Further Information

Over the past year, the concept of 360° running videos has been under development, with the first videos already published on the 360° Runs Iceland YouTube channel. Initial recordings of running trails and events have been carried out in collaboration with race organizers.

The next step is to produce higher-resolution videos to enhance the realism of the experience and showcase Iceland’s natural beauty in the best possible way. Funding is needed to invest in advanced 8K recording equipment and editing hardware. With your help, we can bring this unique nature experience into your living room, onto your treadmill, or into VR.

Note: Set the example video below to the highest available resolution, 4K (2160p), to enjoy the best quality. You can move the image and look around.

Project Goals:

The objective is to create a series of high-definition 8K videos of Icelandic trails in breathtaking 360° quality. Viewers will be able to explore their surroundings as if they were physically present, whether on a phone, computer, or VR headset. This will allow people to experience Iceland’s nature and running events in an unprecedented way, for both enjoyment and preparation for their own adventures.

Planned Recordings for 2025:

Trail Routes Around Reykjavik:
Examples include Heiðmörk, uplands of Hafnarfjörður, Mosfells Mountains, Esja, Hólmsheiði, Hengill, Kjós, and Hvalfjörður.

Urban Running Routes:
Examples include downtown Reykjavik, Laugardalur, Öskjuhlíð, Kópavogsdalur, and downtown Hafnarfjörður.

Trails Across Iceland:
Examples include the highlands (Langleidin.is, Fjallabak, and Þórsmörk.

Running Events in Collaboration with Organizers:
Examples include Laugavegur Ultra Marathon and 5VH Trail Run. (Additional bookings are available.)

Above: Álútur (481m) near Hveragerði -
Below: Grænahryggur (~1100m) in Fjallabak

Project Milestones with >100% Funding:
- Production and editing of 360° 8K videos of Icelandic trails, published on the 360° Runs Iceland YouTube channel.
- Select 360° photos from across Iceland made available on Kuula.co.
- Open access to videos and selected photos.
- Partners receive footage for marketing and promotional purposes.

Additional Rewards:

- Receive detailed information and tracks for each recording after its publication on YouTube
- Private Trail Events: Invitations to participate in up to three private trail running events in spring and summer 2025, where a scenic trail will be filmed in 360°, and you can become one of the running stars!
- VR Event: Access to a special VR event in autumn 2025, where you can watch videos of your choice in virtual reality on a treadmill.
- Customized Trail Recording: The opportunity to select a trail to be filmed and featured on YouTube.
- Event Promotion: Customized features and coverage for your running event or competition.
- Comprehensive Coverage: In-depth promotional content, VR events, and Google Street View photography for your event, store, or facility.

Stretch Goals:

>120%: Expansion of the KUULA 360° gallery with even more Icelandic 360° photos from previous trips over that last years, open to all.

>140%: In addition to three private trail events, three open trail running events will be organized in the Mosfells hills and mountaions, featuring unique and lesser-known trail loops. All contributors will receive invitations.

>180%: Participants can choose a favorite "planet view" photo (10 options from across Iceland) and receive it as a postcard-sized print sent by mail.

>250%: A specialized drone with a 360° camera will be purchased, enabling aerial shots and videos that can follow runners. The footage will be featured on YouTube and made available for event rentals.

>300%: Advanced 3D models of selected videos will be created using cutting-edge AI technology like Gaussian splatting or radiance fields, allowing exploration of environments in virtual reality or desktop applications.

>450%: Development of a prototype "360° Run Iceland VR" app to explore Icelandic trails and locations in VR using videos and 3D models.

>600%: A dedicated "360° Run Iceland VR" exhibition booth will be set up for the annual UT-conference at Harpa concert hall in February 2026 and the Reykjavik Marathon Expo in autumn 2026. All backers will be invited to a private opening event.

More stretch Goals available…

Instragram: instagram.com/360runsiceland
YouTube: youtube.com/@360runsiceland
Facebook: facebook.com/emmamidlar
hlaupadagskra.is is provided by 360 Runs Iceland where you can find a list of all races in Iceland in one place.

About the Creator:

Óskar Þór is an information professional working for Reykjavík City. In his free time, he is a passionate trail runner, nature lover, scout, and gadget enthusiast. Since 2016, he has been actively contributing 360° images to Google Maps, with nearly 2,000 uploads and close to 29 million views.

Óskar also provides 360° photography services for businesses under the brand Emma.is (Emma.is. His primary passion is capturing the natural wonders of Iceland, combining his love of nature, outdoor adventures, and technology.
If you’ve ever spotted a blue dot on Google Maps in Iceland’s highlands, it’s likely one of his images!