Omega runners under midnight sun

Published: 06.07.11

For the third time Omega was represented by some of its most sporty team members at the starting line in the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø 25 June.

"I have run several marathons but the Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø is by far the most beautiful experience. The atmosphere and natural surroundings makes it really special," says Kjetil Espeland, second time Omega runner in Tromsø.

A mile or a marathon

Rune Lidal and Kjetil Espeland sets out for the 42 kilometres in Tromsø.

After having been represented in Tromsø in both 2005 and 2008 it was once again time for Omega to shine under the most unique run of the year. More than 80 Omega team members have set out on the midnight runs earlier. Among 4 254 runners from 60 different nations, nine Omega team members participated this year, in one of the four runs or as cheering audience on the sidelines.

Participants could choose between different distances:

• Marathon: 42.195 km
• Half Marathon: 21.0975 km
• 10 km race
• 4.2 km fun run

With 1 248 runners the ten kilometer race was the most popular one, where also several from the Omega delegation participated.

Espeland and Omega colleague Rune Lidal set out on the greatest challenge and lined up at start for the marathon at 20:30 Saturday night. They crossed the finishing line at times 05:05:29 and 05:15:33 respectively.

"I had actually decided to only do the half marathon, but changed my mind when I came to Tromsø. I had not prepared for a marathon as well as I should, so everything considered, I am satisfied to have finished, " says Espeland.

Ready for another round

At 22:30 the half marathon runners took off with Torleif Heggebø and Patrick Russel as Omega representatives. And just like all the other participants in the different runs, they got to experience the festive crowds and well-deserved cheering along the trail.

"Despite rainy weather reports, it was sunny with a perfect temperature just under 20 degrees. And as always, cheering crowds with both Norwegian and foreign flags along the trail gave the run its special festival feeling", says now three time Midnight Sun runner Heggebø, who is more than ready to take another midnight run for Omega again.

Both the festival atmosphere and running trails in beautiful North Norwegian surroundings makes the Midnight Sun Marathon a very popular event, gathering thousands every year. At 70º latitude it is the northernmost AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certified marathon in the world. Marathon runners and audiences have experienced the late night runs under midnight sun in late June for over twenty years.

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