Kerjar – a superb running and nature experience

Machine-translated from Faroese and not yet reviewed. Read the original.

On Saturday the Kerjar Run in Tórshavn was held for the third time. It is a trail run organised by Hvirlan, and this year it also formed part of the TF Winter Series. A large crowd had made their way up to Hotel Føroyar, from where the runners set off on various routes around the bridle paths and out into Havnardalur.

Ready to start round 2 of the TF Winter Series

You would struggle to find a more beautiful day for a trail run like this. In the still air, the low sun fought an almost hopeless battle to overcome the cold. But the cold does not bite on runners, who, eager and cheerful, headed up the slope, out along the riding track and on into Havnardalur. As so many times before, Marnar Djurhuus, Treysti, ran far ahead of the rest. Henry Olsen, Bragdið, and Jan Elmar Sørensen, Treysti, also broke away and fought a head-to-head duel all the way up the steep section of the bridle paths on the way back. Here Henry lost his grip, and Jan Elmar won a welcome second place for himself and Treysti. Henry Olsen finished third and at the same time took a comfortable win in the veterans’ category.

The following places were very close between seven runners. Here too, a young Treysti runner was the strongest. It was Einar Gregersen who crossed the line fourth, which also made him number 2 in the junior men’s race. That race was also won comfortably by Marnar Djurhuus. Then they came in shoulder to shoulder: Hallur Holm, Bragdið, Regin Thomsen, Roysnið, Guttorm Sørensen, Treysti, Teitur Bjarnastein, Bragdið, Pauli Johannesen, Bragdið, and Niels Poulsen, Bragdið – all of whom had been jostling for position out on the route. This pack also decided the silver and bronze medals in the veterans’ race. Hallur won silver and Guttorm won bronze.

Not far behind came the first super veteran over the line. The immensely strong man from Vágur, Jens R. Weihe, Frælsi, ran yet another good race and won comfortably ahead of Jósvein Herup Olsen, Bragdið, who won his first medal as a super veteran now that he has moved up a category. A man from Vágur also went away with the bronze. That was Jóannes Ortind, who nevertheless runs for Bragdið.

In the women’s race, Rigmor N. Arge, Hvirlan, was probably the favourite after her big win in Runt Agnið. Rebekka Fuglø, Treysti, who had a real off-day that time, tried to follow Rigmor at first but had to let go after two kilometres. Rigmor won comfortably, but Rebekka made amends for her poor performance in Runt Agnið and swapped her bronze medal for silver. She also won the junior women’s race, where she was the only participant. Tórvør Vang, Bragdið, ran her way to a fine bronze medal and is no doubt very pleased, even though she won silver last time.

The Faroese marathon champion just failed to squeeze into the top three, but Ann Thomsen, Bragdið, nevertheless took a comfortable win in the women’s veterans’ category. The winner of Runt Agnið, Astrid Joensen of Roysnið, was a comfortable silver medallist, while the bronze came down to a sprint finish. Here it was Elisabeth Larsen who, in a tough battle with Anna Maria Seloy, Bragdið, regained the bronze from last time.

In the girls’ category, five Treysti girls were first across the line. Two girls from Bragdið took part, but they ran 5.5 km rather than the intended 1.5 km course. This time Oddvør Josephsen managed to beat Maria Biskopstø, but only a single second separated them. One minute and seven seconds further back came Elin Kristina Ryan, and four seconds later Rutt Gregersen. Truly an exciting quartet they have up north in Klaksvík. We will be hearing a lot more from those girls in the future.

It was also Treysti who won the boys’ category, through Gunnar Sivertsen. But he should not feel too secure at the top, because in Rúni Skarðhamar Roysnið have found a very exciting and talented runner who, in only his second race, is already threatening the top spot. And both of them will also have to keep a close eye on Steintór Egholm of Bragdið, a year younger, who is not far behind. These three are also exciting names in Faroese running.

After the race there was a cosy get-together in the cold winter sun with buns and hot chocolate. There was also a prize draw for some exciting prizes, and finally the medal ceremony.