Reykjavik Marathon raises 210 million króna as 15,000+ runners prepare for event

The Reykjavik Marathon is set to raise an estimated 210 million Icelandic króna through pledges, surpassing last year's fundraising total at this point. Organizers report that approximately 15,130 runners have registered for the event, with around 200 charitable organizations participating in the pledge drive.

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It's great running weather, but perhaps not as much fun for those who want to run and enjoy the atmosphere in good weather. The atmosphere will be a bit different in the rain.

Last year, the marathon raised a total of 250 million króna, and this year's collection is on a similar trajectory. While the 10 km competitive race is sold out, spots remain available in the 10 km public run, and full and half marathon entries are also nearing capacity. A significant aspect of the fundraising is that nearly all pledged funds, about 99.9%, go directly to the charities, with minimal transaction fees.

Despite forecasts predicting less-than-ideal weather, race officials state that conditions will still be good for running. "It's great running weather, but perhaps not as much fun for those who want to run and enjoy the atmosphere in good weather," said Hrefna Hlín Sveinbjörnsdóttir, head of events for the Reykjavik Sports Association. The atmosphere may be different due to expected rain, but the focus remains on the charitable aspect of the event.

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There will be much less congestion on Hringbraut. In previous years, we had to stop traffic there four times in the morning, but now it will only be once.

Traffic disruptions are expected in the capital region on the day of the marathon, particularly from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Police will be present in high-traffic areas. This year's race will start at the University of Iceland, a change from previous years, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion on Hringbraut, a main road. Areas like Vesturbær, Granda, Sæbraut, and parts of the city center will experience temporary closures.

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The West part of town will be temporarily closed in the morning while the runners go through. Then there will be closures, for example, out to Granda and in the city center. There will also be disruptions on Sæbraut and near Rauðarárstígur, especially before noon.