They have also won some Ultras and gotten mildly lost while doing so. Some of the guides even know sheep CPR and how to predict the weather by reading the entrails of a winter old ram, though this has not proven to be very efficient. You’re also welcome to ask them for life advice, but we can’t guarantee the usefulness of their answers.
Búi (one of 26 Icelanders with that first name) is a marketeer who punches the clock at Iceland's largest brewery, is a classically trained guitarist and a long time fan of the hurt locker. Over the past years Búi has participated in races ranging from 5K to 100 miles (161K) and has had success in all that range, maintaining a constant presence in the upper tier of Iceland's ultra races, e.g. winning 2021's Hengill 100 miles race while also managing a good showing in classic street race distances such as 10K and whole and half marathons.
The last arrival in the trail running game and the oldest of your guides, Jón Trausti is a lawyer, historian and the founder and current publisher of Iceland's best known english language medium; The Reykjavík Grapevine (look for a physical copy of it in your hotel lobby).
Though an avid runner and hiker for years Jón Trausti first got into running by herding sheep at the farm he grew up at but only ran his first proper Ultra in 2021. He won, but he claims this is because how few participated in the race. Jón is well aquatinted with Iceland's history and its nature and willing to answer detailed questions about 13th century Icelandic/Norwegian law codes for those interested.
Þorsteinn (pronounced Thorstain) emerged on the trail running scene few years back and has in remarkably short amount of time become one of the most prominent members of the fast growing trail running community in Iceland. After remarkably successful year in 2021, racking in wins and podium finishes on the slopes, he was awarded a spot on the Iceland national trail running team, and has since represented the blue, red and white shirt in national trail running championships.
Þorsteinn was born and raced under the slopes of Europe’s largest glacier, and like Jón Trausti, he build a solid trail running base gathering sheep for local farms each autumn as well as playing football (soccer for our American friends). Not only is Þorsteinn one of the best runners in Iceland, but he is also an extremely talented content maker (check out his Instagram!) and is currently studying physiotherapy. He can therefore most likely keep up with you company on the trails, film you while he does so and heal that injury you´ve been dealing with (like all trail runners do). Talking about a Jack of all trades!