Interest in Norseman more than doubles for 2027
Attracting younger athletes and nearly tripling female applicants.
Photo: Hans Kristian Krogh-Hansen / Defender
For the 2027 edition of Norseman, 16,033 athletes entered the ballot before it closed at 23:59 on Sunday 11 October, more than twice as many as last year. At the same time, Norseman is attracting younger athletes and significantly more women: the median age has fallen from 38 to 34, while the number of female entrants has almost tripled to 1,907.
In total, the number of ballot entrants increased by 102 percent from 7,956 for the 2026 race. Athletes from 110 countries entered this year’s ballot, compared with 100 last year.
“The level of interest is both exciting and challenging. We would love to say yes to everyone, but unfortunately many will be disappointed. We have great respect for the commitment behind every entry, and we understand the disappointment of those who do not secure a place,” says Fredrik Mandt, Race Director.
Strong growth in Norway and internationally
Norway remains Norseman’s largest market. A total of 7,176 Norwegians entered the ballot, an increase of 145 percent from last year, while the international interest grew by 78 percent. The largest international markets are the UK, with 1,740 entrants, followed by France with 1,074, the US with 1,045 and Germany with 785.
“Norseman is deeply rooted in Norway, starting in the Hardangerfjord and crossing some of the country’s most spectacular and unpredictable landscapes. At the same time, it has become a truly international event. Seeing such strong growth both in Norway and internationally is very encouraging,” says Mandt.
Younger athletes and more women
More than half of this year’s ballot entrants are under 35. The strongest change is among the youngest athletes: 11 percent are under 25, almost twice the 6 percent recorded last year.
Female participation has also increased significantly. The number of women entering the ballot rose from 652 to 1,907, while their share of the total increased from 8 to 12 percent.
“These developments are not accidental. We have specifically worked to reach younger athletes and encourage more women. It is particularly rewarding to see that these efforts are producing clear results,” says Mandt.
“There is still work to be done, especially when it comes to female participation, but this is an important step in the right direction.”
New interest and strong loyalty
The figures show a combination of strong loyalty and significant new interest. Two out of three people who entered the ballot last year have tried again for 2027. At the same time, two out of three of this year’s entrants are new to the Norseman ballot.
Around 250 athletes will ultimately stand on the start line in Hardangerfjorden on 7 August 2027 for what the organizers have referred to as Norseman 2.0. Recently, the race manual for next year’s event was announced, with significantly stricter cut-off times along the race due to closed roads for improved safety.
“Norseman will remain a small and highly personal race. The enormous interest does not change what Norseman is ultimately about: ordinary people preparing to accomplish something extraordinary,” Mandt concludes.
Ballot draw and announcement
The ballot draw took place on Wednesday 14 October. The results will be announced on Norseman’s YouTube channel at 20:00 CEST on Wednesday 21 October.
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