My 2nd time on this run and it didn`t disappoint again. Perfect weather this year, improved water stops with food, but strangely much less support than when I ran it in 2003 (see previous comments by me). More UK runners in the marathon (there is a half and 10K, plus kids' stuff) than any other nation which is odd. I ran my 2nd best time ever for the marathon this year and my previous best was also on this course. Why? I am not sure. Possibly because only 260 runners ran, so there was no congestion but always someone around? The half starts 2 hours after the marathon, so they "suck" you around? Cool conditions? Late start at 8:30 p.m. means no way do you want to stay out too long? Clear air? Nice undulating route that eases the muscles? Some or all of these - I don`t know! Great runner camaraderie! If you wish to do the pasta party, you have to pay extra though. Go for a big trip to do all the touristy stuff.

Yes, I know that it is a normal natural phenomenon, but just to see the sun in the middle of the night is already worth a trip across the globe. The course is not the most exciting, but the spectators, not too many of them, are very enthusiastic, and the organization is just perfect. The food and sport drinks on the course, warm blankets, cheese sandwiches and lots of interesting drinks at the finish line - everything was in place.

Really, a job very well done! Thanks!

P.S. This year (2005), it was not cold at all. I was running shirtless the entire course. The whole city of Tromso was full of blooming tulips, mayflowers, and more. It was like the second spring for me this year.

Fantastic, small marathon.
24-hour daylight an awesome wonder.
Scenery stunning.
Very friendly.
NOTE: Wear warm running kit, can
get quite cold!!

I've done the half marathon here for a couple of years (the fact I went back gives you a clue). There are only a couple of hundred in the half-marathon (far more entries for the full marathon, I am led to believe), making it a small and friendly race. This is a really interesting one to do, as it starts in the evening and you finish around midnight - in broad daylight.
You can walk to the start from most of the hotels.
The course is pretty and flat, although it goes back on itself so you repeat some ground. Tromso itself is a beautiful town, although expensive as you would expect for Scandinavia. The bars only stay open until 3 AM, which is a shame, as we wanted to party all night afterwards. Book accomodation and flights early, as these do get booked up months before.

As can be expected in a Nordic country, the organizers and spectators are extremely friendly. Further, the fact that there is light 24 hours a day when the marathon is run and the beauty of the surroundings makes this a great marathon. However, there are extremely few spectators and runners and it can become cold - so would definitely not recommend it for beginners.