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In the heart of Norway, about three hours west of Oslo, lies the Gaustatoppen mountain, a formidable challenge for even the most seasoned athletes. This was the final hurdle for Thorsten Schröder, a 57-year-old hobby athlete from Reinbek, in the grueling Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, considered one of the world’s toughest endurance races, pushed Schröder to his limits. The race began with a 3.8 km open-water swim in the cold Hardangerfjord, followed by a 180 km bike ride through dramatic mountainous landscapes, and culminating in a full marathon that ended with a steep run to the summit of Mount Gaustatoppen.
The race started very early, typically around 5:00 AM local time. The swim temperature is usually freezing cold, though in recent years it’s sometimes been milder than usual. The bike course is known for its severe elevation gain, mixed weather conditions (rain, fog, and sometimes snow at higher elevations), and spectacular Norwegian fjord scenery. The marathon run begins after the bike segment and ends at the peak of Gaustatoppen, presenting a steep and exhausting final climb.
Schröder, who has participated in the Ironman in Hawaii multiple times, faced an unexpected challenge before the Norseman. He suffered a keyhole fracture in his knee in a cycling accident on Fuerteventura in March. Despite this setback, he successfully completed the Norseman, placing 123rd overall.
The last half of the run was "consistently very steep," according to Schröder, but he found the breathtaking landscape a form of sightseeing. He expressed relief after reaching the finish line, and the greatest reward for him was having nothing planned for the days afterwards.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon attracts global participation, with thousands applying for a few hundred slots from many countries each year. Notable competition highlights include Norwegian Kristian Grue winning the 2025 race in 9:45:20, and Germany's Julia Skala breaking the women's course record in the same year, finishing in 11:00:23.
Schröder found the Norseman triathlon competition to be a great deal of fun and enjoys pushing himself and fighting. After completing the race, he can now add another remarkable achievement to his athletic career.
The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, with its challenging sports events such as swimming, biking, and running, tested Schröder's endurance on Mount Gaustatoppen, a renowned sports hotspot in Norway. Despite his previous cycling injury, Schröder showed determination and love for sports, triumphing in the Norseman race.
