Atlantica - 01.06.2001, Qupperneq 72

70 A T L A N T I C A
How do Icelanders celebrate Reykjavík’s birthday? By lacing up their expensive Nikes and running 42.2 kilometres.
Okay, so I’m exaggerating. Most will celebrate this year’s b-day bash with a night out on the town. But the physi-
cally fit (some might prefer to call them exercise maniacs) will be lining up at noon on Saturday, 18 August, for
the 18th International Reykjavík Marathon.
The two-lap race, which also includes a half marathon, a 10k, a 7k and the ever popular family fun run (3k), begins
on Lækjargata and takes runners through the city streets, the shoreline and volcanic mountain ranges that provide
plenty of inspiration for the determined racers.
If you want to pound the pavement and put those air-filled sneakers to the test, or if you’re just looking for an
excuse to overload on carbs at the pasta party (Friday night), the registration deadline is 10 August. EW
For more information, call Reykjavík Marathon (+354) 588-3399, or e-mail: rmar@toto.is
Italian astronomer Galileo was an inspiration to the landlords of the 19th-century
Falcon House building in Reykjavík. In the same loft where Norwegian kings once
kept their falcons, there are now 700 blinking stars on the ceiling of the Italian
restaurant Galíleó. In a southern European atmosphere, one can sip classy cognac
under the stars, enjoy Icelandic fresh fish, lamb or veal prepared from exotic Italian
recipes or just linger and make eyes at that someone special under the man-made
northern lights. Galíleó takes care of their guests on four ancient floors. And in the
old, mysterious cellar, various Icelandic artists show their magnetic paintings,
while champagne and cappuccino is being served upstairs. TLG
Galíleó, Hafnarstræti 1, 101 Reykjavík; tel. (+354) 552-9500,
web site: www.galileo.is, e-mail: galileo@galileo.is
The kitchen is open from 5 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. every day of the week.
Two championship courses make up Reykjavík Golf Club, Iceland’s largest and old-
est club, and the host of this year’s Icelandic Championship tournament.
Grafarholt unwinds over 5,960 m of hilly terrain and requires precision play. Due
to the overflow of golfers vying for tee-times, the club built the nearby
Korpúlfsstadir course in 1997, an 18-hole gem that circles the picturesque river
Korpa, and winds along the edge of the sea. Green fees are around USD 35. EW
For more information call (+354) 587-2211 or log on to www.grgolf.is
Marathon Madness
Starry, Starry Night
Let’s play 18
i-site LEISURE❍
PHOTO PÁLL STEFÁNSSON
P
H
O
TO
B
R
IA
N
S
W
E
E
N
E
Y
P
H
O
TO
B
R
IA
N
S
W
E
E
N
E
Y
063-082 ATL 4/01 i-site 22.6.2001 16:10 Page 70