BMW Oslo Marathon launches «roller ski race»

Roller skiing is a strongly growing year-round sport and soon perhaps Norwegians' new national sport? Over 300,000 couples with roller skis are lying around in stalls, basements and in some bedrooms in Norway. The Oslo Marathon will see these rolling in the capital's streets in the future, and will eventually become Norway's largest roller ski race.

- This year's event will be a pilot project with up to 100 invited roller skiers from 10 different clubs. For us, it is important to focus on safety, so that we can create a good experience and open up for more people to participate in the coming years, says General Manager of the Oslo Marathon, Karen Kvalevåg.

The roller ski enthusiasts Sondre Matre Fossum and Lars Andersson have been prime movers for this project. In collaboration with the Oslo Marathon, they want to eventually create a roller ski event adapted to everyone.

-We believe there has been a lack of a good offer for those who want to go roller skiing in the capital. The BMW Oslo Marathon is a folk festival with thousands of runners. It was therefore natural for us to get roller skis into this event, says Fossum.

September 16 is the day when the roller skis are sent out into the streets of the capital for the very first time in the history of the Oslo Marathon. The trail is 10 km long and offers several exciting challenges for the participants.

-This year, some parts consist of less good asphalt, so this will be the roller ski sport's answer to Paris Robaix, says Fossum.

Fossum further explains that roller skiing is a fantastic form of exercise that is gentle on the body. All those who can not run due to injuries should try roller skiing. In the future, Oslo Municipality will facilitate good cycle paths suitable for roller skiing. You can therefore put on your skis outside the door and walk towards beautiful areas such as Maridalen, Sørkedalen or Fornebu. And for all those who are afraid of not being able to brake, roller skis with brakes work great!

This year's BMW Oslo Marathon kicks off on 16 September, and so far has 15,000 registered on the distances. At 08:45, the first start will take place, where 100 roller ski participants will be sent out for the very first time.

-We look forward to rolling on with the Oslo Marathon and all the participants, Fossum and Andersson conclude enthusiastically.

Sondre Matre Fossum and Lars Andersson

MONICA
GUTUEN

AMBASSADOR

Age: 45

Residence: Bærum

Distance during the BMW Oslo Marathon 2020:
I run half, and of course aim to have the widest smile all the way.

Previous participation in the Oslo Marathon:
«10 for Grete» 2013, Half Marathon 2014 and 2015, 2017 and 2018 and marathon in 2019.

Three words that describe me:
Outgoing, Smiling, Energetic

Instagram: @muddylicious