A record and 72,000 participants make the Holmenkoll Relay the world’s largest race in 2024. Afterwards, thousands of sweaty and happy runners took in Oslo’s outdoor restaurants.
Published: 04/05/2024 17:10 | Updated: 04/05/2024 18:37
– That was nice. Beautiful, says Cathrine Brox Edgren.
The 50-year-old has landed at the outdoor restaurant at Dasslokket after running for one of Obos’ teams. They ended up “somewhere in the middle of the tree”, says teammate Mia Gabrielsen (45).
– What is nicer, running or having a beer in the sun afterwards?
– The beer in the sun, of course, says Edgren.
This year’s edition of the relay set a new participant record with more than 72,000 participants divided into 4,800 teams. According to organizer Tjalve, this makes the Holmenkoll Relay the world’s biggest race in 2024. Last year, 60,000 runners from 4,093 teams took part.
– Impressively well done, with so many participants, boast the two Obos runners.
The starting shot went at 2:00 p.m. The race started at Bislett and St. Hanshaugen, and goes up to Holmenkollen, before finishing at the Bislett stadium.
With temperatures above 20 degrees, the Meteorological Institute came up with a clear message for everyone who took part in the relay:
– Remember sunscreen and plenty of water.
Ruter has also prepared for the sea of people in the city, as a result of the race. They report major changes in public transport in the west and center of Oslo. In addition, they warn of delays on the subway.
– Several departures are unfortunately delayed due to many people travelling. Allow extra time for your journey, they write.
These came in first place
Ullensaker/Kisa and Tjalve won the elite class for men and women respectively at the Holmenkoll Relay on Saturday afternoon.
Ull/Kisa eventually won by 37 seconds to the Swedish team Hälle in 2nd place. Gular secured the bronze.
Last year, Ull/Kisa took their first victory in the relay after Thomas Roth fell on the penultimate stage the previous year.
However, it was Hälle who came out the best from the start and gained a clear lead on the first stage, but after solid running by all Kisa participants, Markus Einan was finally able to run to victory.
In the women’s class, Maren Bakke Amundsen Tjalve sprinted to her second straight victory. Vidar followed 49 seconds behind in 2nd place, while Gular was third.
