Skatefest in Kollen: DAB Invitational 2025 was a day for the history books
Holmenkollen, Saturday 29th March – What started as a pragmatic decision to move a race from Linderudkollen due to a lack of snow, ended up as a legendary day of skiing at Norway’s national resort, thanks to the Norwegian Ski Association. The fourth edition of the DAB Invitational was organized with style and community in focus; and with roots in skate culture – the event has once again shown that racing can be done with a twist.
A day in the spirit of Bill Koch
With distances of 14.5 km, 50 km and 100 km and a free course concept where participants navigated on their own Strava, the day was as much about freedom and mastery as it was about competition. In the arena where Petter Northug has dominated, and Therese Johaug embraced King Harald, it was ordinary and unusual heroes who took center stage this Saturday.
" Skate or Die! " was the message, and it was lived up to to the letter. Regardless of the distance, it was the sense of community that characterized the event. The race start for the 100KM was at 06:00 with thunderous music from the Red Bull car and flamethrowers from Pyrotekking at the starting line. The last participant crossed the finish line at 16:00; it was a long, hard and beautiful day on the track. Heavy snow, nice weather.
As in previous years, the proceeds from the event went to charity, and in 2025 it was Aktiv mot Kreft that received the support. The initiators hoped this would lower the threshold for registration – and it did. - We are very pleased with this year's number of participants, but of course we would like to welcome even more next year; most people have probably put away their skis already and focused on summer activities given the weather and driving conditions, says President of DAB, Dag Markus Andreassen.
Ski & Give
This year's event for DAB was originally supposed to be held in Linderudkollen; but fortunately the Ski Association stepped in when it looked unlikely that it would be held due to a lack of snow. - It's absolutely crazy that the Ski Association is on the offering side for an unusual event like this, says Lars Haugvad, DAB'er and ambassador for Aktiv Mot Kreft and Swix. - The setting in Kollen is absolutely crazy, the facilities are fantastic. It will be difficult to go back to “normal” again after this.
Thanks to good partners on the team, DAB was able to provide this year's participants with lubrication service from Swix, a boost with a DJ and "wings" from Red Bull, and good nutritional supplements along the way:
- Burger from Flamme Burger.
- Gels and protein bars from Fuel of Norway
- Fruit and nuts from Rema 1000 Aslakveien
- Buns and pastries from Åpent Bakeri Røa
- Energy drink from Red Bull.
During the breaks between rounds and as a quiet après-ski after the finish, participants and spectators could chill, brag, complain and juggle around fire pits in deck chairs thanks to Salomon.
Results
This year's race featured several high-profile participants; like previous editions. Mr Pimp Lotion lined up and ran 14.50 km with nose breathing; Emil Gukild skated through 100KM on borrowed skis from Petter Northug, and his better half Linnea Myhre fought her way through 66.6 KM (registered for 50k, but had to wait for her husband anyway and went a little further. - It's great that nice and high-profile people are contributing to the positive atmosphere that we have become known for, says race director Gaute Høyland. - Skiing the 5KM loop up here is tiring. Walking 50k is pretty wild, and covering 100km here is a real beast. There were participants here who did 17-18 laps in the 5-kilometer; that amounts to just over 3500 meters of elevation gain. - I am very impressed with everyone who is running here today, and the most gratifying thing this year is that we finally got the first female skater over 100KM, the club's first lady, Benedicte Aubert Ringnes, impressed us all with her wonderful effort! The City Environment Agency prepared the night before Saturday, so it was really tough and nice from the start, but the conditions got tougher as the day went on.
Looking forward to next year
The DAB Ultra Skaters events are held on a low-threshold basis; but the rig is getting bigger year by year. - In order to be able to bring partners and brands we want to continue with us, it is important that it is a proper arrangement, while at the same time being jovial and down-to-earth. When the profits also go to charity, it is important that our culture and values shine through, says the race director. The logistics were as informal as they were well thought out: The participants collected their starting numbers themselves from the secretariat, walked freely in the field and logged their own times. With Emil Meek among the club members, the luggage is safe.
Next year there are plans to expand the race further to create even more fun on the track!