Lofoten Stage Run 2024 – The Arctic Triple

The inaugural 2024 Lofoten Stage Run has just concluded, two experiences, the 170km Expedition Run and the 130km Adventure Run brought to you by The Arctic Triple team. Six days and four stages inspired by the Lofoten Ultra-Trail 100 Miles solo race, the Lofoten Stage Run brings the same route broken down into manageable chunks.

There is no better way to fully immerse oneself and experience that magic that Lofoten offers. The routes journey to hidden places, often only experienced by the most adventurous tourist. Each day concluding with the Norwegian Hytte experience and local cuisine.

Designed to be a running holiday, however, do not be fooled, those cozy and comfortable evenings are worked for. The terrain here in Lofoten is challenging; a mixture of all terrains and elements that can bring for many, the ultimate challenge.

Mountains, snow, single-track and amazaing views with Johan Cajdert.

THE EXPERIENCE

Arriving in Svolvær on Tuesday May 28^th, participants were transported to Reine, considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Norway. It is certainly iconic.

Staying in an authentic fisherman cabin in Reine Rorbuer, the 2024 experience kicked-off with a race briefing and then dinner.

Wednesday, stage 1, started with a boat trip from Reine to Kjerkfjorden.

The route ahead, 39km’s. The opening 10km’s a real challenge with tough climbs, technical terrain, snow sections and soft/ boggy ground.

Kvalvik beach offers some opportunity for flat terrain before a steep climb and eventually a descent to Fredvang and checkpoint.

A road section leads to Nesland and the final technical trail sections before arriving in the picture postcard, Nusfjord – a tough day!

Stage 2 at 34km’s concludes at Lofoten Rorbuutleie another amazing location surrounded by sea and mountains.

The early route to Napp bringing many a challenge, technical trails and mild hands-on scrambling sections before sweeping single-track with stunning views.

Road sections provide some easy running and link the key trails

Road gives way to coastal trail and another road section before arriving at Lilleeidetholmen Marina, the buildings are located with water on both sides and direct access to quays and floating docks.

Stage 3 for 170km Expedition runner’s is the long day, covering 52km’s with arguably the most ‘runnable’ terrain of the whole week.

Technical aspects are reduced and much of the route is single-track interspersed with some road.

The finish at Brustranda Fjordcamping once again offering a wonderful Norwegian hytte experience of cabin surrounded by water and mountains.

Stage 4, the final day bringing some of the most technical terrain of the whole Lofoten Stage Run experience, especially the climb to Jordtinden and the ridge that follows with some exposure form ‘airy’ single-track, snow fields and at times, challenging terrain.

The final peak of Tjeldbergtinden a final challenge before the run in to Svovær and the conclusion of four magical days. After the race, a meal at the event hotel, Thon Hotel Lofoten, where the focus is some of the best local food from the area. A perfect evening to recap from the race and share new and old stories with your new friends.

THE RUN

170km or 130km, one thing is for sure, running in Lofoten is tough and challenging. Terrain constantly switches from demanding and technical sections to easy flowing single-track. For sure, day 1 was a surprise to many and a warning of the challenge that would be ahead to complete the 4-day experience.

Despite schedules for the 170/130km runs, this journey was all about enjoyment and experience, therefore, participant requests for shorter days, or even rest days were accommodated. The Lofoten Stage Run is as explained, a running holiday and therefore it should provide the right experience for the individual.

Reiner completed the 170km mixing walking and running

What was key was the unified enjoyment through the whole group of participants, key to this was the evening hytte experience and the sharing of a meal together.

Of course, racing did take place, and Lina and Sanna Elkott Helander were the stand out champions of the 170km distance along with Johan Cajdert.

Graeme Murdoch and Tzvetie Erohina lead the way for the 130km.

Results though don’t tell the story, the Lofoten Stage Run was a relaxed trail running experience that brought so much more than just running.

The weather played ball and provided not only pleasurable temperatures but also allowed Lofoten to be visible, this really is a truly magical landscape. Traveling point-to-point, on foot, experiencing the majesty of Norway. Stunning trails, majestic mountains, resplendent views, and all during the endless daytime of the midnight sun. It gets no better!

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