Annual run from Hörgárdal north to Árskógsströnd, approximately 25 kilometers.
At the beginning of July, a wilderness run takes place along the length of Þorvaldsdalur in Eyjafjörður. The 2026 run will be held on Saturday, July 4th.
The run, first held in 1994, has taken place every year since. Participation has ranged from 12 to 200 runners. Þorvaldsdalur is open at both ends, stretching south to Hörgárdal and north to Árskógsströnd. The race starts at the old bridge over Ytri-Tunguá between Dagverðartunga and Fornhagi in Hörgárdal and finishes at Stærri-Árskóg in Árskógsströnd. The total distance is about 25 km.
The first stretch up from Fornhagi is steep, with the valley floor reaching 500 m in elevation after roughly 5 km in an area called Kytra. From there, the terrain gradually descends with the natural variations of the landscape. Runners typically follow sheep tracks but may take whichever route they find most comfortable. The route is unmarked and traverses moors, marshes, and northern lava fields. Participants should expect wet feet when crossing bogs and streams.
Race route:
The run starts at the enclosure south of Fornhagi, heading north over the bridge at Ytri-Tunguá, then up along the ravine with the river on the left. About 300 m above the road, there is a mountain fence with an open gate for runners to pass through. From there, the route follows sheep paths and the valley floor, keeping the river on the left and the mountain slope on the right. At first, the river flows against the runners, but at the watershed in Kytra, it disappears and then joins the running route again. Runners must take care not to cross west over the watershed near the first water station, as this is the main point where it’s possible to get lost.
There are four water stations along the route, staffed by search-and-rescue teams. Hrafnagilsá, the main tributary late on the route, has recently been bridged with a footbridge. Runners then follow a jeep track for about 5 km to the finish at Árskógsskóli.
Schedule and registration:
Meet at Árskógsskóli at 11:00 (participants are transported from the school to the start at Fornhagi).
Race starts at 12:00 from Fornhagi.
Intended for all participants who believe they can complete the course running or jogging in under four hours.
Timing ends at 16:00.
Age categories:
16–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70+
All participants receive a medal, and the first three men and women receive prizes from 66°Norður and Hvalaskoðun Hauganesi.
Previous records:
Fastest time: 1 hour, 47 minutes, 12 seconds
Oldest participant: 79 years
Walkers and casual runners are encouraged to enjoy the scenic valley at their own pace.
Organizers: UMSE, Ungmennafélagið Reynir (Árskógsströnd), Ungmennafélagið Smárinn (Hörgárbyggð)
Information: Starri Heiðmarsson: 663-2650
Email inquiries: hlaupsstjóri (thorvaldsdalsskokk@umse.is) or UMSE office
Pre-registration is at netskraning.is.
Water stations: km 5, 12, 17, and 21
More information: https://sites.google.com/a/umse.is/thorvaldsdalur_english/