Really good race. Tough course , but incredibly beautiful. Expect an final time 15-30 min slower than on a flat asphalt course

This is a lovely run through the forest, with lots of climbing but also some fantastic, long descents. There aren't any spectators apart from plenty of mountain bike-riders. This year we started in perfect sunshine, had hail just past the halfway point, then rain and finally more sun. I liked getting a mug as a souvenir - more useful than a medal - and also I received a nice wooden plate as an age group prize. It's the scenery - the lakes and trees - that make this race a real winner, especially if you've had an overload of big-city races.

A very pleasant, low-key affair in the Nordic wilderness, beginning and ending on the northern edge of Oslo. A very hilly and challenging course run mainly on off-road tracks with a small stretch "off track" between KMs 31 and 33. The skies opened shortly after beginning and got us thoroughly drenched - not a good omen when you're cold and soaking after 8 KMs, but thankfully the Norwegian summer showed its face to dry us off. Showers continued throughout the afternoon but it wasn't enough to dampen the mood as a jog in the woods is an enlightening experience, even when you're staring at the ground whilst tackling a gargantuan hillside. No complaints about the organization. The website had details in English for the non-Norwegians and everything passed off very smoothly. The entry fee included a smart training t-shirt, registration and the finisher's prize was a mug. To be honest, I would have preferred a medal to a mug, and think the 500 NOK (50 GBP or 100 USD) entry fee could have supported this memento. That was really the only disappointment. I won't run it again, but recommend it to anyone who fancies a pleasant afternoon in the alpine countryside. Be prepared to be on your own for a long time and don't expect a PB, but you WILL enjoy it.