The Frozen Lake Marathon and Half Marathon is a unique running event, it's the only one we know about that is run entirely on water. Fortunately, the waters of the Tisela Fjord in Norway in early April are frozen, so it's less challenging that it could be. But it's still a considerable challenge. Running on snow and ice is a skill in itself but one that you can quickly master. It's one lap of the 21.1k course for the half-marathon or twice around if you are running the full marathon. The Icebug …
The Frozen Lake Marathon and Half Marathon is a unique running event, it's the only one we know about that is run entirely on water. Fortunately, the waters of the Tisela Fjord in Norway in early April are frozen, so it's less challenging that it could be. But it's still a considerable challenge. Running on snow and ice is a skill in itself but one that you can quickly master.
It's one lap of the 21.1k course for the half-marathon or twice around if you are running the full marathon. The Icebug Frozen Lake Marathon is limited to 500 runners of all abilities. Once you've mastered ice running you should be able to cover the distance at close to your usual pace because this is the flattest race you'll ever run and an experience you’ll never forget.
Tisela Fjord ifjorden is located 819 meters above sea level in the Norwegian municipalities of Gol and Hemsedal, which is 200K north of Oslo.
The race is usually run in late March but access to the race route, which is usually used as a winter car testing circuit, has pushed it back to mid April in 2025.
For the most part, the ice on the lake is about 80 cm thick – with a carrying capacity up to 30 tons. The course is plotted by a support team of ice experts who monitor the lake closely in the days leading up to the event and throughout the race. For maximum safety the final course is laid out just days before the race starts. Among other things, the lake is used for testing vehicle tyres, emergency vehicles and drivers who want to test their skills in icy conditions, so it's not going to struggle to support the weight of 500 runners!
Transport from Oslo
We have a dedicated bus transfer that will take you from Oslo airport to the hotel Oset, the race HQ and your base throughout your four nights stay in Norway
Oset Hotel
All our clients and all other international tour groups, will be staying at the Oset Hotel, a typical rustic and very comfortable hotel close to the race start that mostly accommodates skiing groups during the winter time. The rooms are basic but have bathrooms ensuite and the hotel has a restaurant where all the meals. It also has a bar and you can buy snacks and souvenirs, the hotel also has a leisure pool, some indoor games facilities and an external sauna (available at additional cost). As this is the official race hotel there is shuttle between the hotel and all activities over the weekend including the race. There are no shops of other facilities close to the hotel and the town of Gol is 15 minutes away by bus.
Full details are available at https://www.oset.no/
WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL - Make your way to Oslo and stay the night in this fascinating Nordic city (flights and overnight hotel not included)
THURSDAY 10 APRIL - If you arrived on Wednesday make your way to arrivals at Oslo Gardermoen airport to meet your Frozen Lake Marathon guide. If you are arriving today make sure your flight arrives before 11:00 to clear customs and make the transfer. Note that if your flight arrives after midday today (12:00pm) you will not be able to take the official transfer and you will be responsible for making your own way to Hotel Oset and it is a difficult journey without the transfer.
13:30 Bus transfer from Oslo Airport to Hotel Oset (www.oset.no) It is around four hours by road to the town of Gol, which is close to the hotel, but there will be comfort stop along the way where you can also buy snacks and refreshments.
17:30 Arrival at the hotel.
19:00 Dinner (pre-course, main and dessert)
FRIDAY 11 APRIL
08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
09:00 Snowmobile trip (optional at additional cost) or Ice Fishing (optional at additional cost)
10:00 - 12:30 City Trip to Gol
13:00 - 14:30 Buffet Lunch
15:00 Transfer to Shake Out Run on the lake (6K by bus)
16:00 Frozen Lake Shake Out Run - no timing just a fun run to test your kit and try out those shoes
17:15 Transfer back to the hotel.
20:30 Frozen Lake Marathon Pasta Party (buffet)
SATURDAY 12 APRIL
07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
08:00 - 10:30 Shuttlebus transfers to race start
08:30 Prestart for marathon runners with an estimated finish time of more than 4:30
10:00 Start of Frozen Lake Marathon
11:00 Start of Frozen Lake Half-Marathon
13:30 Podium Ceremony Half-Marathon
14:15 Podium Ceremony Marathon
16:00 Cut off time all distances
Lunch on the ice/after finish (Hot local soup and bread)
19:00 The Frozen Lake Marathon Post race dinner (buffet)
SUNDAY 13 APRIL
08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
09:00 Dog Sledge trip (optional at additional cost) or Ice Fishing (optional at additional cost)
11:00 Dog Sledge trip (optional at additional cost)
13:00 - 14:30 Lunch
19:00 Dinner
Other optional activities: Walk on snow / cross country skiing / alpine skiing (some fees might apply)
Sunday is also a backup Raceday (if the weather and weather forecast is bad for Saturday and better for Sunday, the race director might move the race from Saturday to Sunday. Safety will always rank first and there will be no refunds offered if the race is cancelled due to weather
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MONDAY 14 APRIL
08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast
Bus transfer from Oset Hotel to Oslo Airport.
Early bus transfer leaves at 09:30 - arrives at airport no later than 13:00
Late bus transfer leaves at 12:30 - arrives at airport no later than 16:30
4-NIGHT PACKAGE includes bus transfer to and from OSLO airport, 4 nights at the hotel, all meals and your choice of Marathon or Half Marathon race entry.
PRICES ARE PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.
Prices per person in UK (£)
4-night Tour based on single room basis - £1179
4-night Tour based on twin/double bedded room basis - £879
Deposit per person- £350
Non runner discount- £125
Optional Extras
Dog sledging £140
Snowmobile £130
Ice Fishing £130
Prices include bus transport to and from Oslo, local transportation to and from all races, 4-night's accommodation, meals as per itinerary and entry to the Frozen Lake Marathon or Half Marathon.
WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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