Besseggløpet

Besseggløpet takes runners across the Besseggen ridge in Jotunheimen, using the standard red-marked hiking path from Memurubu to Gjendesheim. This 14 km trail and mountain race occurs annually on the last Saturday of June. The start and finish are situated at approximately 1,000 meters elevation, with the course peaking around 1,743 meters. The terrain is demanding, primarily gravel and stone, and snow patches may persist on sections of the path. National Geographic has recognized the Besseggen ridge as one of the world's top 20 hikes, indicating this race follows a renowned walking route, not a course designed specifically for running. The event accommodates competitive runners, untimed recreational participants, and children in Besseggløpet Mini. The main race features women's and men's categories from ages 15-16 up to 60+, employing chip timing, start numbers, a split time at the ridge, and live results via EQ Timing. Recreational runners begin earlier from Memurubu, without age divisions or timing, after utilizing pre-booked ferry services across Gjende. The mini event covers 1.5 km from Gjendeosen towards the Besseggen trail junction and returns to Gjendesheim. It includes start numbers and an announcer, but no official rankings; accompanying parents and grandparents are welcome. The organizers list the course record as 1:15:40.