Takk for årets DAB 100K Invitational!

Thank you for this year's DAB 100K Invitational!

Once again, the underground race DAB 100K Invitational took place in Linderudkollen in Oslo; for the third year in a row. The race is a wonderful tribute to skating; to unity and joy; and physical exhaustion for a potential 100 kilometers! How often do you have the opportunity to ski around at sunrise, while the smoke bombs go off and NWA brings the rest of the forest to life? It's once a year - We're making cross-country skiing gangsta again!

The mood

DAB Ultra Skaters, with all the wonderful partners, have been working hard lately to make the race feasible. The unstable weather situation recently actually meant that the race management had an emergency meeting with the preparation team and meteorologists no later than three days before the race, to ensure implementation. The framework was good - not just luck; actually a whole dose of skill too.

The atmosphere in Linderudkollen at 04:45 on Saturday morning is special - all the rigging is done on the same day, which is due to the hectic activity before the start. Many thanks to the participants who helped with carrying and rigging; maybe that made the excitement for the 100K let up a bit? The fact that so many people help, in addition to DAB members, manifests the unity we want to create with this race!

“Do you guys need help? It's better for me to help you than for me to sit here with the seat heater on” - Halvor, 100K participant.

The start, under the finish line from main sponsor Salomon, was a really great one - DAB wearing their easily recognizable outfits designed by artist Nikolai Gyldenhammer went out to the front, flanked by a bunch of fit guys ready for a rare effort.

Participants

This year's event was another well-attended DAB event, even though the season is in full swing and the weather was predicted to be very heavy. There was a nice variety of participants; however, there was still a preponderance of those who identified as male - a full 51 of the 54 registered were in this category; divided into 4 distances:

  • DAB 100K
  • DAB 50K
  • The Breiale Mile: 14.50K
  • MM: 10K

The great uncertainty related to one's own form, lead and general feeling with (VIV - Vondt i Viljen) meant that a total of 18 sprinters received the boring remark DNS in the results list; but 34 playas/playettes nailed it!

The race

PreppeAlf delivered a prep that a world-cup arena would be proud of; and even though it was a busy day, the conditions were surprisingly firm and nice throughout the race.

The start at 05:45 was marked by excitement, and there was an eager group that went out with headlamps. The mandatory first round (inspired by trotting) means that you get some cool photos while the group looks their freshest!

In events run by DAB, you time your run with your own Strava, and it's the "Moving Time" that counts; meaning you can set up the race however you want, with regular trips to the "paddock" to fuel up with RedBull, Fuel of Norway, buns from Åpent Bakeri på Røa, or fruit and vegetables from Rema på Røa. Delicious!

It was a tough day; it was a sucky ride! The winning time was almost an hour slower than last year's event!

Results list

The most prestigious distance - DAB100K was won by DABber Lars Haugvad, ahead of Kjetil Holden from WaaxenaasenXC; in third place followed DAB's Gaute Høyland (this year as last).

A well-stocked prize table with prizes from Salomon, Whitestory, Vinimavines, Specula Eyewear and Xpressprofil meant that the fastest runners in all categories secured some real treats.

100K also counts as a club championship for DAB; and the podium there was as follows:

  1. Lars Haugvad
  2. Gaute Høyland
  3. Anders Gulsrud

Results list 100K

Results list 50K

Results list 14.50K

Results list MM

Charity

As is tradition, DAB Ultra Skaters wants to help make the world a better place - and this time is no exception. This time we are donating 5,000 NOK to Aktiv mot kreft. Aktiv mot kreft works against cancer, and focuses on increasing quality of life through activity and training. In addition, they are working to expand training facilities in hospitals. It is a cause we stand behind!

Thanks to partners

Without good partners it is difficult to put on a good event. We are lucky to have a group of people who support every single event, which we appreciate immensely!

  • A big thank you to Salomon for the goal arch, great prizes and equipment - their playfulness and positivity are a perfect match!
  • Thank you Fuel Of Norway - everything from 10 to 100 km requires nutrition, and the fact that you support us time and time again is super. Sports nutrition at its best - and 100% Norwegian. Absolutely king!
  • Thanks to VinimaVines - once again you are providing the most delicious bottles for this year's happening. All podium places took home precious drops; and PreppeAlf will enjoy a whole box :)
  • Thanks to Specula Eyewear - thank you for following up on the eyewear sponsorship for the club, keeping us fresh, and for filling the prize table with cool sports shades!
  • Thanks to XpressProfil - thanks for contributing to the prize table, official DAB buffers and the profiling gear. The industry's hottest deals on profiling gear and merch!
  • Thanks to Whitestory - Thanks for contributing to the prize table! Absolutely gorgeous dresses for most occasions!
  • Thanks to Fishy Business for the best fish burgers on the market. It's great to be able to serve short-haul halibut cakes with bacon to hungry skiers - year after year!
  • Thanks to Åpent Bakeri på Røa for the most delicious cinnamon buns and school bread!
  • Thanks to Rema 1000 at Røa for the fruit & vegetables! Simple is often the best :)
  • Thanks to Bull Ski and Kayak at Røa for the boxfresh buffer so we can stay warm during training in the future <3 Looking forward to a full lubrication service and glide tips for the 2025 edition of the DAB100K!

    THANKS!

    There will be a DAB100K Invitational next year too - and we hope to see you all at the start next year too. Maybe you have a friend or two to bring with you, and maybe we can increase the female percentage from 9% to 30%? We haven't set the date for next year's event yet, but it will be in March/April. Follow @dabultraskaters on Instagram to stay updated!

    Within a few days you will receive a link to a small survey where we would like feedback on this year's event; we hope for your honest feedback!

    If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at hei@dabultraskaters.com, or on Instagram!

    Thank you for a fantastic event!

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