This past Saturday, VGAN partnered with NEKROTRAIL, an 80 km ultra-marathon that led participants through Oslo's diverse landscapes, including gritty industrial areas, serene forests, and, yes, graveyards.
All photos by: Jonas Kriise – @JONASKRIISE
AIR OF EXCLUSIVITY
This unique race is not just a test of physical endurance but also a profound journey into the depths of body and mind. With only 14 contestants and a long waiting list, NEKROTRAIL maintains an air of exclusivity.
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES
The inspiration behind NEKROTRAIL is as unique as the race itself. Its founding father, Martin, conceptualized the event after training for a race that was ultimately canceled.
Undeterred, he embarked on an 80-kilometer journey through Oslo’s cemeteries, industrial zones, and dense forests. This path laid the foundation for what would become NEKROTRAIL, an event that pushes the boundaries of traditional ultrarunning.
SCORCHING HEAT
Thirteen runners started at 5:00 AM from Huken Quarry (one unfortunately had to withdraw just before the start). They faced scorching temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius, adding to the formidable challenge.
The course traversed the varied terrains of Lillomarka and Østmarka, and through the industrial areas of Groruddalen, leading participants through asphalt roads, gravel paths and rugged trails.
VGAN AT KNIVSTIKKARSTIEN (THE KNIFESTABBERS TRAIL)
We visited the race at the 30 km mark, deep inside Østmarka at the infamous KNIVSTIKKARSTIEN, where the runners enjoyed a well-deserved break. Here, they filled their water bottles and stocked up on VGAN, providing much-needed energy. As one contestant described it:
“We were met with drinks, chocolate, and cheerful organizers. While NEKROTRAIL may seem harsh, dark, and grueling outwardly, we actually encountered the friendliest organizers and volunteers ever. What a fantastic group!”
NEVER AGAIN ... OR?
Despite the challenges of the day, all participants reached the finish line. Although many may have thought "never again" during the race, they all expressed a desire to return next year after crossing the finish line.
Congratulations to all who took part in this extraordinary event, and a special congratulations to Viktor Wollan, who conquered the race with an incredible winning time of 9:41:08.
Also, a big shout-out to Christian Ellefsrud, a true hero who captured the essence of this unique experience in his amazing blog post.
We look forward to next year's race. Until then, keep pushing your limits and exploring the depths of your inner spectrum.
See you at NEKROTRAIL 2025!
PS: If you want to be part of this event, follow @nekrotrail on Instagram to know when they drop next year's race details. Be quick though, as this year's race sold out in 45 minutes!
INSTAGRAM: @NEKROTRAIL
