Nyttårsløpet begins at noon on New Year's Eve, starting outside Messehall B at the Tønsberg exhibition area. This is a relaxed fun run for all skill levels, featuring a 10 km, a 5 km, and a free children's race of approximately 400 meters. The event has a long history, with a straightforward aim: to run on the last day of the year without excessive seriousness.
The 5 km and 10 km courses are an out-and-back format along Hortensveien, with turnarounds at 2.5 km and 5 km respectively. The initial 500 meters consist of flat gravel, after which the route transitions to an asphalt bike path. The course is gently undulating, not entirely flat. Fit runners, casual joggers, families, and children can participate in the same midday program, which includes refreshments post-race and results published on Facebook.