Cycling & running events in Stavanger, 2026

Stavanger-Sandnes Training Notes

Running: Stavanger runners get plenty of honest base miles on bitumen and concrete. Locals head for Sandnes when they want softer ground, because Melsheia gives the area its proper forest-trail fix. Melsheia backs onto the Rogaland Arboretum and works well for Z2 loops, trail days, and careful intervals when the ground is wet. Hålandsvannet and Frøylandsvannet give locals steady lake mileage without making a big trip of it. Named run clubs do not show up in the local notes. Backyard Stavanger, Vassøy Backyard Ultra, Hafrsfjordløpet, Stavanger 5K, and Stavanger Marathon give the calendar its anchor events.

Cycling: Sandnes riders get the clean commuter line into Stavanger on the Sandnes-Stavanger fjord route. The route runs 6 km, climbs 119 m, drops 129 m, and follows the railroad for much of the trip. The route has 5 km of paved surface. The route is 9 km with 750 m of climbing and 750 m of descending. The route covers 4 km and 394 m of ascent. No named cycling clubs or cycling anchor races come through here.

Season: Spring has Sandnesløpet in March, Hålandsvannet Halvmaraton in April, and Sandnes Ultratrail in April. Summer puts Melsheia into trail-running and walking mode, and locals use it when the city centre feels too hard underfoot. Stavanger Marathon lands on the last Saturday in August, and its course mixes asphalt and gravel around lakes and fjords. Autumn keeps the legs honest with Stavanger Backyard in September, Hinnaløpet in October, and 3-Sjøersløpet in November. Winter changes the kit and the surface, because Melsheia becomes a lit nordic skiing park at night.