By the time the 2013 Norseman Xtreme Triathlon closed its enrolment window on Saturday morning, almost 1200 athletes from 44 countries had signed up for the 11th edition of the event. (Enrolment for Norseman 2013 opened at 07:00 CET on Saturday 27 October and closed a week later, at 07:00 CET on Saturday 3 November 2012.)
The athletes who enrolled over the past week have all secured a ticket in the draw for one of the 250 much-coveted race slots. Hardangervidda Triatlon Klubb, which organizes Norseman, expects to notify the expectant athletes the results of the draw by mid-November. Participation at the ever-popular race is restricted in consideration of the athletes’ safety on the unique and extremely demanding course.
“We are both proud and humbled to be organizing a race that is considered bucket list by so many excellent and dedicated athletes around the world,” said Dag Oliver, General Manager of Norseman Xtreme Triathlon. “Norseman’s spectacular course and low-key atmosphere have lent us the reputation of a back-to-basics race that remains true to the core of triathlon. This is a legacy we are very proud of.”
Oliver continued, “While half of the enrolees are Norwegian, nations on all continents are represented; from Argentina to Australia, Belize to Belgium, South Africa to Singapore, and the Ukraine to the USA. We hope our final starting list will have the same diversity.
“This year, France represents the greatest increase in interest. Other major triathlon nations like the UK and Germany will also have a large number of athletes in the race. And we are happy to note that our Swedish neighbours have now really discovered Norseman.”
While the number of participants is limited, the organizers have shown no restriction in the physical and mental challenges they have concocted for the athletes.
The race starts at 05:00 with the iconic jump off a ferry for a frosty 3.8K swim in ‘the scenic, though abysmal’ Hardangerfjord; after which the athletes embark on a 180K bike leg, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and five mountain passes with up to 10% average gradients and a total elevation of almost 5000m, well on par with the more demanding legs of the Tour de France.
The race finale is a full marathon run that includes a massive climb of 1400m over its final 17K, to the finish line at Mount Gaustatoppen, at 1850m above sea level.
With limited capacity, the legendary Norseman Xtreme Triathlon remains an exclusive, yet egalitarian, no frills event. Adding to the atmosphere is the fact that athletes must organize their own support teams. The athletes who make it to the top are all awarded the same prize: a simple black finisher t-shirt.
SWISSMAN
In a separate development, the Norseman organisers have confirmed that SWISSMAN is now part of its family of events ‘that honour the basic values of triathlon; unique experiences, true competition, a friendly atmosphere and spectacular surroundings.’
The first SWISSMAN Xtreme Triathlon takes place on 22 June 2013. As with Norseman, the number of places for the event are very limited. SWISSMAN is positioned as ‘an unforgettable adventure for athletes, supporters and spectators.’ From the palm trees in the Italian part of Switzerland, over the Alps and the majestic mountain backdrop of the Eiger, the new event is set to be imposing. Further information on the inaugural race in Switzerland will follow as it becomes available.
