October 15, 20232 Minutes
Fall 23 - Ultra runner Simen Holvik
By now, quite a few people know about Simen Holvik and his race history.
2023 started with 2nd place in the ultra race "Brazil 135 Ultramarathona".
He describes another particularly strong performance the same summer during the "Badwater 135" (considered the world's toughest road ultra race) as follows: "The race in Death Valley on July 4 was historic. Not only did I become the first Norwegian to complete this historic race, but I also came in first place among the men. It was a special experience to run almost 220 kilometers in up to 50 degrees. My time was the 4th best time ever, beating the time of the legend Scott Jurek."
This weekend, he will start a new world record attempt, in Arizona.
This time a 48-hour race - see articles below.
We asked Simen for a summary of the highlights of the fall.
“After Death Valley, I spent a few weeks recovering before putting my backpack on my back (with sleeping bag and tent) and running from Prekestolhytta to Oslo Central Station. It was a train I had to catch. Then came September and the Spartathlon. Beforehand, I had a training trip to Sparta where I ran the last part of the course. Spartathlon (246 km and 3000hm) ended with a 2nd place despite major challenges with diarrhea and vomiting. The time was a new Nordic record. After this race, Jann Post in NRK stated the following: “He has reached the class where you can say that he is the best male ultra runner Norway has ever had.” But the year is not over. On November 17, I’m running a 48-hour race in the USA. The goal is to set a new world record. Other than that, I’ve quit my job (to be able to continue in 2024). In addition, a book will be published by Jæren Forlag in the fall of 2024.“
Links to articles and podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/lavterskel/id1613438684?i=1000631960649