runningyana

The storied 60K Birken Ultra isn’t just Norway’s biggest trail running event. Its rich history reaches back to the year 1200, a tumultuous time when Norway was embroiled in a fierce civil war. The fate of the nation hinged on the safety of the young prince, Haakon Haakonssen, who was under threat from the opposing faction, the Baglers.

Upon the death of King Haakon Sverresson, Norway fell into chaos as the Baglers and the Birkebeiners – each vying for control – clashed across the nation. A small band of Birkebeiners took it upon themselves to escort the prince, the heir to the throne, and his mother, Inga, across treacherous mountainous terrain to the safety of Trondheim. This perilous journey laid the foundation for Prince Haakon to eventually grow up and unite Norway, ending a century-long civil war.

The name Birkebeinere (or Birkenbeinerløpet), given by the Baglers, was a dismissive reference to the birch bark leggings worn by the Birkebeiners. The Baglers intended it to signify weakness, but the Birkebeiners flipped this narrative, transforming it into a symbol of strength and endurance, which the race emulates to this day.

Now, let’s delve into the race recap:

Friday, 09.06.2023 – Journey from Oslo to Lillehammer

I set off on a two-hour scenic train journey from Oslo to Lillehammer. On arrival, I made my way to the expo to collect the bib and race pack, before finding some local fare for lunch. The next stop was my hotel – the conveniently situated Scandic Lillehammer Centrum, a stone’s throw away from the train station and a brief 15-minute walk from the race expo and shuttle bus stop. My room was spacious and comfortable, though the ongoing music festival held adjacent to the hotel made for a sleepless night.

Saturday, 10.06.2023 – Race Day

The early morning alarm at 4 a.m. signaled the start of a long day. Despite the raucous music disturbing my sleep, I managed to prepare a quick breakfast of hotel-room-made porridge and a banana. After preparing for the day ahead, I checked out and headed for the shuttle bus station.

At 6:30 a.m., the shuttle buses began their 20-minute journey to the Sjusjøen Langrennsarena. With ample time before the 8 a.m. race start, I managed to consume another banana, take my pre-race gel, and warm up sufficiently.

The race kicked off promptly at 8:00 a.m. Starting off on gravel roads, we soon encountered the trails. The leading pack set a fast pace, making it a struggle initially to find my rhythm. The narrow trails were challenging but picturesque, a mix of technical, alpine-like terrain and traditional Norwegian trails, featuring plank boardwalks, muddy swamps, snow, and shrubby meadows. Unfortunately, I fell twice on the rocky terrain and earned some bruises, bloody knees, and a cut on my hand. Luckily nothing was too seriously injured, so I was able to continue.

Despite the challenges, the beauty of the route was undeniable. As the kilometers rolled by, I found my rhythm, which allowed me to appreciate the scenery and run with the flow. The aid stations dotted every 7 to 10 km were well-stocked, and the volunteers and staff were incredibly supportive. Food-wise I could have eaten more during the race (something I do struggle with). I knew I was behind my planned nutrition strategy so I tried to compensate for the lack of calories with plenty of electrolytes and water to keep functioning, but this is a topic that definitely has some room for improvement for future race preparations.

As I entered the final 20 km, the trails became more crowded as they merged with the trail half marathon race. The single-track paths and the faster runners made maintaining my pace difficult, throwing me off my rhythm. To counter this, I developed a strategy of sticking with select runners for a few kilometers or overtaking them with the determination not letting them pass again. This a mental game that works pretty well for me when I get stressed, need to push, or hit the wall.

I could hear the finish line at Håkons Hall with all the music, announcements, and clapping spectators before I could see it. A sense of relief washed over me – I made it!

I crossed the finish line, securing the 6th place in my age group. Considering the strong and competitive field, this achievement was a good testament to my preparation and determination.

Reflecting on the race, the 60K Birken Ultra was not just a physical challenge, but a mental one. This race has given me an unforgettable experience and valuable insights, not just into my own endurance and capabilities, but also into Norway’s rich history.

Thank you Birken Løp for the fantastic race experience and RunAgain where I found this fantastic race.