The start list is now available - including a former Olympic champion and two previous winners
Eidfjord, Norway — Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the world`s toughest triathlons, today made available the list of athletes who will start the 2026 race. On 1 August, 250 athletes will jump from a ferry into the Hardangerfjord at 05:00 and take on 226 kilometers of swimming, cycling and running across Norway, finishing on top of Mount Gausta.
Kristian Grue at Mount Gausta in 2025.
Photo: Sylvain Cavatz
This years field includes Alistair Brownlee, double Olympic champion, who will be racing Norseman for the first time.
“I`ve been a triathlete for 30 years, and for 18 of those I was a professional, training to win the biggest races”, says Brownlee. “But I`ve always been the child who wants to explore new places, push my limits and discover new sporting communities. Now I`ve got the chance to do that, and the one race at the top of my list has always been Norseman. I`m genuinely excited, and slightly nervous, to experience this legendary event.”
“I like to tell everyone I don`t compete anymore, I participate. But that`s easier said than done when the horn goes. My goal is to enjoy the race, taking in the scenery. I`ll still be going as fast as I can, even if that`s a lot slower than a few years ago. I will enjoy crossing the finish line as much as ever”, Brownlee ends.
Among the athletes who will be racing for the win is Kristian Grue, winner of the 2025 edition and Hans Christian Tungesvik, the winner of the 2019 edition.
"Norseman 2026 will be an exciting edition for everyone following along," says Grue.
"On paper, the start list points to a tight fight at the front. I love this course and I love this race. It's the most spectacular course out there. And I couldn't say no to the chance to race a two-time Olympic champion in triathlon. My ambition is to beat the 2025 version of myself. If I manage to do so, I think everyone else on the start list is going to have a tough day," Grue continues.
Kaja Bergwitz Larsen with a podium finish in 2024.
Photo: Lars-Erik Blenne Lien
In the women’s field, Kaja Bergwitz-Larsen is one of the favorites, with three previous podium finishes.
“My ambitions for Norseman this year is to set a new personal best and do one final attempt on taking the win. This year, I'm not going to race Celtman or Swissman like previous years but instead prepare and focus only on Norseman”, says Bergwitz-Larsen.
Nikola Corbova won the Himalayan XTRI overall in May 2025 and is on the start list for Norseman for the first time this year.
Close to 8,000 people from 100 countries applied for a place in the 2026 race, which is fully booked.
See the full start list attached. If you want access to athletes' country and postal codes to find local heroes, contact our press manager.
Startlist 2026 can be found here.
For media
On-site coverage: If you represent a media outlet and would like to cover the race in Norway, please apply for accreditation as soon as possible: https://www.nxtri.com/accreditiation
Press kit:
If you won't be on site but would like access to imagery and materials, our press kit is here: Press kit
Press contact:
Charlotte Knudsen, press@nxtri.com or +47 97 56 1959
About Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
The first Norseman was held in 2003. The distances match a traditional full-distance triathlon, but steep climbs, rugged terrain and harsh weather make this event very different. The race runs point to point, finishing on top of a mountain.
Distances
· Swim: 3.8 km in the Hardangerfjord, Eidfjord
· Bike: 180 km through rugged terrain and steep climbs
· Run: 42.2 km, including a final ascent to Mount Gaustatoppen
Race details
Start: Eidfjord, Norway
Finish: Gausta, Norway
Field: 250 athletes on the start line
Swim: Athletes jump from a ferry into the fjord and swim to shore in Eidfjord
Bike: A scenic but gruelling route with more than 3,000 metres of climbing
Run: The first 25 km runs alongside Lake Tinnsjøen; the final 17 km is a demanding climb from Rjukan to Mount Gaustatoppen — known among athletes as "Zombie Hill"
Finishers: The first 160 athletes to reach 37 km at Stavsro finish on Mount Gaustatoppen and earn the black t-shirt. Athletes arriving later finish on a lower course over the same distance and earn the white t-shirt.
