The Oslo Trail Challenge begins and ends at Lillomarka Arena in Oslo, directing runners onto forest trails selected by local organizers familiar with Nordmarka and Romeriksåsåsene. It provides 21 km, 55 km, 100 km, and 200 km distances, covering both a trail half marathon and extended ultra distances within the same series. The event takes place in late September, a time when trail conditions can vary significantly from year to year.
The routes traverse Lillomarka, Nordmarka, and Romeriksåsåsen, with difficulty varying from moderate to highly challenging based on the chosen distance and prevailing weather. The course is not marked, requiring participants to navigate using a GPS track or a physical map instead of directional signs. The terrain shifts frequently enough to offer brief recovery periods, though the longer distances necessitate strategic pacing, adequate nutrition, and awareness of the rugged forest terrain.