As part of the Great Northern Peninsula’s Iceberg Festival, the Great Northern Trail Association is proud to host its 2nd annual trail race on the breathtaking Iceberg Trail.

Thank You for Joining Us in 2026!

The second annual Great Northern Trail Race took place on June 6, 2026, as part of the Iceberg Festival. With 7 km, 20 km, and 40 km options along the spectacular Iceberg Trail, the event brought runners together for a day of coastal scenery, community, and adventure, finishing at Norstead Viking Village in L’Anse aux Meadows.

Thank you to all the participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make the weekend possible!

Looking Ahead to 2027

The Great Northern Trail Race is expected to return during the 2027 Iceberg Festival. The race date, distances, weekend activities, and registration details will be announced once confirmed. Check back here for updates!

2026 Race Results

2026 Race Weekend Logistics – Archived details

The information below describes the 2026 event and is retained for reference. Dates, routes, start times, transportation, and activities may change for 2027.

Friday, June 5th, 5-7PM, Dark Tickle Shoppe: Meet & Greet
Come say hello, pick up your bib, and kick off the race weekend with us.
BONUS: Racers receive 10% off Dark Tickle Expeditions & Northland Discovery Boat Tours!

Saturday, June 6th: RACE DAY
All racers must meet at the Norstead Viking Village parking lot in L’Anse aux Meadows 45 minutes before their race start time. Racers will be shuttled by bus from Norstead to their respective start locations.

Please arrive on time and ready to board the shuttle. The shuttle schedule is important to keep the race running smoothly for all routes.

Weather, Trail Conditions & What to Bring

Please come prepared for early June conditions on the Northern Peninsula. The race is planned to go ahead in typical early June weather, which may include cold, rain, wind, fog, mud, and even snow.

Some snow patches remain on the trail, and racers should expect short snow crossings, wet ground, mud, uneven coastal terrain, and exposed windy areas. Conditions can change quickly.

Dress in layers and wear trail running shoes with good grip. Recommended items include a moisture-wicking base layer, warm mid-layer or fleece, windproof/waterproof jacket, gloves, toque or buff, extra socks, hydration, personal snacks or gels, fully charged phone, personal medications, and dry clothes/footwear for after the race.

Cotton clothing is not recommended, as it stays wet and can make you cold quickly.

Race start times and required arrival times:

• 40 km route
  Race start: 8:00 AM
  Arrive at Norstead by: 7:15 AM
• 20 km route
  Race start: 10:00 AM
  Arrive at Norstead by: 9:15 AM
• 7 km routeRace start: 11:15 AM
  Arrive at Norstead by: 10:30 AM

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be located throughout the course. If there is a specific item you would like available at an aid station, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to have it brought there. Aid stations include Water, Gatorade, and gummy snacks

40 km route aid stations:

• Km 5 – Gerard’s Cabin
• Km 13 – Cobbler Loop
• Km 22 (km 3 for 20km racers) – Near the start of the L’Anse aux Bauld Head Trail
• Km 27 (km 9 for 20km racers) – Near the end of the L’Anse aux Bauld Head Trail
• Km 30 (km 13 for 20km racers) – Near the end of Squid Jiggin Point Trail
• Km 35 (km 17 for 20 km racers and km 4 for 7 km racers) – Near Round Head Trail – Muddy Cove Trailhead
  

Post-Race Fundraising Dinner & Evening Program

After the race, everyone is welcome to join us at Skipper Hot’s Pub in Straitsview for the GNTA Post-Race Fundraising Dinner & Evening Program.

The evening will include a three-course fundraising dinner, an official announcement celebrating GNTA’s partnership with Trans Canada Trail and the Great Coastal Trail, and live local music to follow.

Schedule:
Doors open: 5:00 PM
Meal: 5:30 PM
Official announcement: 7:00 PM
Live music: 8:00 PM

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gnta-post-race-fundraising-dinner-evening-program-tickets-1987968994778
Full evening tickets and announcement/music-only tickets are available.

Sunday, June 7th: Guided Hike & Trailside BBQ

On Sunday, June 7, we will also be hosting a guided group hike on the Cartreau Point Trail in St. Anthony. The hike is approximately 9–9.5 km and will begin at 10:00 AM. Following the hike, attendees are invited to enjoy a free trailside BBQ at Fishing Point Park / The Point.

This is a great opportunity to continue the weekend, explore another GNTA trail, and celebrate trails, community, and the Great Northern Trail Network.

Registration is now closed