Mandalsmaraton is held in Mandal on Norway's south coast, and the organizers call it Norway's southernmost marathon. The race weekend includes a full marathon of 42.2 km, a half marathon of 21.1 km, the 10 km Mandalsmila, and a free 1 km children's race. MHI Friidrett organizes it, with age limits of 18 for the marathon, 15 for the half, 13 for the 10 km, and 0-12 for the children's run.
The route uses paved roads through Mandal's city-center streets and Furulunden, the large local recreation area by the beaches. Runners can race hard, jog, or walk, so the field is meant to include first-timers as well as people chasing a personal best. Mandalsmaraton was first held in 1980, making it one of Norway's older marathons, and the event adds music and an active roadside crowd along the course.