Sagamarsjen is two day walking march based in Norway happening over Saturday and Sunday. You can choose from 4 different distances. Two short ones (around 5km and 10km) and two long ones (around 23km and 30km). You can walk different distance each day.
Is it a race?
No it is not a race, time is not tracked. While I have not seen any rules around running, I do not recommend to run this event.
How do I register?
Once the registration is open, you can register for Sagamarsjen at any time. Since the event does not get sold out, the registration window is very long. It is also possible to register online until few days before the event or even in person on the day of event. However if you are travelling especially for this, I suggest to make reservation in advance. The website is available in several languages and information and registration form is provided also in English.You do need to select your distance during registration, but it is possible to change it. You can select different distance on each day.
Is it part of IML?
Yes, Sagamarsjen is part of IML (International marching league), therefore if you walk one of the two longer distances (23 or 30km) each day, you will receive stamp in your IML passport. If you do short distance on one of the days, you will not qualify, it has to be distance above 20km. More about IML and how it works HERE
Which distance to choose?
Of course this is up to your physical ability and if you want IML stamp etc. If you are fit enough to handle the distances, I suggest to register for the longest trails. Please note that the longest routes are slightly harder as there will be more elevation for both days, since they take you up on a hill. However the views on the longest route were my favourite part on both days.
Do I get medal?
Yes, upon completion Sagamarsjen, you submit your card and receive medal. You can also request an optional diploma. If you are interested in pins or badges or other souvenirs, you can purchase some at small shop at the finish line (cash or card accepted).
What about cancellation?
I was not able to find Terms and conditions around this topic, but you can email the organisation on the email address available on website.
Can I do it alone? As Non-Norwegian speaker?
Yes, it is easy to register and participate on your own. Most Norwegian people speak English very well. Some of the volunteers might struggle a bit, but they are very friendly and you will manage. Alternatively you can always ask one of the walkers for help with translation. Also while you walk, it is not too difficult to engage in conversation. Since Sagamarsjen is part of IML, there are many international participants and as mentioned, Norwegian people often speak English.
Where to sleep?
The official Sagamarsjen website is suggesting 3 locations:
- Scandic Stiklestad – This is very nice hotel right at the heart of the event. It can be relatively expensive, but it is the best option to get most of the event. The registrations, opening and closing ceremonies and other activities happen inside or outside of the hotel
- Verdal hotel – Have not seen it or checked the price, but if choosing this hotel or other accomodation in Verdal, take into consideration the travel costs and times from/to starting locations.
- Stiklestad Camping – This is where I stayed. The huts with own showers and toilets might be nice option as they have been refurbished. I have stayed at the campsite (with camper) and I would not recommend. The shared facilities are dated and not clean. The provided transportation on day 1 also stops there, but there is no fixed timetable for it and you need to make sure to be wait and signal clearly so the bus would stop. If you do not have car, I recommend bringing bike to get to/from the village for registration and day 2 as it is relatively far.
- Look for your option taking into consideration ease, time and costs of getting to locations.
How to train for Sagamarsjen?
Depends on your physical fitness and the distances you plan to do. I have done the longest distances on each day without any previous training. However I do hike and run several times per week. I do suggest to prepare for this event as much as possible, by slowly increasing your distance. If you do not know your baseline, do 5km walk and see how it feels. Increase or decrease accordingly. As rule of thumb, you should only increase the distance by 10%, which is good guideline but at the same time listen to your body. Also note that it is better to do only 1x longer walk than splitting the same distance over a week. You should however also include couple back-to-back training sessions as you improve to train your body for this multi-day event.
Is food and drinks provided?
Yes and no. I strongly suggest not to rely on food/water provided by Sagamarsjen organisation, only take it as nice bonus. Some checkpoints have water, but usually it is very limited and it seems people have a cup of water at most. There is not sufficient water to refill water bottles. Checkpoints usually have also small snacks. On the first day of the event every checkpoint had something small, most of the time for free or to buy. On the second day only one checkpoint had free chocolates, 2nd checkpoint was missing and 3rd and 4th checkpoint had only paid snacks. Make sure you have sufficient food and drinks for the entire distance of the trail. If you are walking 30km, make sure you test your nutrition during your training to prevent upset stomach or nausea. I recommend to carry SEK coins in case you need to purchase something along the way.
What kind of clothing do I need?
Wear whatever you are most comfortable in, but avoid cotton/cotton blends for all clothing, especially socks. The trail is not very technical so you do not need technical hiking clothing. Make sure you train in the clothes you plan to wear to make sure it does not rub and causes issues while hiking. Of course check the weather in advance and be prepared for weather changes, especially on day 1 since it is in the mountains. For example I always have small lightweight poncho on me in case it rains. I have general article about clothing HERE
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Unless you prefer this, you do not need hiking boots for Sagamarsjen. Regular sports shoes with decent grip profile are sufficient. I did wear two different pairs on each day because I like to alternate shoes as blister prevention strategy, since different shoe will have different feel and will rub differently. However this is not necessary, just wear comfortable shoes that you trained in. I have general articles about shoes HERE
Do I carry anything with me?
It is personal preference if you wish to carry something with you. During the event, I have seen people carrying nothing as well as full backpacks. I suggest to bring whatever you did your training with and what you are comfortable with.
I have done both days with backpack. Here is a list of items and my subjective assessment of necessity:
MANDATORY
- Phone (with Apple Pay)
- Bank card (if no Apple Pay on phone)
- Some cash in SEK
- Event card
- Water bottle or camelpack
- Tissues
- Snacks
- Electrolytes
- Lightweight poncho
OPTIONAL (USEFULL)
- Further clothing layers – depending on weather forecast
- Sunscreen – depending on weather forecast
- Foot care – bandages, walking wool
- Full lunch
- Additional snacks
- Spare socks
- Toilet paper and bag to keep used toilet paper
- IML passport – If you have one, only needed on 2nd day
LUXURY
- Power bank + cables
- Headphones for music
- Wet wipes
- Mosquito repellent
