Gjesdal Backyard 2026

At Gjesdal Backyard, runners return to Gjesdal IL’s clubhouse in Ålgård after each lap. They sit in their own assigned chair in Storsalen before the next start. This backyard-style running event in Norway is held on a Saturday in September, with a new round beginning each hour from morning to evening. The total listed distance is 80.4 km. The format is simple: finish the round, recover, eat, drink, and be ready to go again on the hour. The clubhouse serves as the base for the entire day, offering parking, changing rooms, toilets, health personnel, and food service near the start and finish. Between rounds, runners receive water, fruit, juice, chips, gummy bears, cola, and simple sandwiches. Hot food is provided after round 6, and Jæder-burgers are available after round 12. Participants are asked to bring their own cup, shoes suitable for mixed surfaces, extra clothing, and a headlamp, as the final laps might occur in darkness. Awards are given to the top three men and women based on total time, along with prizes for the fastest final lap for men and women.