Here’s a simple video, shot from the side in slow motion of the Vikingarannet Ice Skating Marathon. It has an atmospheric guitar soundtrack.
It’s all about the skaters. So many kinds and styles!
Young and old, fast and slow. Solo and pack. With poles, or rucksacks, or tidy and aero.
To me it shows a diverse culture. Anything goes that gets you out there. Equal respect for all.
One poor guy stands out but asks for no special treatment. He’s just doing his thing that day. Come what may.
I particularly noticed the black, crazed ice. It looks so cold yet rich and inviting, making me want to spend time along it.
The whole scene is cold and windy yet somehow convivial, inviting, cultured.
I found this video on the Swedish “Outside” magazine website: www.utsidan.se/. No relation to the US version. (I was searching for online media examples of friluftsliv and idraet — wholesome Nordic outdoor culture.)
The Vikingarannet marathon was inspired by the 120-mile Elfstedentocht — Eleven City Race — of Holland. It hasn’t been run since 1997 and the 15,000 crazed Dutchies wanted to do a big multi-city marathon somewhere so this race was developed between two big Swedish cities where the winters are colder. The Scandis happily caught on.
Here’s a good vid of the 1985 Elfstedentocht: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNM0rZoAP0U
Here’s a marvelous vid celebrating the 100th Anniversary:
