Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen is set to transform his hometown of Sandnes, Norway, into the world’s newest road running hotspot in 2026. From September 24–26, the seaside resort will host RUNFEST 2026, a first-of-its-kind international running festival blending elite competition, community spirit, and festival energy.
The three-day event will feature a variety of race distances including the 1500m, 5km, 10km, and half marathon designed to attract both professional athletes and recreational runners of all ages and abilities. Far from being just another race weekend, the festival will take over the streets of Sandnes with a lively mix of sport, culture, and entertainment.
Ingebrigtsen describes the project as the realisation of a long-held dream. His vision is to create an event where world-class runners and complete beginners share the same platform, fostering cross-generational connections and inspiring more people to take up running. By positioning Sandnes as a hub for both performance and participation, the event aims to leave a lasting legacy for the sport.
Registration for the inaugural edition will open on September 26, 2025, at 10 a.m., with organisers expecting interest from across the globe. The team behind the event includes a blend of elite sporting experience, local clubs, and major corporate partners, all committed to delivering a festival that will resonate far beyond Norway’s borders.
RUNFEST 2026 will go beyond road racing to offer a rich cultural programme. Visitors can expect live music, local food experiences, and community activities designed to immerse participants in the spirit of Sandnes. The festival atmosphere will be a major draw for both competitors and spectators.
Adding an intellectual dimension to the celebrations, the festival will also host a professional conference on sport, health, and innovation. Experts will lead lectures, panel discussions, and debates on topics such as physical and mental wellbeing, motivation, social responsibility in sport, and the role of innovation in athletic development.
With the credibility of the Ingebrigtsen name, strong organisational backing, and the appeal of a Norwegian seaside setting, RUNFEST 2026 promises to be more than just a race. It’s set to be a celebration of athletic excellence, community connection, and the universal joy of running positioning Sandnes as a must-visit destination for the global running community
