The Four Forests Run in late July is a race that was only started in 2011 but has quickly gained a good reputation as a well organized and fun race in beautiful surroundings. For those staying in the north of Iceland, in Akureyri maybe, it is a perfect day out.
The course is extremely beautiful. It was warm, dry and still when we took part in the race but because the sun was not shining, the locals claimed it was the worst weather ever 🙂
Participants are driven to their start line from Bjarmavellir, just north of Akureyri. The course is very well marked so there is no danger of getting lost.
The trail is mainly made up of forest trails but also gravel roads with little or no traffic.
It is not a big race, it has a local feel to it and you are made to feel very welcome.
Even the medals were different, locally made carved out of wood.
There are different distances available, from 4.3km to a full marathon ! Something for everyone 🙂
After the race we relaxed on the grass and waited for our friends to finish. Later we had coffee and cake at „The Owl“ cafe in Skogar Fnjoskadal, and then went swimming in Illugastaðir. Both activities highly recommended !
runninginiceland.com 
Hi, I am trying to find the place Bjarmavellir on google maps but can’t seem to find it. Could you please give me a location or some close spot next to it? I want to participate in the Four Forests Run this July and want to plan the trip. Thank you 🙂
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Hi Lucia.
It is in the north of Iceland, not too far from Akureyri(30-40km). Bjarmavellir does not seem to be on Goggle Maps, but it is a camping situ just by ring road 1. You can find it by following the main road (ring road) from Akureyri and look for the road nr 833 (to Illugastaðir and Vaglaskogur) – the campsite is near the intersection and near a bridge over Fnjóska River. at the same place.
Registration is here : https://hlaup.is/default.asp?cat_id=906
and here you can follow the registrations https://hlaup.is/default.asp?cat_id=822
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