The race takes contestants through some of Norway's most striking scenery. Starting with a swim in the Hardangerfjord, and ending at the top of Gaustatoppen, Southern Norway’s highest mountain, 1,850 metres above sea level, Norseman is not for the faint hearted. Total ascent is 5,000 metres. Norseman took place for the first time in 2003, with 21 athletes at the starting line. Since then the event has gained in popularity. Because of logistics, the race is limited to only 240 competitors, about half of whom are foreigners. Women make up about 15% of contestants. Not all participants make it to the summit. Only the first 160 do so - the others have to finish on the mountain plateau.