Ecotrail Oslo
Ecotrail Oslo — 80K
Oslo (Nedre Foss Park) → Oslo (Huk, Bygdøy)
Race guide
Updated 29 June 2026
The Ecotrail Oslo 80K is an 82 km point-to-point urban-to-wilderness adventure that threads through the Norwegian capital and its famous Marka forest before depositing runners at the sea's edge at Huk on the Bygdøy peninsula. Starting at Nedre Foss Park in the heart of Oslo at just 8 m above sea level, the route climbs steadily into the forested ridges north and west of the city, cresting at 499 m, before a long descent back to sea level and the finish line on the Oslo Fjord. With 1565 m of total ascent spread across 82 km, this is not a brutal mountain race — but it rewards consistent effort, good pacing and respect for the cut-offs, which leave a total window of roughly 12.5 hours from a morning start.
Course & Terrain
The route begins in central Oslo at Nedre Foss Park (8 m) and wastes little time heading north toward Maridalen, the valley checkpoint reached at 13.4 km and 159 m elevation. From here the course climbs into the Nordmarka and Vestre Aker forests, the classic Oslo trail network known locally as the Marka, winding through mixed spruce and pine woodland on well-maintained but rooty singletrack and broader forest tracks. The terrain is predominantly runnable — no sustained technical scrambling — but roots, rocks and soft ground after rain demand attention underfoot. The route swings south-west through the Sørkedalen valley (51 km, 201 m) and Fossum (61 km, 169 m), then makes its final push down to the coast, passing through the low-lying Thaugland drink station at 73.5 km before the gentle final kilometres to Huk, Bygdøy (82 km, 8 m) on the Oslo Fjord.
Decisive Climbs & Where the Race Is Won or Lost
The key climbing section sits between Maridalen Kirke (13.4 km) and the Holmenkollen / Thomas Heftye-villaen checkpoint (32 km, 408 m). Runners gain roughly 250 m net elevation over this 18.6 km stretch, which includes the approach to the race's high point of 499 m — the roof of the entire course. Arriving at Holmenkollen by the 13:00 cut-off is the race's first real litmus test: runners who go out too hard on the early forest tracks or walk too conservatively will find this intermediate deadline tight. The long middle section from Holmenkollen to Sørkedalen (51 km) is where many runners lose the most time — it is deceptively rolling, the cumulative fatigue sets in and the cut-off at 16:00 can sneak up on those without a clear pace plan. Manage this section well and the race opens up; struggle here and the 17:30 Fossum cut-off becomes a scramble.
Pacing & Fuelling Strategy
With a total window of approximately 12 hours 30 minutes and six checkpoints, this race rewards even, conservative pacing through the first 32 km climb rather than racing the early forest descent out of Oslo. A sensible target is to bank time at Maridalen (cut-off 09:30) and arrive at Holmenkollen with at least 30–45 minutes in hand before the 13:00 cut-off. Eat and drink at every checkpoint — Maridalen, Holmenkollen, Sørkedalen and Fossum are your main aid stations, with Thaugland (73.5 km) serving as a final drink-only stop just 8.5 km from the finish. Given the relatively moderate total climb, most mid-pack runners will find a run-hike strategy is only necessary on the steeper pitches approaching the high point; the rest of the course can be run continuously. Carry enough fuel and fluid to cover at least the longer gaps — particularly the ~19 km from Holmenkollen to Sørkedalen — without relying on an aid station.
Conditions to Expect
Ecotrail Oslo typically takes place in spring, when Norwegian forest conditions can vary considerably. Expect temperatures ranging from cool to mildly warm — morning starts in Oslo near sea level can be fresh, while the exposed ridges around the 499 m high point may carry a wind chill. Snow patches can linger on north-facing forest trails well into May, and if the race falls after a wet spell the Marka trails can be genuinely muddy and slow. Waterproof or wind-resistant layers are worth having accessible even if you don't expect to need them. Conversely, on a sunny spring day the open sections around Holmenkollen and the coastal approach to Bygdøy can feel warm, so a flexible layering system and sun protection are both sensible. The descent to Huk in the final kilometres is flat and on mixed surfaces close to the water — a pleasant and fast finish regardless of the day's conditions.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
⚠ Auto-researched from public sources — aid stations and cut-offs may be incomplete. Confirm against the official roadbook before race day.
0 km · 8 m · —
13.4 km · 159 m · Sat 09:30
32 km · 408 m · Sat 13:00
51 km · 201 m · Sat 16:00
61 km · 169 m · Sat 17:30
71.7 km · 4 m · Sat 19:00
80.2 km · 25 m · Sat 20:00
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.