There were ultimately 32 participants in the competition classes at this year's Malvikingen Opp. Not too bad, considering issues with the registration system and the clash with the Holmenkollstafetten. The weather was brilliant, and there were many happy participants and volunteers.
The winner of the race was Thomas Kjetland from Trondheim & Omegn Sportsklubb. With the unique concept "Everyone-against-everyone", it's not necessarily the first to the top who wins, but the one with the best result after age and gender adjustments. This year, Thomas was both first to the top and best overall in the everyone-against-everyone category. He therefore won both a wreath cake and a "goodie bag" from our sponsors. His adjusted time was the third best ever achieved in the race, only beaten by two runs from Anne Nevin. The finish time of 27:53.1 was adjusted to 25:46.6, slightly better than Vegard Skinnes’ course record of 25:54.0 from 2015.
The winner of the women’s class was Katharina Kahrs from Namdal Løpeklubb. She finished in 34:12.4, and her adjusted time of 29:35.0 was enough for fourth place in the overall category.
Podium – Everyone-against-everyone:
- Thomas Kjetland, TOSK, 25:46.6
- Anders Lundli, TOSK, 31:17.7
- Eirik Andreas Mortensbakke, NTNUI, 28:27.2
Podium – Men’s class:
- Thomas Kjetland, TOSK, 27:53.1
- Eirik Andreas Mortensbakke, NTNUI, 28:27.2
- Anders Lundli, TOSK, 29:38.7
Podium – Women’s class:
- Katharina Kahrs, Namdal Løpeklubb, 34:12.4
- Anette Kvaal, Bratsberg IL, 36:11.1
- Guri Sollien Hulbak, NTNUI, 38:07.7
It was also nice to see returning participants, and although many have 14 races behind them, Paul HĂĄkon AlmĂĄs stood out with 15 (every year), earning him the gold badge this year.
Christian Prestegaard came to take part in the last Norwegian uphill race on his "bucket list". Christian is "Mr. Uphill Running Norway" himself, and it was a pleasure to have him visit! Also "Mr. MerĂĄker Mountain Challenge", Hallgeir Martin Lundemo, graced the event with his presence.
In the hiking class, turnout was modest. As organizers, it’s disheartening to put in the effort when only seven people show up. So this might have been the last year for the hiking class. But we’ll see — maybe we’ll give it one more try. Still, if we don’t see dozens of hikers on their way up to Solemsvåttan next year, then…
Thank you to everyone who contributed to a fantastic day! And thanks to our loyal sponsors, Ranheim Paper and Board and Coop Extra Vikhammer.