The Holmenkollen Relay, a prestigious and highly anticipated event on the Norwegian sporting calendar, is gearing up for its annual spectacle this Saturday, May 9th. This year’s edition promises to be an extraordinary display of athletic prowess, drawing an unprecedented array of elite skiers, including Olympic champions, world champions, and the formidable Northug brothers. The event, a cornerstone of the Norwegian running season, attracts thousands of participants and spectators alike, transforming the iconic Holmenkollen area into a vibrant hub of competition and camaraderie.
The Holmenkollstafetten boasts a rich history, dating back to 1923. Originally conceived as a relay race to promote camaraderie and fitness, it has evolved into one of the largest and most celebrated running events in Norway. The relay format, with teams of 15 runners each covering a specific leg, emphasizes teamwork and strategic pacing, making it a compelling test of endurance and skill. Over the decades, the Holmenkollen Relay has become a proving ground for both seasoned professionals and amateur enthusiasts, with its challenging course weaving through the scenic, yet demanding, terrain surrounding the Holmenkollen ski jump. The event’s growing popularity is underscored by its consistent sell-out status, with this year’s 2026 edition reaching capacity months in advance, reflecting its enduring appeal and the strong community engagement it fosters.
This year, the narrative is significantly amplified by the presence of numerous high-profile cross-country skiers, transforming the traditional relay race into a veritable who’s who of winter sports royalty. The excitement is particularly palpable around the participation of the Northug family, a name synonymous with cross-country skiing dominance.
The Northug Dynasty Takes Center Stage
Mosvik IL Friidrett, the reigning champions of the men’s fastest skier category from the previous year, has once again registered a formidable team. Their lineup, according to the organizer’s entry list, is nearly identical to their powerhouse squad from last year, but with a significant and star-studded addition: three Northug brothers are set to compete together. Petter Northug Jr., a legendary figure in the sport, will anchor the team, running the crucial final leg. His inclusion alone generates immense interest, as his competitive spirit and ability to deliver under pressure are well-documented.
The Mosvik IL Friidrett team for this year’s Holmenkollstafetten is: Joar Thele, Marcus Rismyhr, Even Northug, Sindre Mjøsmen, Fredrik Johnsrud, Kasper Herland, Sondre Brattabø, Ola Berg Fines, Magnus Frodahl, Eirik Mysen, Kristoffer Liset, Tomas Northug, Mathias Aas Rolid, Gustav Heldal, and Petter Northug Jr. This roster represents a blend of established talent and rising stars, united by their shared passion for running and their connection to the Mosvik region.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Petter Northug and several other members of the Mosvik IL team are also listed on the corporate team Fysiomarens Helter. This team will compete in the A1 category, with their race scheduled later in the day. This dual participation highlights the athletes’ commitment and the diverse nature of the Holmenkollen Relay, which accommodates various team categories and competitive levels. A detailed look at the team rosters is available via links provided by the organizers, allowing enthusiasts to scrutinize the full breadth of talent assembled.
The Northug brothers’ collective effort is expected to draw significant attention, not only for their familial bond but also for their individual achievements. Petter, a multiple Olympic and World Championship medalist, brings unparalleled experience and a history of clutch performances. His younger brothers, Even and Tomas, have also carved out successful careers in cross-country skiing, and their presence alongside Petter promises a compelling display of sibling rivalry and mutual support.
Fierce Competition from Skiing’s Elite
The Mosvik IL Friidrett team will face stiff competition, notably from Kjelsås IL Langrenn. This team features Pål Golberg, a former national teammate of the Northug brothers. Kjelsås IL Langrenn’s roster is, much like Mosvik’s, packed with Olympic and World Championship caliber athletes, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between two of the most talented teams in the field.
The formidable lineup for Kjelsås IL Langrenn includes: Simon Salinas Hannestad, Iver Wang Johansen, Erling Moseby, Håvard Moseby, Gjermund Næss, David Thorvik, Henning Åsheim, Ole Jørgen Knoph, Anton Jensen, Pål Golberg, Isak Jonsson, Christian Schei Johannessen, Øyvind Moen Fjeld, Jostein Tandberg, and Edvard Sandvik. The inclusion of Golberg, a seasoned competitor known for his tactical acumen and explosive finishes, ensures that the race will be contested at the highest level.
Another prominent team to watch is Heming IL Elite. This squad boasts the impressive talent of cross-country skiing star Kasper Stadaas and Harald Astrup Arnesen, further underscoring the significant cross-pollination between the skiing and running circuits for this event. Stadaas, known for his strong performances in both classic and freestyle disciplines, will undoubtedly be a key runner for Heming.
Adding to the star-studded field, former World Champion Hans Christer Holund will also be participating this year, running for IF Kamp/Vestheim. Holund’s inclusion adds another layer of pedigree to the competition, as he is renowned for his endurance and powerful skiing style, which often translates effectively to the running course. The organizers have made the full team rosters available online, allowing fans to track their favorite athletes and teams.
Women’s Field Promises Equal Excitement
The women’s categories are equally stacked with talent, mirroring the high caliber of competition seen in the men’s divisions. Raumnes & Ørnes IL, last year’s top-ranked "skier team" in the women’s category, returns with an equally star-studded lineup. Of the 15 runners on their team, an impressive seven are Olympic stars, and only two have not yet competed at the World Cup level. This demonstrates the immense depth of talent within Norwegian women’s cross-country skiing and their commitment to the Holmenkollstafetten.
The complete roster for Raumnes & Ørnes IL, from the first to the last leg, is: Julie Bjervig Drivenes, Margrethe Bergane, Hedda Bakkemo, Mari Nordlunde, Marte Mikkelsplass, Marthe Kristoffersen, Karoline Simpson-Larsen, Hedda Østberg Amundsen, Ellen Sæhoel Lie, Milla Grosberghaugen Andreassen, Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs, Randi Sollid Nordvang, Katerina Janatova, Julie Kvale Støstad, and Johanne Harviken. This team represents a significant force in the competition.
They will face formidable challenges from teams such as Sandefjord TIF, Ren-Eng’s elite team, and Kjelsås IL Langrenn. These teams are also fielding multiple Olympic, World Championship, and World Cup stars from both cross-country skiing and biathlon, promising an intensely competitive women’s race.
The lineup for Sandefjord TIF includes: Ingrid Bergene Aabrekk, Karoline Grøtting, Sandra Sirevåg, Sigrid Jøranli Sundgaard, Mina Kjærås Moland, Tuva Bygrave, Gro Randby, Ragnhild Aarekol, Cecilie Fone, Oline Vestad, Anna Heggen, Tuva Jorde, Synnøve Austerørn, Elise Simonsen, and Andrea Eie Svendsen.
Ren-Eng’s team is comprised of: Maren Hansen-Møllerud Hauen, Juni Arnekleiv, Aurora Oldertrøen, Maria Sæther Verdenius, Franziska Skogaholm, Andrea Sæther Verdenius, Maja Solbakken Madlener, Eline Grue, Blanka Dalma Csizmadia, Christina Rolandsen, Emma Murvold, Britt Thorshaug Granrud, Ida Joanne Oldertrøen, Eline Grindflek Granås, and Ida Ulvmoen Brønd.
Kjelsås IL Langrenn’s women’s team features: Cecilie Kappelslåen, Camilla Lie, Amalie Lilleheim Nordbø, Ragne Wiklund, Ida Hedenstrøm, Sofie Nordsveen Hustad, Ane Uglem Mobakken, Anna Jensen, Synne Johanne Eikeland Røstad, Nora Sanness, Marit Moen Fjeld, Tuva Wilkens Jernberg, Maria Leseth Føyen, Lilly Kvikne Silgjerd, and Anna Henhaug Hansen. The depth and quality of these teams indicate a fiercely contested battle for supremacy.
In addition to these prominent teams, Ingeborg Østgård, cousin of the renowned Therese Johaug, will run the fourth leg for the defending champions IK Tjalve. Østgård, a talented multi-sport athlete who previously excelled in both cross-country skiing and athletics, has focused on running in recent years, making her a strong contender.
The junior and U23 categories also boast exceptional talent. The Sweet Elite team, in particular, stands out with a roster filled with promising cross-country skiing and biathlon talents, including athletes who are both on and off the national teams.
The roster for Sweet Elite is: Iselin Drivenes, Selma Mathismoen, Vårinn Hagen, Malena Sirekrok, Guro Strindeberg, Julie Kvelvane, Tuva Adolfsen, Sara Tronrud, Hanne Martinsen, Veronika Schuler, Olivia Stordalen, Marie Lund Flaa, Bjørg Marit Eide, Nora Ytterhus, and Frida Hofgaard. Their participation adds an exciting dimension to the junior competition, showcasing the future of Norwegian endurance sports.
Broader Participation and Event Details
Beyond the elite fields, the Holmenkollstafetten traditionally sees a strong presence of profiled cross-country skiers in the senior women’s and men’s categories. Similarly, corporate teams often feature elite athletes competing on behalf of their sponsors, further enhancing the competitive landscape.
It is important to note that several teams have yet to submit their official lineups, meaning the list of decorated skiers participating this year is likely to grow before the start on Saturday. This dynamic nature of team registrations adds an element of surprise and anticipation to the event.
The schedule for the day is meticulously organized to ensure a smooth flow of competition. The Elite Women’s race is set to commence at 12:30 PM, followed by the Elite Men’s race at 12:45 PM. The Senior Women’s race will begin at 12:37 PM, and the Senior Men’s race at 12:50 PM. These staggered start times allow for maximum participation and spectator engagement across all categories. The official start lists for the women’s and men’s senior categories are readily accessible online, providing detailed information for those wishing to follow specific teams or athletes.
Historical Performance and Future Outlook
In the previous year’s Holmenkollstafetten, the elite classes were won by Tjalve and Ull/Kisa. Among the teams composed primarily of skiers, Northug’s Mosvik IL Friidrett emerged as the top performer. They secured a respectable tenth place in the elite class, finishing just 22 seconds ahead of the second-best skiing team, Kjelsås IL, who placed eleventh. This performance underscores Mosvik IL’s strong showing and their ability to compete at a high level against a diverse field.
On the women’s side, the "skier team" Raumnes & Ørnes IL achieved an eighth-place finish in the elite class. Close behind them was IL i BUL, featuring Heidi Weng, who secured ninth place. These results highlight the continued strength and competitiveness of Norwegian women skiers in relay running events.
The overwhelming popularity of the Holmenkollen Relay is further evidenced by its sold-out status for the 2026 event. A staggering 82,500 participants, organized into 5,500 teams, are registered. Even with the organizers expanding the capacity by 500 teams, the event has been fully booked since February. This marks the second consecutive year the Holmenkollen Relay has sold out, a testament to its enduring appeal and the robust running culture in Norway. Last year, it took until April for all 5,000 available team spots to be filled, indicating a significant increase in demand and participation this year.
The convergence of cross-country skiing’s brightest stars at the Holmenkollen Relay this Saturday promises a captivating event. The blend of familial pride, fierce competition, and the sheer spectacle of so many elite athletes converging on the iconic Holmenkollen course ensures that this year’s relay will be etched in the annals of Norwegian sporting history. The anticipation is high, and the stage is set for a memorable day of running excellence.
