Imagine running past polar bears and glaciers, under the midnight sun, or along the edge of the fjords. Jimmy “The Runner” Vika shares his six favourite Norwegian running events that you can brag about completing once you return home.
While one very popular race is The Great Fjord Run in Bergen, endorsed by Ethiopian former world champion Haile Gebrselassie, Jimmy Vika has more even more top races on his list.
The hardcore outdoor enthusiast ran 20 marathons in Norway in just 20 days — a staggering 844 kilometres — to promote the non-profit Right to Play.
“Running makes you open your senses and enhances the experience of nature. In addition, you can discover places that you don’t have access to from a car or a bus, and you can cover different areas and attractions in a short amount of time,” says Jimmy.
Throughout Norway, locals organise a whole host of races that are as diverse and exotic as the nature itself. Several races are on trails that take you through natural terrain.
Many races also have races for children, cultural events and lots of other fun activities, and have shorter distances for every level.
Here are some of the top races in Norway!
1. The Midnight Sun Marathon, Tromsø
Running under the midnight sun in the city of Tromsø at the end of June is something everyone should experience at least once. A fantastic atmosphere and unrivalled Arctic scenery make this a truly unique event.
2. The Spitsbergen Marathon, Svalbard
Running on Svalbard is incredible. You get even closer to the pristine Arctic nature in running shoes. The local community works hard to give all visitors a good experience, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a polar bear along the route.
3. The Hardangervidda Marathon, Hardanger
Start in the fjord-side town of Eidfjord in Hardanger and run through picturesque scenery. Discover famous areas up close, including the Hardangerjøkulen glacier, the Vøringsfossen waterfall, and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
4. Blefjells Beste, Buskerud
This ultra-trail race with a limited number of runners, in Blefjell in Telemark has become one of my favourites because you can choose between multiple distances from 6 to 57 kilometres in beautiful mountain terrain. The longest routes include several peaks with stunning views.
5. Fjellmaraton, Beitostølen in Valdres
I’ve had some of my best experiences in the mountain village of Beitostølen in Valdres. Running across the sunny high mountain plateau of Valdresflye early in the morning is unforgettable. You might experience everything from tall banks of snow on both sides of the road to 20 degrees Celsius and shorts weather in the town centre of Beitostølen after the run. You can choose between several distances from 1 to 42 kilometres.
6. The Oslo Marathon
I love sightseeing in the capital while running. If you complete this half marathon or marathon, you get to see almost all the neighbourhoods around Oslo's city centre. Each year, around 20,000 people participate, and thousands of spectators line the route to cheer you on all the way to the finish line.
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