A Run on Top of the Globe - Spitsbergen Marathon
Spitsbergen Marathon takes place in and around Longyearbyen and has in recent years seen a steady increase of participants.
The race takes place in and around Longyearbyen and has in recent years seen a steady increase of participants.
- This is a race on the Arctic pearl on top of the globe. It offers an opportunity to combine competition, physical challenge and breathtaking scenery on the same journey, says Silje M. Hagen at Svalbard Turn in Longyearbyen.
Spitsbergen Marathon has three distances; 42,195 km (marathon), 21,0975 km (half marathon) and Spitsbergen Mila (10km with optional time recording). The race starts Saturday June the 3rd in Longyearbyen.
- The marathons has happened 23 times already, and so far we have 26 different nations registred on our starting list this year, says Hagen
Highly Recognized Marathon
- We have seen an increase in registrations especially from Sweden, Germany, Italy and England. It´s really exiting, Hagen tells.
This year, the Spitsbergen Marathon can boast a brand new trail.
- In addition, we have been included as part of the AIMS list along with reputable races like The London Marathon and The Boston Marathon, she explains.
AIMS is a member-based organization of more than 400 of the world’s leading distance races, from over 100 countries and territories.
-We are beginning to get international recognition as a good marathon; people really enjoy it, says Hagen.
Spitsbergen Marathon is getting international recognition as a good race; - people really enjoy it, leader Silje M. Hagen tells. (Photo: private)
By now, 280 persons have registered to participate in the Spitsbergen Marathon. Head of Race Silje Hagen expects around 350 participants at the starting line. (Photo: Spitsbergen Marathon)
The presence of polar bears near the marathon track is a constant and very real threat. (Photo: Spitsbergen Marathon)
Spitsbergen Marathon - the only race with armed guards according to leader Silje M. Hagen, Svalbard Turn. (Photo: Spitsbergen Marathon)
Spitsbergen Mila (10km) has two classes. One for men and one for women, regardless of age. (Photo: Spitsbergen Marathon)
One danger you will not face in many other places during a marathon is the polar bear. (Photo: Spitsbergen Marathon)
A cold-nosed run
One can expext temperatures between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius on Svalbard in June. Rain, fog or wind is not uncommon.
- We recomend bringing windproof running gear with long sleeves and long pants. Cap and gloves should also be included, says Hagen.
One danger you would not face in other places during a marathon, is the polar bear.
- We are the only race with armed guards, I believe. And I know there have been polar bears visiting the city just a week before the race. This danger is common in Svalbard, therefore we have guards are posted all along the trail, says Hagen.