Machine-translated from Faroese and not yet reviewed. Read the original.
The Spring Race was held last Saturday, and it was also the final round of the Winter Series. There was particular excitement ahead of the final round in the men’s race, where Guttorm Sørensen and Sam Vang were level going in. But Andrias Hansen, Regin Zachariasen and Guðmundur Joensen were also in the mix, and there was great suspense over who would win. As so often, it was Andrias who set the pace from the start. The first km was run in 3:14, and Regin had dropped off. The pace eased somewhat, but Andrias kept trying to keep up the pressure, and he managed first to drop Guttorm and then Guðmundur. Sam looked a little tired, but fought hard to hang on to Andrias. The two of them ran together until there was one kilometre left. On reaching the quay for the last time, Sam suddenly picked up the pace, and with a good surge he all but settled the race before they came back up onto the road for the last 500 metres. Sam crossed the line in 34:20, seven seconds ahead of Andrias. Third across the line was Guðmundur Joensen, who had otherwise been overtaken by Regin on the final lap. But Guðmundur then caught Regin again in the final sprint. Their times were 34:42 and 34:46. Fifth across the line was Guttorm in 35:27.
This meant that Sam also became the overall winner of the Winter Series, while Guttorm, who has been feeling very heavy-legged lately, had to settle for 2nd place. Andrias finished 3rd overall.
Jan Elmar, who did not take part in this final race, narrowly lost his 3rd place to Andrias, but on the other hand he was the only participant among the men’s juniors to complete at least 3 rounds, and he was therefore the clear winner there. In the boys’ category, Rúni Seloy won all the races. In Runavík he ran the 5 km in 18:04 min. Second on the day and overall was Regin Joensen in 20:22. In 3rd place was Bragdið’s new rising star Hans Jacobsen, who already in only his second race ran as fast as 20:32. He only took part in the last two rounds, and therefore did not get an overall result.
Jan Elmar, who did not take part in this final race, narrowly lost his 3rd place to Andrias, but on the other hand he was the only participant among the men’s juniors to complete at least 3 rounds, and he was therefore the clear winner there. In the boys’ category, Rúni Seloy won all the races. In Runavík he ran the 5 km in 18:04 min. Second on the day and overall was Regin Joensen in 20:22. In 3rd place was Bragdið’s new rising star Hans Jacobsen, who already in only his second race ran as fast as 20:32. He only took part in the last two rounds, and therefore did not get an overall result.
The men’s veterans’ race was won by Regin Zachariasen ahead of Hanus Højgaard and Bogi Gardar. In the overall standings, Regin finished no. 1, Borgar Biskopstøð no. 2, and Bogi Gardar no. 3.
Among the super-veterans we once again had an exciting duel between Jens Weihe and Óli Olsen, which was not decided until the final sprint. And here again it was Jens who was fastest. They finished in 40:24 and 40:30. Third was Steindor Hjaltalin in 44:49. This was also the same order in the overall standings, where Óli won the first race, Runt Agnið, while Jens won all the others.
In the girls’ category, Rebekka Fuglø won all 5 races, and was also the only participant with at least three races. On the day she ran her best time ever over 5 km. The time was 20:24 min, an improvement of about one minute!
The women’s race was of such a high standard that it will be covered in a separate article.
All in all, the Winter Series has been a success. The weather has been doubtful at times, but better than last year. Many more participants have completed the series this year, and that is something to be pleased about. Clearly there is a need for a race like this, and there can be little doubt that it will be held again next winter. The next big race will be on Flag Day, and after that the summer Grand Prix begins, which will take place at the festivals around the country.
