2025 Aurora Marathon
ALTA, NORWAY | 21 - 27TH FEBRUARY
Alta – The City of the Northern Lights
The Location
Alta, located in the northernmost region of Norway, is a town renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Positioned at the meeting point of the sea and the expansive Finnmarksvidda plateau, Alta boasts a unique geographic landscape.
The area has been a significant meeting place for various indigenous groups since the Stone Age, evidenced by the famous rock carvings at Alta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These carvings provide a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants who adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.
Today, Alta is known for its winter activities, including viewing the Northern Lights, dog sledding, and ice fishing, making it a fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Alta – The City of the Northern Lights
The Nothern Lights
The mystery surrounding the light has given us many myths and legends over the years. Everything from heroes who lit up the sky to mysterious figures and warnings of danger. The light has also been given many names and one of the names the Sami use for the light is Guovssahas, which means the light that can be heard.
Alta’s remarkable suitability as a prime location for observing the northern lights becomes clear when considering Kristian Birkeland’s choice to commence his research at Halddetoppen in 1899. It’s worth noting that Birkeland’s pioneering work connecting the northern lights to electromagnetic storms from the sun cements his legacy as the father of this mesmerizing natural wonder. The prevailing dry and stable climate in Alta creates optimal conditions for witnessing the captivating northern lights.
Alta – The City of the Northern Lights
The Marathon Course
Running a marathon in the dark winter of Finnmarksvidda plateau in Norwegian Arctic is a formidable challenge. The course begins atop the plateau, where runners are immediately greeted by the biting Arctic cold and the relentless darkness of the polar night. Navigating the initial descent through the rugged terrain of Alta Canyon, participants must contend with icy paths and potential blizzards.
The route includes three loops around the plateau, where freezing winds and subzero temperatures test endurance and resilience. Finally, the descent towards the finish line at Gargia Lodge presents its own hazards, with steep, slippery slopes demanding careful footing. This marathon is a true test of physical and mental fortitude, pushing athletes to their limits in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
