Trondheim Marathon 2026 Route – Elevation Profile and Hills
Trondheim Marathon 2026: 42.2km via Nidelva, Bryggen and Trondheim city centre. Hillier than Oslo and Stavanger with 250m+ elevation gain. Key climbs and km-by-km course breakdown.
Hilly course — prepare accordingly
With 250m+ elevation gain, Trondheim Marathon is notably more demanding than Stavanger (under 100m) and Oslo (80m). Hill training from week 3 in the plan is not optional.
Course breakdown
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FAQ
How much elevation does Trondheim Marathon have?
Trondheim Marathon typically has 250–300m total elevation gain, making it one of Norway's more demanding marathon courses. By comparison, Oslo Marathon has around 80m and Stavanger Marathon under 100m. Trondheim's terrain with the Nidelva river and surrounding hills means the course includes several significant climbs.
What are the hardest climbs on Trondheim Marathon?
The course has two significant climbs runners should prepare for: a climb around km 12 (approximately 40–50m over 1km) and a more demanding climb around km 28 which is the mentally hardest point on the course. Both require specific hill training in preparation — see our 14-week training plan which includes hill intervals from week 3.
Is the Trondheim Marathon course scenic?
Yes — Trondheim Marathon is one of Norway's most scenic marathon courses. The route passes the historic Bryggen at Nedre Elvehavn, runs along the Nidelva river and through Trondheim's characteristic wooden neighbourhoods. Nidarosdomen cathedral is visible from parts of the route. Spectator support is good through the city centre. Temperature in early September is typically 10–16°C.
Can I run the Nidelva loop as training?
Yes — the Nidelva loop is a popular training route for Trondheim runners and covers parts of the marathon course. The loop is approximately 8–10km depending on the variant you choose, and gives you a flat reference session along the river. For hill training, we recommend including the Brubakken area or Bymarka trails in addition.
Where are the spectator spots along the course?
Best spectator spots at Trondheim Marathon: Bryggen at Nedre Elvehavn (km 3) — great views and cafes, Nidelva bridge (km 7) — watch runners cross the river, city centre/Midtbyen (start/finish and halfway point), and km 35 on return towards the centre. Public transport (bus and tram) gives easy access to most points. Check trondheimmaraton.no for official spectator maps.