At Hertz Iceland, we are proud to support events that bring people closer to Iceland’s nature, landscapes, and outdoor culture. That is why we are excited to be an official sponsor of the Hengill Ultra 2026, one of the largest and most demanding trail running events in Iceland.
Every year, runners from Iceland and around the world gather in Hveragerði to take on the challenging trails surrounding the Hengill volcanic area. With rugged mountain terrain, geothermal valleys, lava fields, and breathtaking views, the race has become one of Iceland’s most respected endurance events.
As a company that has helped travelers explore Iceland for over 55 years, supporting an event that celebrates adventure, exploration, and the outdoors feels like a natural fit.
What Is the Hengill Ultra?
The Hengill Ultra is a trail and ultra-running event held in Southwest Iceland near the town of Hveragerði, approximately 45 minutes from Reykjavík. The race takes participants through the volcanic Hengill region, an area known for its geothermal activity, steaming hot springs, mountain trails, and dramatic landscapes.
The event offers multiple race distances, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced ultra runners:
- 5K
- 10K
- 26K
- 53K
- 106K
All routes begin in Hveragerði before leading runners into Iceland’s volcanic wilderness. The longer distances climb into the Reykjadalur valley, continue through the Hengill mountain area, and pass some of the most scenic trail-running landscapes in the country. The 106K race repeats the longer loop twice, creating one of Iceland’s toughest endurance challenges.
The History of Hengill Ultra
The Hengill Ultra has grown from a niche Icelandic trail race into one of the country’s premier trail-running events. The race was first held in 2012 and has steadily expanded in both participation and international recognition over the years.
Today, the event attracts runners from across Europe, North America, and beyond who are looking for a unique ultra-running experience in Icelandic nature. What began as a local endurance challenge has developed into Iceland’s largest trail running event, with hundreds of participants taking part across multiple distances every year.
The 2026 edition marks the 15th anniversary of the event, highlighting how far the race has come and its growing importance within Iceland’s outdoor sports community.
Running Through the Hengill Volcanic Area
One of the reasons Hengill Ultra stands out internationally is its location.
The Hengill volcanic system is one of the most geologically active regions in Iceland. The area features geothermal fields, volcanic mountains, steaming vents, lava formations, and wide mountain valleys shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity.
Unlike many trail races that take place in forests or established mountain ranges, Hengill Ultra gives runners the opportunity to move through a constantly changing volcanic landscape where nature feels raw and untouched.
The views stretch across geothermal valleys, mountain ridges, and distant glaciers, creating an experience that is just as memorable as the race itself.
More Than a Race
For many participants, Hengill Ultra is not only about competition. It is also an opportunity to experience Iceland in a different way.
The event combines endurance sport with travel and adventure, attracting runners who often extend their stay to explore Iceland’s famous natural attractions. With Reykjavík nearby and the Ring Road easily accessible, many runners turn their race weekend into a full Icelandic road trip.
Popular nearby attractions include:
- Reykjadalur Hot Spring Valley
- Þingvellir National Park
- The Golden Circle
- Kerið Crater
- South Coast waterfalls
- Reykjanes Peninsula
Hertz Iceland and Outdoor Adventure
At Hertz Iceland, we believe some of the best experiences in Iceland happen beyond the city limits. Whether it is trail running, hiking, exploring the Highlands, or driving the Ring Road, adventure is part of what makes Iceland special.
We are proud to support events like Hengill Ultra that encourage people to experience Iceland’s landscapes in an active and meaningful way.
We wish all runners the very best of luck at Hengill Ultra 2026 and look forward to seeing participants, spectators, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoying an unforgettable weekend in Hveragerði.
See you at the starting line.
