Join the Adventure in Iceland!
Overview
What to expect on the trip?
Vacation Races: Global Adventures- the name says it all! We will be taking you on a week-long adventure that includes trail running, hiking, soaking in hot springs, visiting glaciers, seeing waterfalls and geysirs- more adventure than most people experience in a year.
Every day we will take you on a trail run through the varied terrain of Iceland. All runs will be around 5-10K in length and have some elevation gain. We use the term “trail run” loosely here, as lots of the time you will be hiking because it’s uphill, or because you just want to slow down and take in the scenery. After our runs each day, we will eat lunch together, followed by either free time in the afternoon or another adventure. We’ll end the day with dinner and more relaxing.
This trip will be limited to 100 adventurers
Trip Dates
We are offering two separate weeks for this adventure. The trip will be the same both weeks, just register for whichever week fits your schedule best. The two trip dates are:
June 13-20th, 2020 or June 20-27th, 2020
What's included?
This is an all-inclusive adventure! That means that ALL the details of planning your trip are taken care of for you by the Vacation Races Staff. Included in the trip are most meals, hotels, transportation within Iceland, park fees, and other adventures included in the itinerary below.
SWAG! Vacation Races always treats you right, but Global Adventures takes it up a notch. Apart from the awesome medal you'll get at the end of the week, you'll also get some great high quality gear and souvenirs that you'll cherish for years to come.
What's not included?
The main thing not included here is your airfare to and from Reykjavik, Iceland. All of your meals will be covered except for two dinners and one lunch, where you’ll get to explore the culinary options of Iceland on your own. Apart from that, the only thing you would be expected to cover is any souvenirs or additional food or drink.
Itinerary
Day 1, Saturday: Arrive in Reykjavik
You’ll arrive in Reykjavik by Saturday afternoon and either take a taxi or airport shuttle to our hotel in Reykjavik for the first night. We’ll check you in and get everyone oriented for what to expect throughout the week, as well as its your first chance to meet your fellow adventurers! Dinner is included the first night.
Day 2, Sunday: Burfell Volcano Run & Discover Reykjavik
Trail run: 8.8k; Elevation gain: 400 feet; point to point run
We’ll wake up, enjoy breakfast and then head straight to our first run of the week, which will give you a taste of what Iceland offers. Our run today takes you through a massive lava flow from the Burfell Volcano, culminating with a run around the rim of this (now dormant!) volcano. After our run and lunch, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city of Reykjavik. Go visit the Hallgrimskirkja cathedral, take a stroll through the shops along Laugavegur, and enjoy the friendly vibe of this European capital.
Day 3, Monday: Reykjadalur Valley Hot River Run & Explore the Golden Circle
Trail run: 4k; Elevation gain: 800 feet; point to point run
Our second full day in the country will be exploding with excitement- literally! After breakfast, we will head to our run, which is a relatively short run up to the hot river in the Reykjadalur Valley. You’ve seen hot springs before, but have you ever soaked in an entire hot river? After our soak, we’ll head back to the bus to continue our tour of the Golden Circle. The three main sights in the golden circle are Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir (the original geyser), and Þingvellir National Park, where you walk down the canyon where the North American and Eurasian continents meet!
Day 4, Tuesday: 4x4 drive to the Þórsmörk Volcano Huts and Fimmvörðuháls Run
Trail run: 12.8k; Elevation gain: 2,000 feet; Point to point run/hike
We’ll wake up and board our 4x4 buses to head into the Icelandic hinterlands today! I promise you this will be the most exciting bus ride of your life as we traverse off road and forge several rivers on our way to the Þórsmörk Volcano Huts. Once we arrive, we’ll be off to our run/hike for the day which is perhaps the most spectacular of the week. Yes, this is a longer day, but we don’t expect anyone to go fast- just take your time and enjoy the views of the mountains, glaciers, and braided rivers all around! After our long hike, we’ll spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge to ourselves- relaxing in the sauna, playing Icelandic lawn games, or even sneaking a nap 
.
Day 5, Wednesday: Þórsmörk Run and Visit Skogafoss Waterfall & Reynisfjara Beach
Trail run: 5k; Elevation gain: 400 feet; Loop run
After a breakfast in the lodge, we’ll do one last run in Þórsmörk where you will be able to see more views of this incredible valley. We’ll then board the 4x4 busses and head back through the rivers, across the dirt roads, and take you back to the south coast, where we’ll continue on to the beautiful little costal town of Vik. On our way into town we’ll stop and visit the thundering Skogafoss Waterfall, where you can get as close and as wet as you like! We will then take you to see one of the most unique beaches you have ever seen- Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. Here the sand is made up of ground up lava and the cliffs are perfect octagonal columns of basalt. There are black sea stacks out in oceand and perfect cave where you can look out at the ocean and take it all in.
Day 6, Thursday: Vik Sea Cliff Run & Sólheimajökull Glacier Tour
Trail run: 5k; Elevation gain: 900 ft; Out and back run
We’re getting closer to the end of the week and we’ve saved the best sea views for last. Today we’ll run from the town of Vik, up along the towering sea cliffs above the ocean, where were will finish our run and spend some time enjoying the views. You may want to spend all day there, but eventually we’ll need to get back down because we have more adventuring to do! After lunch we’ll take you the Sólheimajökull Glacier, where we have guides ready to strap on some crampons, give you an ice axe, and take you hiking on this amazing glacier. Our guides are super knowledgeable and safety conscious- teaching all about glaciers as you explore.
Day 7, Friday: Blue Lagoon Run & Soak in the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
Trail run: 8.7k; Elevation gain: 200 ft; Loop run
Our last day and final run of the trip! After leaving Vik in the morning, we’ll drive up to Keflavik for lunch, followed by afternoon spent at the Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. But before you go into the healing blue waters of the spa, we get to run around the lagoon. Our course takes you across chunky lava fields, through bright blue ponds, and of course, through more 100 year old Icelandic moss than you’ve ever seen (but don’t touch it!). After finishing our last run, we’ll take you into the spa, where you’ll have a few hours to just relax and enjoy the Blue Lagoon in all its glory. Give yourself a complimentary silica facial. Drink a few drinks at the swim-up bar. Whatever you do, just soak in this last incredible experience at the end of your week in Iceland. After the Blue Lagoon, we’ll finish off our week with dinner and closing ceremonies.
Day 8, Saturday: Depart from Reykjavik
All good things must come to an end. You’re free to move on to your next adventure anytime on Saturday, whether that’s a flight back home or carrying on into Europe for more travel.
Love everything about you
Love everything about you guys & need to run more with you in 2018! The locations, medals, support, merchandise - pretty unparalleled. When runners have so many choices, @VacationRaces stands apart.
Pricing & Registration Details
Pricing and Deposit
$3,450 includes everything mentioned in the itinerary. Deposit of $500 is due at registration, after which the remaining $2,950 balance will be billed to you 6 months prior to the trip departure.
Making Payments: You can make payments anytime by logging into your profile on RegFox > Under your registration information, your outstanding balance will be displayed. Click "Make Payment". You will be able to use your card on file, or charge an amount to a different card.
Based on Double Occupancy
This pricing is based on double occupancy of all hotel rooms. If you register with a partner, you will be able to stay with them. If you register as solo adventurer, we will pair you with someone else of the same gender in a hotel room. Please note- during one night of this trip we will be staying in the Þórsmörk Volcano Huts, which are not individual hotel rooms, but either group cabins or glamping tents.
Single Occupancy Pricing
If you prefer to have your hotel room to yourself, the cost will be $800 extra ($4,250 total) to cover the additional hotel expense. Also- even if you pay for single occupancy, you will not have your own room when we stay in the Volcano Huts in Þórsmörk!
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
The deposit of $500 is refundable up to 6 months prior to the event (December 13th, 2019 or December 20th, 2019). After these dates, the deposit is non-refundable unless we are able to transfer your registration to another participant.
The remaining balance of $2,950 is due 6 months prior to the event. Once the event is 6 months out, all remaining balance is due. If you choose to cancel within 6 months of the event, there are 2 options available to you.
Option 1: Transfer your registration to another participant if you are able to find someone willing to take your place.
Option 2: Receive a refund. If you choose to receive a refund within 6 months of the event there will be a hotel fee of $800 applied, which covers the cost of the hotel where we must guarantee rooms.
Stunningly well organized race experience. Everything about the day was just beautiful and well executed. So inspirational and fun, I would like to come work for you. Of course, it didn't hurt that I won my age group so my opinion might be slightly biased. ;)
Yellowstone Half Marathon Runner
Perhaps I missed it, but when can we register for this adventure?
Hi Scott – Sorry for the delayed response. I am checking to see when registration for the Iceland event opens and I’ll let you know.
Any updates on when registration will open?
Thanks!
Hi Scott – We had to push registration back by about a month. We are working on the details right now and will announce registration soon!
What’s the hotel in Reykjavik?
Hi Patricia – Our Global team is focused on the Banff trip and on location for the rest of July. We will get your questions about Iceland answered as soon as Banff is over!
I’m curious about the payment. It says “billed to you” in reference to the amount after the deposit. So does that mean we can pay it off in installments or would it be all at once?
Hi Kaci – 6 months prior to the trip registration needs to be paid in full. However, after the deposit you can make payments.
This sounds so interesting. In June I returned from a 4 day stopover in Iceland and we were active but not quite in this way.
I am a long time half marathoner but now stick to 10ks or less. I am 74
Which brings me to age discounts – while we were in Norway and Iceland this year, we were afforded “advanced age” discounts – sometimes up to 50% for being “so old” 73 and 80
Do you honor that policy?
Please name some of the hotels which you use in Reykjavik
Is there pickup and drop off at the Keflavik airport?
Please give some examples of the SWAG – didn’t really bring home souvenirs this time because we were busy and didn’t shop.
It mentions the tours are limited to 100! Is it possible there there would be 100 people in either one of these groups?
Is this you first year to do Iceland? and do you engage local “tour companies”
What is the AVERAGE size of a running group – example the huts – how many people do they accommodate?
THANKS
hoping to hear back from you
Pat Martin cmpm1967@hotmail.com
Hi Pat – Great questions! Our Global Adventures team is focused on our Banff trip and on location through the end of this month. We will get all of these questions answered as soon that event is over!
It says, “This trip will be limited to 100 adventurers.” Is that per week or for both weeks combined?
Hi Cindy – It is limited to 100 total participants, 50 per week.
I would love to register; when is the registration date (I know it was delayed)?
Hi Elaine – Registration should open in August – we are working on the details right now and will be announcing the date soon!
It was announced that registration for this trip was to start July 26th. Obviously it didn’t. When will registration begin ?
Hi Edgard – We had to push registration back by about a month. We are working out the details right now and will be announcing the date soon!
Is there a revised registration date?
Hi Sri – We had to push registration back about a month. We’re working out the details and will be announcing registration soon!
Any reasons why registration hasn’t opened yet?
Hi Chelsea – We had to push registration back about a month. The details are being worked out right now and we will announce them soon!
Is the registration open for the Iceland trip, I have looked everywhere to try to register but can not find it.
Hi Tanya – Registration for Iceland will open in August. We are working out the details now and will post them as soon as possible!
Any updates on registration?
Hi Tracy – Yes! Registration for the Iceland trip will open on August 23rd!
Is there a discount for couples?
Hi Lydia – There is not a discount for couples, unfortunately.
Can the girl rooms accommodate 3 guests?
As of now, the rooms are double occupancy. 1 room with 2 double beds. Email me cherie@vacationraces.com. So I can find out your specific needs and see if there is anything I can do to accommodate your request.
Please forgive my last message – big typo. My question is, can the hotel rooms accommodate 3 people?
The rooms are typically 2 person occupancy, with 2 double beds.
I’m very interested, but my partner does not run. While I read about the option to sign up with a non-running partner, does that mean they have to sit back at the hotel while we adventure or are they able to come along on the bus?
Non running partners would come with you if they would like to, they just wouldn’t participate in the runs. They are always welcome to hang out with me at the finish line :)
Are accommodations made for celiacs. Have to be gluten free!
We should be able to accommodate you Louise. There is not a lot of gluten in the typical Costa Rican diet.
Hello, I’m very interested in the Iceland adventure package. How do I register?
Registration opens tomorrow (Aug 23) at 8am Mountain. Come back to this page and at the top there will be a big button that says Register. We are excited to have you join us!
I have small electrical powered sleep machine (CAPM) I use each night. Will 110v electrical service be available?
You should have access to 110v power, but you will need to buy an adapter. Keep in mind, one night we will all be staying in the Volcano Huts where you will not have a private room. I am unfamiliar with how noisy CAPM machines are. Please be considerate of others.
Hi John, my name is Lisa and I am SERIOUSLY considering(read as: GOING TO sign) signing up for this adventure. My ex used a cpap machine and if you do not have an issue with rooming with a female I have no problem sleeping with the sound of a cpap in the same room.
Will there be an option at registration to identify your partner or will we need to register together?
You will each list your roommate when you register. No need to register at the same time.
Hi there – I was wondering are there many solo travelers who book these trips? I am very interested but don’t want to be the only person going who doesn’t know people beforehand.
Yes there are lots of solo travelers. At our test event in Banff, about 1/3 of the participants were travelling alone.
I’m traveling solo as well!
I am traveling solo as well. :)
Do you have a list of the hotels you can provide? Also if I register as a solo but closer to the event would like a roommate is that possible?
Hotel Natura in Iceland
Hotel Stracta in Hella
Volcano Huts in Thorsmark
And yes, you should be able to change from a solo traveler to choosing a roommate as we get closer to the race. The sooner the better would be helpful to us though as we try and make room assignments well before everyone shows up. :)
Ok thank you! One other question- will you, or can you provide a list of gear needed? Especially clothing for the weather at that time – is it a warm 55°or cold 55°? -coming from FL…😀 Also, what we can bring on runs (camelbacks, backpacks, food fuel or will that be provided?, etc) And will be carrying luggage daily with us- trying to determine luggage type easiest to transport.
We will be sending a packing list as well as an itinerary. You can bring a camelpak as well as any fuel or food you want for the day. We will provide snacks at the finish line each day as well as 3 meals a day. We will be moving luggage from 4 hotels through the week, but you can and should bring a day pack with a change of clothes, etc.
Will you provide a gear/travel packing list for us. Also will we be carrying luggage everyday with us?
Hello Emily, Yes we will provide a gear packing list to you. We will have a shuttle to move the luggage on the days we move lodging.
So this is $3,450 per person? I got confused by the double occupancy reference and the comment about no couples discount.
Sorry for the confusion. The price is $3,450 for each person which assumes double occupancy. If you decide you each want your own room, it will cost more per person.
My partner and daughter want to run the race with me. Can the 3 of us fit into one hotel room? (She is 17).
We don’t 100% know right now, but will have an answer in about a month. We know each room has two beds (except the volcano hut) but we are unsure of the exact size of the rooms. If you want to lock in a spot, I would encourage you to put a deposit down, and check back with us after I go visit Iceland in the middle of September. I can have definitive answers then.
If i register as a Solo Traveler and them find someone to travel with. Would it be possible to room with them after registration is complete?
Probably, but it will be based on availability. We are limited by rooms, so if another solo traveler picks up that spot, we might not have room for another person. However, if there is room, no problem just let us know,
I am wanting to register for this adventure but as of now, would be solo. If I register as a solo traveler wanting to share a room but later it ends up that a friend or my daughter can join, can I easily switch to sharing a room with them? I’ve never done as solo trip – the idea is exciting but a little bit scary :) Thank you!
No need to be scary, but yes as long as we have a bed available you should be able to add a friend/family member as your roommate. If we are sold out, me may not be able to accommodate.
Will you have larger size shirts for women xxl?
Hi Suekog – Women’s XL is the largest we will have but you are welcome to order a men’s shirt if you would like. They are cut straight and are not tapered along the sides.
Access to laundry facilities during the trip ?
Hi Chris – Some of the hotels we are staying at should have laundry services.
Will lists be made available of who has registered for which weeks, just want to look for some familiar names?
A friend and I registered but we need to change our dates to the 1st week. How do we go about this?
Is there anyway to find out where you stand on the wait list?
Jenny, you are currently 10th on the waitlist.
Will there be transportation from the airport to the hotel?
Hello Laura, you will need to get yourself to the hotel from the airport via the shuttle bus or a taxi.
Most vacation races offer military discounts…do you offer the same for these adventures?
Hello Risanovo,
Global Adventures does not offer the military discount however, we do honor the military policies.
If 3 of us want to room together is that option available? Is the price at all reduced?
Will those who registered be sent a more detailed itinerary at some point?
Yes we will be sending a race guide with a detailed itinerary. For now the itinerary is on the website. Is there a specific question you had?
Will you or can you provide a gear/packing list?
Yes, we will be publishing a packing list a few months before the event.
Are there pictures of the trucker vs runner’s hat anywhere? I’m on the wait list (fingers crossed that people drop out!). No idea how deep on the wait list we are…
They would be the same trucker hats and running hats we use for our other events. You can look on the Merchandise store to see examples of our events.
Do you have an idea of the time we will return to Reykjavik on the last day (Saturday). I’m registered (YAAY!) and I’m looking at flights right now.
I am verifying when we will be back in Reykjavik on Friday Night. So you should be able to leave anytime Saturday.
If you can wait to book your travel, I will confirm those details this next week.
Any news on this. I am looking into booking a flight soon.
We should be at the hotel around 7pm on Friday night
Is the June 20th trip already full?
Hi Deborah – The Iceland trip is sold out. Please email cherie@vacationraces.com for any questions, she handles the Global Adventures program and will be able to help you.
Is there a way to find out where I stand on the list?
I am unsure if I should move forward on other adventures or try and hold out.
Hello Dallas,
You are the first on the list for the waitlist. Once we have an opening we will email those on the waitlist and open more registrations.