NORWAY TRAIL SERIES / NTS

The 2026 edition of Sognefjorden Trail Run brought more than 600 runners to Kaupanger for a warm and demanding day on the trails.

As the opening race of the Norway Trail Series, Sognefjorden set the tone for the season with steep climbs, fast descents, close podium battles, and a great atmosphere both on the trails and in the arena throughout the day.

With unusually warm conditions in Sogndal, pacing and hydration became important from the start. The course rewarded strong climbers, but also demanded control on the faster and more technical sections back towards the arena.

17K: Fast from the start

The 17K course may be the shortest of the main distances, but with 750 metres of elevation gain, it is far from easy. The race starts hard, climbs early, and gives runners little time to settle before the field begins to split.

In the men’s race, Eirik Stedje delivered a strong performance and was the only runner to break the 1:30 mark. He crossed the finish line in 01:29:47, more than three minutes ahead of Olav Vikøren Espenes in second place. Kjetil Elverum completed the podium.

The women’s race was much tighter. Hanne Stavø Storkås took the win in 01:42:29, only 38 seconds ahead of Kristin Wasshaug. Marit Ishol Skogan finished third.

Hanne Stavø Storkås taking the victory in the 17K

27K: The closest finish of the day

The 27K delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the event. After more than two hours of racing, the men’s podium was decided by only 23 seconds. Håvard Tonheim successfully defended his 27K title, taking the win in 02:18:08 after also winning the distance last year. Eirik Andreas Mortensbakke finished just 15 seconds behind, while Hallvard Seim Grøvlen followed closely in third, only eight seconds behind Mortensbakke.

In the women’s race, Sandra Vestly Sirevåg took a solid win, finishing in 02:47:18. Marit Alvsvåg followed in second place in 02:55:54, while Benedikte Aa completed the podium in 03:00:28.

50K: Dominant performances

The 50K was the longest distance of the day and gave runners the full Sognefjord experience: forest trails, fjord views, long climbs and the final ascent towards Store Haugmelen at 1,172 metres above sea level.

In the men’s race, Pavel Serov took control and finished in 05:12:00. He won by more than 14 minutes ahead of Amund Hagen Kristiansen, with Ole Christoffer Loftesnes taking third place.

Mari Wetterhus delivered one of the standout performances of the day, winning the women’s 50K in 05:53:22 and finishing 4th overall. She was the only woman to break the six-hour mark and took a clear victory in the women’s race. Behind her, the fight for second place was much closer, with Maria Bipop Bang Jensen finishing in 06:08:23, only 40 seconds ahead of Emilie Buset.

Kids Race

Later in the day, the Kids Race brought a different kind of energy to the arena. With families, supporters and volunteers gathered around the course, the youngest runners got their own race-day experience at Kaupanger idrettspark.

For many, this was their first finish line. For others, it may have been the start of many more.

Beyond the podium

One of the most memorable performances of the day came from 77-year-old Niels Haslund, who completed the 50K in 12:37:31. On a warm day and over a demanding course, his finish stood out as a reminder that Sognefjorden Trail Run is not only about podiums and winning times, but also about commitment, endurance and the personal goals that bring runners to the start line.

Norway Trail Series Cup

Sognefjorden Trail Run was also the first race of the 2026 Norway Trail Series Cup. With the first points now awarded, the standings are officially underway, and the battle for the overall rankings has begun.

The Cup brings together results from across the Norway Trail Series season, giving runners the chance to collect points at Sognefjorden, Jotunheimen and Geilo. After a strong opening race in Kaupanger, the official rankings and leaderboard will be published soon.

Next up is Jotunheimen Trail Run, taking place from 30 July to 2 August. With more technical terrain, longer climbs and valuable series points on the line, the season is still wide open.

Thank you

A race like Sognefjorden Trail Run depends on many people.

Thank you to all runners, volunteers, partners, sponsors, spectators and local contributors who helped make the 2026 edition possible. Whether you were racing, marking the course, working at an aid station, supporting from the arena, taking photos, or welcoming runners across the finish line, you played an important part in the day.