Stavanger Marathon 2026 Route – Flat Coastal Course and Elevation Profile
Stavanger Marathon 2026: 42.2km flat coastal route through Stavanger city centre, Gamle Stavanger and the harbour promenade. Under 100m total elevation gain. Norway's best route for a PR.
Course breakdown
Elevation profile and terrain
Stavanger Marathon is consistently ranked as one of Norway's flattest marathon courses. The coastal location means the elevation profile stays close to sea level for large parts of the race. Runners targeting a personal record particularly consider Stavanger because the flat course allows better even-pace running than hilly courses like Trondheim.
The official 2026 course map is published at stavanger-marathon.no. Check there for the exact route and any adjustments for the race year.
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FAQ
How flat is the Stavanger Marathon course?
Stavanger Marathon has one of Norway's flattest marathon courses with under 100m total elevation gain. For comparison, Oslo Marathon has around 80m and Trondheim Marathon 250m+. The coastal route avoids major hills, and runners consistently report better times in Stavanger than on other Norwegian marathon courses.
Does the route pass Gamle Stavanger?
Yes — the route passes through or near Gamle Stavanger, the historic wooden house quarter with 173 white-painted timber buildings from the 1700s–1800s. This is one of the most popular points for spectators. Remember to take in the surroundings — even during marathon concentration, the sight of the white timber buildings is worth enjoying.
Are there any hills on the Stavanger Marathon course?
The course is generally very flat. There are some short, minor climbs, especially around km 38 on the return towards the city centre. These are negligible compared to Trondheim or Oslo, and most runners don't notice them negatively. Plan for a flat race and set realistic PR targets.
What do runners see along the Stavanger Marathon route?
Stavanger Marathon offers one of Norway's most scenic marathon routes: historic timber houses in Gamle Stavanger, the Stavanger fjord and island landscape, the harbour promenade with restaurants and cafes, Mosvatnet lake in the city's heart, and a strong spectator atmosphere through the centre. Late August weather is typically 14–19°C with a chance of rain.
Can I run the course for training?
Yes — large parts of the Stavanger Marathon route are accessible for training year-round. The harbour promenade and paths around Mosvatnet are especially popular. Stavanger also has a good network of run clubs that organise regular training runs. See our guide to run clubs in Stavanger for an overview.