BMW Oslo Maraton: Race of a lifetime

BMW Oslo Marathon prides itself on spectacular running terrain around Norway’s capital, with a jovial atmosphere for participants and spectators alike.

Taking in all the main sights of Oslo city centre, from the government buildings to the trendy Aker docks area, Oslo Marathon attracts around 20,000 participants each year from over 90 different countries.

“People of all fitness levels can participate in the BMW Oslo Marathon,” explains marathon chief executive May Britt Dørum-Persen. “Whether you’re running on the day, or if you’re one of the 100,000 spectators, it’s a brilliant day out with lots of live music and fun activities.”

The event’s inclusivity is well-illustrated by the sheer number of different races – from the mammoth Oslo triple, a 72-kilometre endurance run that combines a full and a half marathon, to the ten-kilometre race − all the way to shorter-distance runs for those just starting out.

Valuing health, wellbeing and the power of community, BMW Oslo Marathon combines fitness with the concept of giving back. For example, there is the ‘plogging’ fun run − a Scandinavian invention that combines a ten-kilometre jog with picking up litter. Another ten-kilometre run, called ‘10 for Grete’, is named in honour of Norway’s most successful marathon runner, Grete Waitz, who lost her battle to cancer in 2011.

“This is what the BMW Oslo Marathon is all about,” explains Dørum-Persen. “We mix serious competitive long-distance running with various fun runs that everyone can partake in and enjoy.”

www.oslomaraton.no