A record and 72,000 participants make the Holmenkoll Relay the world’s biggest 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 19:13
– 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?
– 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. In advance, it was reported to be over 20 degrees, and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute issued an appeal to all participants: Remember sunscreen and plenty of water.
Later in the day, the temperature showed 23.7 degrees at Blindern – the warmest so far this year.
It was still not too hot, says Fredrik Rønningen (28), who ran for the consultancy company PWC and had traveled in from Hamar.
– It was heavy. But perfect weather, he says.
Teammate Marianne Byfuglien (30) believes the weather helps to create an even better atmosphere.
– And then it’s fun that so many people are there.
– How did the race go then?
– We ended up in the wrong pool, together with the teams that have a majority of men. Despite the fact that our team consists mostly of women, explains Fredrik Rønningen.
– But we were still among the best 20 percent.
Ullensaker/Kisa and Tjalve won the elite class for men and women respectively.
