In Brief
- The Bislett 24-hour race was held this year for the 17th time.
- 175 runners were ready when the starting signal went off at 10:00 on Saturday.
- The runners have run for 24 hours on a 546.5-meter long indoor track in the basement of Bislett Stadium.
- The winner of the race is the one who has covered the most kilometers in those 24 hours.
At 10:00 on Saturday, the starting signal for this year’s Bislett 24-hour race went off. Among the participants were Frank Løke (44) and Emil Gukild (32).
– Madness
Frank Løke (44) participated for the eighth time and clocked in at 11th place with 209 kilometers. </
- This is madness, but it’s incredibly fun, says Frank Løke to Dagbladet right after finishing.
– I am really satisfied. I weigh 98 kilos, and the guys I’m battling against are 40 kilos lighter. None are close weight-wise. I’ll pay for this later. The pace has varied, but this is my third-best result. I feel strong and my head is with me, he says.
- This is the worst and toughest thing I do every single year, but I’m always chasing that feeling of pride. It’s perhaps the best feeling in the world. I want to feel incredibly sore, and I love this stuff, says the 44-year-old.
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– There were some internal battles here that I needed to win, and I like that. Emil Gukild was running and I outpaced him, says a satisfied Løke.
Next weekend, he will compete in the Norwegian Championships in skierg, ergometer rowing, and watt bike.
– It’s tough. I don’t know if I can handle it now, he adds.
– But now I am going to have a fat burger and go home to sleep.
Satisfied
Emil Gukild (32), who ran Bislett 24 for the first time, covered 123 kilometers and came in 113th place.
– I am very satisfied with my performance; I thought I would give up several times. I have never worked so hard mentally for anything before, says Gukild right after the finish.
He shares that the worst part of the race was the period between 50 and 75 kilometers.
- I had set a goal to get over 100 kilometers, but once I passed that distance, everything seemed dark. I thought it wouldn’t work. I just wanted to go home, he says.
Gukild made a proper sprint in the last ten minutes of the race but with somewhat unusual footwear, namely slippers.
– I have so many blisters on my ankles and toes, so my shoes no longer fit. A friend brought me slippers. Those became my shoes for the last part, and I ran my fastest laps with them, so that’s cool, he tells.
UNUSUAL FOOTWEAR: Emil Gukild ran the last kilometers in slippers. Photo: Thale Mohagen
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He admits that it was fun to run but that he probably won’t be seen at the starting line next year.
– Now I’m going home to soak in the bathtub, and then I will lie on the couch or in bed until tomorrow, he says.
Iver Anton Kronstad (25) from Team Øya is the winner of this year’s Bislett 24. He covered a total of 235.5 kilometers in these 24 hours.
What are the mental challenges faced during the Bislett 24-Hour Race?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Frank Løke on the Bislett 24-Hour Race Experience
Time.news Editor (TNE): Frank, thank you for joining us today to discuss your experience at the recent Bislett 24-Hour Race. Congratulations on finishing in 11th place! How do you feel right now after such a grueling event?
Frank Løke (FL): Thank you! It’s great to be here. Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. It’s madness to push myself for 24 consecutive hours, but there’s an incredible sense of achievement that comes with it.
TNE: You mentioned the word ‘madness’ in your post-race comments. What makes this race feel so extreme compared to your other athletic endeavors?
FL: This race is unique because of its sheer duration and the mental challenges it presents. While I’ve trained for other sports, nothing really compares to battling both physical fatigue and mental barriers for a full day. Each hour feels like a lifetime out there!
TNE: You participated for the eighth time this year. How do you maintain your motivation to keep coming back, especially knowing how tough it is?
FL: It’s a yearly ritual for me! Each time I train for the Bislett 24, I go through my own internal battles—pushing limits, facing self-doubt. I believe I enjoy the challenge and pride it brings. After all the pain, knowing I’ve conquered something so demanding brings me a feeling of pride like no other. It’s perhaps the best feeling in the world.
TNE: The race is held on a 546.5-meter indoor track—what kind of strategies do you employ to stay focused during the whole 24 hours?
FL: It’s all about pacing. You have to find your rhythm early on, making sure not to burn out too quickly. Nutrition plays a crucial role as well—I keep fueling my body with energy-efficient snacks throughout. Mentally, you need to break the race into segments, focusing on smaller goals instead of the daunting 24 hours ahead.
TNE: Now, let’s talk about your weight. You mentioned you weighed 98 kilograms while competing against lighter runners. How does that impact your performance?
FL: Being heavier means I have to work harder to maintain the same speed. I often joke with myself about it—it’s part of my strategy. But at the end of the day, it’s about how you adapt and overcome those challenges. It sometimes feels like I’m developing my own formula, and while it can be tough, I feel strong after completing each race.
TNE: You also talked about chasing that feeling of soreness post-race—could you elaborate on that?
FL: Absolutely! There’s something about pushing your body to its limits that feels rewarding. After the race, knowing I’ve given my all, I welcome that soreness; it tells me I was in the fight. Sure, it hurts, but it also echoes my success and determination. That soreness means I’ve earned my stripes!
TNE: As you prep for the Norwegian Championships in skierg, ergometer rowing, and watt bike next weekend, what’s next on your training agenda?
FL: Well, it’s definitely a challenge after completing the Bislett! I might need to adjust my approach a bit, focus on recovery, and mix in lighter training while still building my endurance. Plus, I’ve promised myself a hearty burger afterward to recharge!
TNE: Lastly, do you have any advice for newcomers thinking about participating in the Bislett 24-Hour Race?
FL: Absolutely! First, train your mind as much as your body. Be patient with yourself, and set realistic goals. Remember, it’s not just a physical challenge; you must prepare mentally for the adventure ahead. And, honestly, embrace the madness—it’s a fun and unforgettable experience!
TNE: Thank you, Frank, for sharing your insights and experiences. We look forward to seeing how you perform in your upcoming competitions!
FL: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep pushing boundaries together!