Norseman: The Goal is to Survive
Eidford (Global Adventures): Only 200 competitors are accepted each year to participate in the Norseman Extreme Triathlon, an Ironman-distance triathlon that starts with a swim in a Norwegian fjord and finishes on top of the 6,178 feet (1,883 meters) Gaustatoppen. The Norseman is billed as the world's most brutal iron-distance triathlon, taking place at the same latitude as Anchorage in Alaska.
The race starts with a 2.36 mile (3.8 kilometer) swim in the Hardangerfjord. The water temperature is 64 degrees if athletes get lucky, 59 degrees if they don’t. Stormy conditions can produce waves that make swim strokes and breathing extremely difficult.
The swim is followed by 111.85 miles (180 kilometers) on the bike, with long uphill passages and potentially strong crosswinds. The best part of the race, many athletes say, is the 26.22 miles (42.2 kilometers) run. While the first 15.53 miles (25 kilometers) are relatively flat, the last 10.69 miles (17.2 kilometers) involve an extreme climb to 6,178 feet (1,883 meters).
Organizers warn:
"There is a risk of extreme weather conditions on the mountain. Therefore, there will be a special checkpoint to assure that:
- You are fit enough to continue to the finish.
- Both you and your support team have the necessary equipment in a backpack, containing warm clothes, food and drink. You must carry your own equipment.
- You will not be allowed to enter the mountain alone. If your support team does not follow you into the mountain, you will be held back and connected to the next competitor. This concerns all competitors."
For most athletes, the goal is simple: survive. About 75 percent of the participants are expected to make the cut off and finish at the top of the mountain. The others are allowed to finish at the mountain plateau. The competitors need to bring their own support. Normally, about 60 percent of the participants come from Norway, and only about 15 percent are female.
The race is "unsupported" so competitors need to have personal back up crews that follow them with cars to provide them with food and drinks. The support crew also has to accompany their competitor up the final mountain climb. During this final mountain climb competitors, are required to carry a back pack containing emergency food and clothing should the weather turn.
In 2003, local athletes organized the Norseman for the first time to promote triathlons in Norway. Only 21 athletes were at the starting line. The ironman style distance triathlon has gained popularity ever since.
The 2010 event will take place on August 07.
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