Course Map
About this Race
The Oslo Marathon is an undulating tour of the Norwegian capital, winding along the Oslofjord waterfront, through the city center, and past the opera house and harbor districts. The course rolls more than many city marathons, with rises that demand respect and make even pacing essential rather than a flat-out assault. Held in September, it delivers crisp early-autumn Scandinavian conditions well suited to racing. The crowds are friendly if not overwhelming, and the fjord scenery provides much of the day's appeal. It suits runners who want a scenic Nordic race and don't mind trading a fast profile for the hills and harbor views.
Course Insight
Oslo is a more undulating city marathon than its Nordic neighbours, rolling through the capital with bridges and gentle climbs that never quite let you settle into autopilot. Pace by effort rather than a fixed split, since the constant gradient changes punish a rigid plan. Early-autumn conditions are usually cool and runnable. Don't spend everything on the descents you'll repay on the next rise. Run it as a strength effort and the rolling terrain stays an ally.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (339m), tough late hills, lots of turns.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 339m
- Elevation loss
- 347m
- Highest point
- 60m
- Lowest point
- 2m
- Net elevation
- -8m
- Start
- Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square)
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:15:58 — Yuki Kawauchi (Japan), 2017
- Women's
- 2:40:59 — Maria Sagnes Wågan (Norway), 2025
Race History
The Oslo Marathon was established in its modern form in the early 2000s, touring the Norwegian capital along the Oslofjord waterfront and through the city center on undulating terrain. Its rolling, scenic course gave it character as a harbour-side race rather than a fast one. From its founding it grew into Norway's largest marathon. Held each September, it draws a regional field to crisp early-autumn conditions in the fjord-side city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Torp Sandefjord (TRF)
- Best area to stay
- Sentrum for central hotels near the route, Aker Brygge for upscale waterfront stays, and Grünerløkka for trendy, better-value digs.
- Getting to the start
- The start is central; take the T-bane or walk from central hotels, as it's a compact city-centre course.