The Puffin Run

The Puffin Run in Vestmannaeyjar is Iceland’s largest off-road running event, drawing over 1,300 runners to a dramatic and challenging 20 km course. Starting and finishing by the harbor at Nausthamarsbryggja, the route weaves through lava fields, sea cliffs, volcanic slopes, and puffin colonies. Participants can run solo, in two-person relays (2×10 km), or four-person teams (4×5 km), with ferry transfers provided for relay handovers. The race showcases raw Icelandic nature, including Eldfell volcano, Stórhöfði cape, and coastal lookout points with views of Bjarnarey and Eyjafjallajökull. Crowd energy peaks as locals cheer runners through the narrow island streets and wild terrain. Competitive runners vie for substantial cash prizes, and all enjoy post-race showers at the local pool and community gatherings at Vigtartorg. The Puffin Run has become a beloved spring tradition timed with the arrival of the puffins in the cliffs.