"My Marathon" - Wheelchair no obstacle!

In an accident on July 2, 1998, I had to amputate my left foot at the hip at the age of 44. I was riding a motorcycle when an oncoming truck lost a wheel that unfortunately hit me. Thus it was done. I was suddenly disabled, something I had never thought I would stay, says Knut Herrem.

He has always been active, run a lot and participated in several full marathons. He completed the Oslo Marathon with a finish time of 3.08, Stockholm with a finish time of 3.12 and New York with a time of 3.20. He has also completed several half marathons.

  • Now it was suddenly the end of the run, but should I sit down to do nothing? No, it's not for me, says Knut.

Two years after the accident, Knut participated in the Paralympics sailing in Sydney. In addition, there was a World Cup in sailing before he gave in to this. As a 50 year gift, he received a golf putter from a friend with a clear message to start playing golf. Knut believes he will never be the world's best golfer, but it is a challenge to play on one leg.

  • This year I aim to participate in the BMW Oslo Marathon, Racing Wheelchair. Here, the trail is 10 km for us in a wheelchair, but the hope is that the half and full marathon will be opened for us with reduced mobility as well, Knut says.

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Knut makes no secret of the fact that it has been difficult to get started with training after the accident. But when the current government opened up for people with reduced mobility over the age of 26 to receive support for aids, he was kicked in the "ass" and ordered, among other things, a new ski sled and a studded chair. Then there were no excuses, and the training began.

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  • Now I train 2-3 times a week in the studio, mainly ski machine and strength. 1-2 times a week I will now try to spike my regular route from Rygge to Råde on the bike path. It is a trip of 20 km that takes about 1.15 hours, very nice trip. In order not to forget golf completely, I try to have a day at the golf course in Drøbak as well. Nice change, says Knut.

Herrem has participated in Ridderennet for 15 years, but 2016 is the first year he has trained properly. The ski training, he believes, lays a good foundation for wheelchair picking and the preparations for the BMW Oslo Marathon. This year, Knut will participate in the Holmenkoll Relay, Mountain Marathon 21 km and BMW Oslo Marathon. He has finally found a full marathon for "spikers" and has entered the Souternmost Marathon in Key West on October 8 this year.

  • Even if you are exposed to events in life that set you back physically, there is no excuse for not exercising. I actually believe that good shape and exercise prolong life, Knut concludes.

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