Whenever and wherever we travel, one of the first things I pack is my running kit. Yes, I’m one of those weirdos. Our 2023 campervan road trip saw me running in some beautiful places, including the most northerly run I have ever done in my life, when I ran at Nordkapp!
Runstreaking
Since 2018 I’ve been run streaking. Although I run most days, I have had to take the occasional bit of time out due to injury – but I still go out for a brisk walk!
I love pulling on my trainers and going exploring – usually first thing in the morning. I’ve run in some amazing places, (including running in the Arctic Circle on a previous road trip) – and some not so amazing places.
I’ve run through magical sunrises and torrential rain, through spectacular landscapes and dubious districts, and I’ve had behind the scene views of cities before the bustle of the day gets underway.
Roadtripping
Our 2023 campervan road trip took us all the way up to the very top of mainland Europe. Although the weather was a little cloudy, it was quite possibly one of the most stunning journey’s I’ve ever been on. Huge expanses of open landscape, dramatic rocky cliffs tumbling to the beautiful untamed ocean, and more reindeer than I had ever imagined we’d see!
Overnighting At Nordkapp
After the long drive north we stayed overnight at Nordkapp, parking up at the visitor centre next to many other vans and motorhomes from all over the world. I was definitely going to be running in the morning, what a landmark destination for my running journey!
As we had gone to bed it had been thick with fog. I hadn’t been able to see more than two steps ahead of me. The way across the car park to the toilet block had been shrouded in thick cloud. This didn’t really bode well for a picturesque morning run.
The Morning I Ran at Nordkapp
Tentatively pulling back the blind and peering out of the van window, I was pleased to see there was a bit of a view. The fog had lifted enough so that it was now back in its rightful place in the sky and more of a cloud than mist. I wouldn’t have to worry quite so much about not being seen by any traffic.
The Route
There wasn’t much of a route for a run. I’d checked where I might run by using trusty Plot A Route, which I always use to find any trails or footpaths.
Although there seemed to be some paths across the edge of the end of the land, it was quite rocky and uneven so I decided to mostly stick to the road. This would have to be a there and back run, which aren’t really my favourite as I generally prefer to do a loop, but this was a pretty special destination.
The Run
It was quiet on the road as it was fairly early. The tour buses hadn’t yet started their daily rounds of ferrying people across from the cruise ships. There was only the occasional car to watch out for and there was plenty of space for both of us.
Considering we were 71 degrees north, and well into the Arctic Circle where you might envisage lots of layers and thick wooly hats, it wasn’t too cold – but it was very windy.
Leaving the populated visitor centre behind me, there was nothing but a great remote expanse stretching wide under the cloudy sky. The road led off into the distance over the undulating hills, as the grey sea loomed over the edge of the terrain.
The first half of the run was nice, going downhill with a tail wind to usher me along. Of course this meant that the second half of the run was tough. Slogging up the hill, head-on into the wind, my legs were asking me what they had done to deserve this punishment!
The Last Leg
Going off the road and beyond the visitor centre I ran past the Children Of The World monument, and went by the Midnight Sun structure until I reached the ultimate symbol of the most northern point in mainland Europe. I had planned it so that I finished my 5km at the iconic Nordkapp globe.
The Feeling After I Ran At Nordkapp
What a place to have been for a run – at the top of Europe! I won’t forget this one in a hurry! I cooled down quickly as the wind battered me with chilly air, so I layered up back at the van and sipped on a steaming cup of tea of champions.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, I hadn’t seen anyone else out running, but this is a major finishing goal for many longer distance routes on foot. Some people have taken on much bigger running challenges that start or end at Nordkapp, and I am in awe of their achievements.
I never knew there were so many recognised cycle routes leading there either! We had passed some hardy cyclists as we had driven to Nordkapp, which does make my little 5km seem a bit insignificant compared to the distance they had covered. It was only when I saw the sign with the kilometres on that I discovered some amazing adventures people have had. Maybe there’s a future challenge for me to look into?!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- There’s only really one way that you can try this one, and that’s by visiting Nordkapp. It is absolutely stunning and well worth the journey. I can highly recommend it!
- Take a look at the Visit Nordkapp site for practical tips, events, activities and lots more that can help if you’re planning a visit.
- Alternatively, you could always identify some other iconic landmarks nearer to you, or where you might be going on any future trips and plan to go for a run!
Cost Of Experience
Free!
There is a cost to go into the Visitor Centre, but parking is free.
Running is also free!
Recommendations
- If you want to run at Nordkapp, summer is definitely the easier season to try it in. The seemingly never ending daylight and relatively warmer temperatures are good running conditions. Winter will provide opportunities for a run under the northern lights, and it will definitely be tougher.
- There isn’t a footpath by the road so you may have to run on the grass at the side if there is a lot of traffic, so be careful.
- It is incredibly exposed and the weather can throw anything at you at any time of year. Take layers and go steady in the strong wind!
- It is prone to fog, so make sure you are wearing something bright and that you can be seen, and keep an eye out for vehicles and reindeer!
- Don’t forget to get some pictures! It’s possibly a once in a lifetime run so why not capture the moment!