Lofoten Stage Run // 175 km Expedition Run Race Manual


WELCOME!

In the unique surroundings of the Lofoten Islands we are offering you the opportunity to do an amazing run in the never-ending light of the midnights sun!

This Race Manual is for LOFOTEN STAGE RUN from Kirkefjorden to Svolvær.

This is a Stage race where the organizers will do ALL SUPPORT. We would like anyone to be able to come to Lofoten and do an amazing trail run without having to get his or her own support crew and support car. You save money and work and we all save the environment.

Before you register for The Arctic Triple // Lofoten Stage Run you MUST read the Race Manual thoroughly.  It is crucial that you are aware of what the race will require both for preparations and throughout the race. Be prepared.

Welcome to a mind moving experience with The Arctic Triple // Lofoten Stage Run!

THE ARCTIC TRIPLE – BACK TO NATURE

The Arctic Triple event series has a strong focus on the environment. We want to do everything we can to make the most environmentally friendly races in the world – and having hundreds of support cars on the roads does not sound right. That way the roads are less crowded and safer for the athletes and crew.

The route for Lofoten Ultra-Trail WILL BE MARKED to make the experience safer and better for the athletes. We also actively try not to produce any unnecessary items that most likely will end up as trash or in the back of a closet.

We are lucky to be able to do an ultra-trail in the amazing and wild nature of the Lofoten islands, and for this to continue we need to take care. It is under no circumstances allowed to throw any trash along the different parts of Lofoten Ultra-Trail. There will be trash buckets on the service points – throw trash there and nowhere else.

Note! If athletes are seen throwing trash on the track this may lead to penalties or even disqualification.

Leave nothing but a “Thank you” behind.

SUMMARY

Here’s the main info!

  • The race entry fee includes all support needed for the race – food and accomodation (1 night pre and post race).

  • Technical data: 175 KM, about 7000+ meters of positive ascent

  • Age limit 18 years

  • Basecamps in Reine, Nusfjord, Unstad, Rolfsfjorden and Svolvær.

  • Mandatory equipment for all participants to be packed in backpack for the race.

  • Luggage transport from basecamp to basecamp is provided. Pack and mark your gear well.

  • Cut off time/Max time:  Stage 1 // 8hours, Stage 2 // 12hours, Stage 3 // 8hours, Stage 4 // 10hours

  • 1-3 Service point per Stage

  • The route is marked from start to finish.

  • The finish line is at the town square in Svolvær

  • A finisher shirt will be awarded all runners that complete the race.

  • Please check www.thearctictriple.com for updated info. We also recommended you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE ENTRY FEE?

The entry fee includes full support:
Accomodation 5 nights
Luggage transport from basecamp to basecamp
All meals
Start kit
The Arctic Triple buff
Service stations
First Aid
Evacuation transport
Timing
Tracking
Warm meal after finish
Boat ride to the starting line
Finisher shirt

CANCELLATION RULES AND RESELLING YOUR SLOT

The entry fee is non-refundable, no matter the cause of your cancellation.
Athletes will be allowed to sell (re-register) their slot until one week of race day.

Buying and selling slots will be handled in the booking system.

For your information, Norwegian law states: “It is illegal to sell tickets for a cultural and sporting events at a higher price than the price shown on the ticket by the organizer, or as a ticket first was sold for.” (LOV-2007-06-29-86).

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

Mandatory equipment for all participants to be packed in backpack or worn on body for the race:
Identification (driver’s license or credit card)
Wind and water repellent jacket
Wind and water repellent pants
Whistle
Underwear (upper and lower)
Hat and gloves
Emergency blanket/shelter
Credit card or cash
GPS (clocks are approved) with sufficient capacity
Fully charged cell phone + extra batteries/power bank
Basic first aid kit (tape, bandage/compress, blister tape, safety-pin)
Advised/recommended equipment:
Telescopic sticks /trekking poles (you must keep them throughout the whole of the race), change of clothing, compass, knife, string, sun cream, Vaseline or anti-chaffing cream, needle and thread…

RACE SUPPORT

This is a stage race where the organizers will do ALL SUPPORT.

We would like anyone to be able to come to Lofoten and do an amazing ultra-trail without having to get your own support crew and support car. You save money and work and we all save the environment and improve the safety of the race.

Note! Receiving support from anyone else but the The Arctic Triple Crew may lead to time penalties and/or disqualification.

SERVICE POINTS

Stage 1:           20 km Fredvang
Stage 2:           17(56) km Napp, 39(77) km Uttakleiv
Stage 3:          19(118) km Torvdalshalsen
Stage 4:          13(143) km Vikjorden/Valbergveien, 25(155) km Kleppstad, 39(169) km Kongsmarka

Note! All positions for service points/check points have an approximate kilometer distance from the starting point.

CONTENT SERVICE POINTS

Drink – unlimited water and sports drink (mix in drink system). Hot drinks – coffee and tea – will be available from Service Point 2 at Fredvang.
Food – The Arctic Triple bun, chips, nuts and fruit.

Warm blankets available on all service points.
Medical equipment – basic kit.

Note! You may refill water from natural water sources along the track.

Note! All mandatory equipment must be in your backpack from start to finish.

CUT OFF

Maximum time for the stages:
Stage 1: 8 hours
Stage 2: 12 hours
Stage 3: 8 hours
Stage 4: 12 hours

COURSE DESCRIPTION – LOFOTEN STAGE RUN

This race has everything. Mountains. Beaches. Villages. Farms. Peaks. Iconic bridges. 100% Lofoten!

STAGE 1 // KJERKFJORDEN – NUSFJORD

DISTANCE: 39km
KEYNOTES: 3 mountain passes, some road running, scenic bridges and historic coastal trails.
DESCRIPTION:
The starting line is in Kirkefjorden in the bottom of Reinefjorden. To get there all participants will be transported by boat from Reine. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and it is a scenic experience! The first 20 km are terrain and maybe the most demanding part of the entire route with several mountains to pass. The trail is technically demanding and there is only a few km on gravel road from Selfjord till you take off towards Kvalvika. The trails will take you past two beaches in Kvalvika and you will run on the actual beach before the next mountain passing towards Fredvang.  Service station located at Fredvang.

From Fredvang you’ll get the first leg on asphalt on your way towards Ytre Skjelfjord. After about 8 km the road and trail becomes a gravel road the last 6 km to Nesland. Here you enter a historic fishermen’s trail towards the iconic village of Nusfjord. The trail is about 5 km and has a technical trail that also require some light “climbing” over rocks and a short ladder.

ACCOMODATION: 
Stay in a wonderful rorbu Nusfjord Arctic Resort, one of the most scenic fishermans villages in Norway.

STAGE 2 // NUSFJORD – LEKNES

DISTANCE: 34km
KEYNOTES: 1 mountain pass. Techical and scenic coastal trails to Napp. Underwater tunnel and terrain leg around the mountain Offersøykammen before the last kilometers on asphalt towards Leknes.
DESCRIPTION:
From Nusfjord you’ll follow the main road for about 3 km before you enter the trail to Napp. The trail from follows the coastline and has a lot of ups and downs. Very demanding so keep the focus. You will have a great view towards the next island on the race – Vestvågøy.

The route from Napp continues through an underwater tunnel (1780 m) before you make a sharp turn to the right after the exit to get on the trail around Offersøy.

The trail around Offersøy is very nice and easy to begin with. When you pass the cave from the stone age after about 2 km on the trail, the condition of the trail changes to more technically. There hardly is a trail. In this middle section follow the rocky coastline. The last kilometers of the trail around Offersøy is flat.

The last kilometers towards Leknes is flat road running on asphalt.

STAGE 3 // LEKNES – ROLFSFJORDEN

DISTANCE: 52km
KEYNOTES: Starting with some km road running, scenic mountain trail running, a bit more road running before super nice trails again. A couple of km gravel road in the end.
DESCRIPTION:
In the morning you will start with some scenic road running from Leknes to Rolvsfjorden to warm up your body. From Rolvsfjorden you hit the trails accross the first mountain and into the valley on the other side. Thereon it’s a flat run towards the service- and checkpoint at Borgfjorden.

From Borgfjorden you will follow new trails accross the mountain. After some great trail running you will cross a nice ridge before you get on a gravel road for the last couple of km before you reach Rolvsfjorden.

ACCOMODATION: Stay in cosy cabins at the scenic fjord camp Brustranda Sjøcamping.

STAGE 4 // ROLFSFJORDEN – SVOLVÆR

DISTANCE: 45km
KEYNOTES: The final mountain passes are ahead of you, enjoy them!
DESCRIPTION:
Before the road ends you are to get onto a trail towards Vardheia where you enter a trail towards the ridge of the Daltuva mountain. It’s a magically flat mountain top surrounded by peaks. Follow the ridge down towards the small lakes and then a trail leading to Vikjorden and a service point down at the main road.

Then you’ll get about 10 km of asphalt until you get to the service- and checkpoint after you have passed over the Gimsøystraumen bridge.

For about 1 km the route follows the main road before you hit gravel road towards Olderfjorden S. The track continues on gravel road for about 5 km before you take a sharp turn and on to the trail for the mountain pass Jordtind-Nonstind-Spisstind.

After the mountain pass you’ll pass small lakes and then pass behind the ridge of the mountain Dronningtinden, before the decent towards a power station. This is where the final check point is set.

From this point it is gravel road until you turn at the end of the lake towards the final mountain – Tjeldbergtinden. The route passes over the mountain and take you down to a gravel road on the other side. Follow the road down to the main road and start on the final kilometers towards the town square of Svolvær.

When you run through the tunnel continue straight till you hit the harbor, make a right turn and follow the quay towards the finish line. And you’re done.. Congratulations!
ACCOMODATION: 
Stay next to the finish line in the comfortable Thon Hotel Lofoten with their award winning breakfast which will be a great treat for a sore body the next day.

RULES

GENERAL

Rules are set to a minimum. We trust that you will use common sense and take action if you see that other participants need emergency assistance. The most important rule of all is that you must read the entire race manual thoroughly – there is nothing in here that you can afford to miss.

This is a stage race where the organizers will do ALL SUPPORT. Receiving support from anyone else but the The Arctic Triple Crew may lead to time penalties and/or disqualification.

AGE

All athletes must be over 18 years of age.

LICENSE/INSURANCE

A day license/insurance can be purchased at registration for Lofoten Stage Run. This is an option if you do not have. Foreign athletes can have licenses from their own country or sign a release of liability form upon registration.
Note all athletes are required to have a license/insurance in order to start.

CLASSES

Two classes – men and women. Simple. We like simple.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

All athletes must have the mandatory equipment in their backpack for the race. There will be random checks and any missing or substandard equipment may lead to disqualification.

NAVIGATION

The route will be marked. But we recommend reading and studying the route. Download the Navigation Map here.

GPS ROUTE

Route with waypoints for the GPS must be downloaded on our website and installed on your GPS device before you start the race. GPS clocks are accepted. The route must be followed at all times. No short cuts will be accepted.

TIME CHIP

The time chip must be worn during the whole race. If the chip is lost it is the athletes responsibility to contact The Arctic Triple Crew to get a new chip. There is a 50 Euro fee for losing the time chip.

Note! The time chip must be worn on your right leg pointing outwards.

GPS TRACKER

The GPS tracker must be worn during the whole race. The tracker is an important safety device for the organizers, but also fun for both supporters and the audience in general to follow the athletes online during the race. Please note the organizer as soon as possible if the tracker is lost.

Note! If the GPS tracker is lost during the race or not handed back to the organizer within Sunday, a 400 Euro fee will be issued to the participant.

RULE VIOLATIONS

Penalties or disqualification may be given for violations of rules, unsportsmanlike behavior, or if participants intentionally expose themselves or other participants to unnecessary risk. Penalties from organizers and officials can be additional race time or disqualification.

LIABILITY

All athletes will sign the document «Release from Liability» when registering for Lofoten Stage Run.

WEATHER AND SAFETY

Climate in Lofoten

Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude, such as Alaska and Greenland. The coastal climate in Lofoten makes the winters mild and the summers relatively cool. July and August are warmest with an average temperature of 12°C. Normal day temperatures in June vary from 12-18°C.

Note! The weather in Lofoten can be extremely changeable all year. Even though, good, warm weather is the forecast, wet and brisk intervals may occur. Be prepared!

Safety

The Arctic Triple has a strong focus on safety. The safety crew will be very well prepared for their mission and in close cooperation with local rescue teams.

WITHDRAWAL

If you withdraw from the race at any point, it is mandatory to inform the organizers. Please note that resources are limited so that transport to base camp might take a while. We’ll make sure you are kept safe and warm during the wait, but please be patient while waiting for transport.

HOW TO TRAVEL AND WHERE TO STAY?

Please find information about travel and stay here

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