About Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

The course runs point-to-point – or fjord to peak: Starting at sea level, with a 4 meter drop off a ferry into the Hardangerfjord, crossing the starkly haunting Hardangervidda mountain plateau, finishing at the rocky peak of Gaustatoppen, at 1,850m above sea level and 220km away, Norseman is a long day’s journey through some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery. The total ascent is 5,000 meters. The water is cold, clean, and comes lightly salted. The weather can be anything from brilliantly beautiful to blasting blizzard. If you’re really lucky, you may see porpoises, orcas or reindeer – or, more likely, baffled locals who think you are nuts, but will cheer you on anyway.

The male/female ratio is 85/15. Half of the athletes are Norwegian. The other half represent 40-some countries around the globe. We suspect some may actually come from other planets, as their performances are just out of this world.

For safety reasons, Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is limited to 250 athletes. For the same reason, the number of athletes allowed to finish on top of the mountain is limited to 160.Those arriving later complete their iron-distance at the mountain plateau below the peak. And all this for the prize of a t-shirt: Black for those who finish on top of the mountain; white for those who finish on the plateau below. All equally fabulous.

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon was organized for the first time in 2003, with a starting field of 21. The race quickly gained popularity. For more about the history of Norseman, read the long version here.

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is owned and organized by Hardangervidda Triatlon Klubb. The 20-odd members of the club comprise the main crew of the race. Most are slow-moving triathletes, or locals from the communities of Eidfjord and Rjukan.  Learn more about the crew.