

Registration

Registration was online at hlaup.is until midnight on Wednesday, August 23rd 2023.

Friday August 25th 2023: You can register for the run and/or pick up your bib number at Varmá Sport Center in Mosfellsbaer, from 17:00 to 20:00. 

Please note that it is not possible to register for the run or pick up your bib number on race day!

Other Information

  • All runners must be on site at least 30 minutes before their start group is scheduled
  • Participants must finish the race before 16:00
  • Drinking stations are available to all participants
  • Once the race is finished all participants are invited to soak in Varmárlaug swimming pool

Contact us

Any questions? Email us at birgirkonn@gmail.com

Quotes

Thank you for a really great run. Friendliest race I have ever attended!

Naomi Simmons

Thank you for a great run. Can’t wait for the next one.

Pelle Damby Carøe