Svalandsgubben Skauløp

Svalandsgubben begins with a Mauser shot and takes place on the last Sunday of October. It is a forest running race centered on Svalandsheia in Birkenes, known among both elite runners and everyday amateurs willing to endure some hardship late in the season. The race originated with Kristian Svaland and a somewhat wild idea during cherry picking at his farm, while Trygve and Torfinn Løland visited from the valleys below. The history of the event is more detailed than the route, but the name itself suggests a rugged "skau" run rather than a refined city road race. The day functions as a local folk festival, supported by runners, volunteers, sponsors, and local media coverage from Agderposten.