© Oslo Marathon
How to Register for the Oslo Marathon?
The DNB Oslo Marathon is one of Norway’s biggest running events, with more than 20,000 participants taking over the streets of the capital each year. A true reflection of Norwegians’ passion for running, the event will celebrate its 45th anniversary in September 2026. Known for its demanding course featuring four major climbs, the race also offers a spectacular setting, combining Oslo’s modern city center with its green lung: Vigeland Park. But before you can take on the streets of Oslo, you first need to secure a race bib. And given the growing popularity of the Oslo Marathon, it’s best not to wait too long…
✓ How do you register for the Oslo Marathon? Here’s everything you need to know.
| A Beautiful Course… But Far From Flat
The DNB Oslo Marathon traditionally takes place in early autumn. In 2026, it will be held on Saturday, September 12. The start and finish are located at Rådhusplassen, the City Hall Square, right in the heart of Oslo.
The course follows the Oslofjord, passes through Vigeland Park, and runs through several iconic neighborhoods, including Skøyen, Frogner, Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress, Bislett, and Karl Johan. But behind the beauty of this sightseeing tour lies the unavoidable challenge of the marathon. With nearly 350 meters of elevation gain, Oslo is considered one of the toughest marathons in Europe. Some sections are runnable, but runners must conquer four long and demanding climbs before reaching the finish line.
| Multiple Race Distances Available
The Oslo Marathon offers five race formats, catering to all ages, abilities, and ambitions:
✔ Mini Marathon — for children aged 0–13, with distances of 100 m, 500 m, or 1 km at Kontraskjæret
✔ 10 for Grete (10K) — named after Norwegian legend Grete Waitz, the 1983 world marathon champion and 1984 Olympic silver medalist (also open to wheelchair athletes)
✔ Half Marathon (21.1 km) — open to runners aged 15 and older
✔ Marathon (42.195 km) — open to runners aged 18 and older
✔ Oslo Triple (73.3 km) — marathon + half marathon + 10K, all completed on the same day, open to runners aged 18 and older
| How Do You Register?
Registration is completed through the event’s official website.
➜ Visit oslomaraton.no
➜ Select your desired distance
➜ Enter your estimated finish time (used to determine your starting wave)
➜ Complete payment online
As with most major races, bib pickup takes place at the Expo in the days leading up to the event. Participants must present the confirmation email from the organizer along with a valid ID.
| When Should You Register?
The DNB Oslo Marathon is one of Northern Europe’s most popular races, and entries sell out quickly.
The numbers speak for themselves: the Oslo Triple sold out in less than two days, the half marathon sold out in three months, and the marathon sold out in five months—even though registration had opened a full year before race day.
The best advice is simple: register as soon as registration opens, typically in September of the previous year during the current edition of the event. The most popular races—especially the Triple and the half marathon—are often snapped up within days.
If the race is sold out, two alternatives are available:
➜ The official waiting list
➜ The official resale platform launched later in the year
Subscribing to the marathon newsletter or following the race’s Instagram account is the best way to receive immediate updates when these options become available.
For the 10 for Grete (10K), entries generally remain available for longer. It’s also an excellent way to experience the event without having to commit a year in advance.
| How Much Does an Oslo Marathon Bib Cost?
For the 2026 edition, entry fees are:
➜ 10 for Grete (10K): 790 NOK (~€72)
➜ Half Marathon: 990 NOK (~€90)
➜ Marathon: 1,200 NOK (~€109)
➜ Oslo Triple: 2,500 NOK (~€228)
➜ Para / Wheelchair Race: 250 NOK (~€22)
Participants should also note that organizers charge:
➜ 40 NOK administrative fee
➜ 50 NOK one-day license fee
Runners holding an annual athletics license are exempt from the latter.
Students can receive a 15% discount by providing a valid student ID and requesting the discount directly from the organizers via email.
| Race Day Schedule
All races follow similar routes and take place throughout the same day.
➜ Marathon: 9:00 AM (6-hour time limit)
➜ Half Marathon: 1:00 PM (3h30 time limit)
➜ Wheelchair 10K: 4:00 PM
➜ 10 for Grete (10K): 4:20 PM (1h45 time limit)
Runners are assigned to starting waves according to the predicted finish time provided during registration.
It is worth noting that Oslo’s cut-off times are relatively strict and competitive.
| The Ultimate Challenge: The Oslo Triple
The Oslo Triple is the signature challenge of the Oslo Marathon:
➜ Marathon at 9:00 AM
➜ Half Marathon at 1:00 PM
➜ 10K at 4:20 PM
A total of 73.3 kilometers in a single day.
A dedicated tent is available for Triple participants, offering refreshments, changing facilities, and bag storage. Taking on this challenge means experiencing the Oslo Marathon to the fullest.
The story of the Triple dates back to 2014, when Jimmy Vika decided to run all three distances consecutively to raise awareness for children’s education in developing countries through the charity Right To Play. The initiative received national media attention and even impressed American marathon legend Joan Benoit Samuelson, who was present that day.
The following year, the Oslo Triple officially became its own event category—and it has continued to grow ever since.
To complete the challenge successfully, nutrition management is crucial. After all, this is effectively an ultramarathon. Jimmy Vika himself recommends having a detailed fueling plan and sticking to familiar habits on race day. The biggest challenge is ensuring you finish one race quickly enough to make the start of the next wave; otherwise, you risk disqualification from the Triple.
One thing is certain: Norwegians love a challenge. The Triple is the event’s most sought-after race and regularly sells out within days.
Key Facts – Oslo Marathon
- Date: September 12, 2026
- Distances: 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Oslo Triple
- Marathon Start: 9:00 AM
- Elevation Gain: 350 m
- Time Limit: 6 hours
- Minimum Age: 18 years old for the marathon
- Registration: Via the official website (oslomaraton.no)
- Men’s Course Record: 2:15:58 — Yuki Kawauchi (Japan, 2017)
- Women’s Course Record: 2:40:59 — Maria Sagnes Wågan (Norway, 2025)
- Marathon Entry Fee: €109
| Oslo Marathon and AbbottWMM
The DNB Oslo Marathon is also a qualifying race for the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings, which includes more than 350 qualifying races worldwide.
Athletes who achieve the automatic qualifying standards for their age category receive direct invitations to the next AbbottWMM Age Group World Championships, which will be held at the 2027 Tokyo Marathon.
| A Race That Also Welcomes Elite Athletes
Elite runners benefit from dedicated facilities around the start and finish areas.
To qualify for an elite bib, athletes must meet the following standards:
✔ 10K: 30:59 (Men) / 35:59 (Women)
✔ Marathon: 2:29:59 (Men) / 2:59:59 (Women)
✔ Half Marathon: 1:09:59 (Men) / 1:19:59 (Women)
| Oslo’s Unique Atmosphere: Where Nature Meets Modern Architecture
Running in Oslo in September means experiencing one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Known for its quality of life, contemporary architecture, and abundance of green spaces, the Norwegian capital transforms into a running festival for an entire day.
The marathon is organized by Sportsklubben Vidar, with all profits reinvested into youth sports development, giving participation an additional purpose.
What Makes the Race Special?
✔ A fast-growing event that has retained its identity, with more than 20,000 finishers and a welcoming Nordic atmosphere
✔ An exceptional urban course through Oslo’s most iconic locations, including Frogner Park, Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress, and Karl Johan, with the fjord as a backdrop
✔ An inclusive event featuring five distances, para-athlete participation, a children’s mini-marathon, and the Oslo Triple challenge
✔ A World Athletics-certified race and AbbottWMM Age Group qualifier, with pacers available on the major distances
✔ A highly experienced organizing team delivering a premium race-day experience for participants throughout the day
The DNB Oslo Marathon is one of Northern Europe’s must-run events, combining performance, accessibility, and an exceptional setting. Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR, tackling your first half marathon, or attempting the legendary Oslo Triple, this race checks plenty of boxes. It’s also the perfect opportunity to combine running and tourism. The only challenge is planning ahead—entries disappear quickly. Stay connected through the official race website and the event’s Instagram account to avoid missing registration for the next edition. Running Oslo is something you have to earn.
✔ Find all registration details for the Oslo Marathon
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
