You are organizing North Sea Beach Marathon on 28th of June 2015. Can you tell us where your event is located and how runners are able to travel there easily?
North Sea Beach Marathon takes place along the west coast and the marathon and half marathon start at Hvide Sande. Also the 4,2 km and 8,4 km distances both start and finish at Hvide Sande South Beach.
Participants can take the train to Ringkøbing and continue from there by bus to White Sands. They can also fly to either Billund, Karup or Esbjerg and continue from there by bus or train to Ringkøbing / White Sands or Oksbøl Vejers.
Are there different distances in your event?
In addition to marathon we have half marathon, 8,4 km and 4,2 km.
Tell us something about the history of your event. Why was it created in the first place and how has it changed over the years?
North Sea Beach Marathon started in 2000, with the aim, among other things, of attracting tourists to the West Coast. We have not had many changes over the years as there are no great opportunities to change anything on the beach. The flow direction however has changed so that every other year runners runs from north to south and vice versa.
Describe your route a bit. How’s the scenery? Is the route beginner friendly? Can runners expect PB’s?
All courses are run on flat sand with no inclines. The beach is firm and solid between Henne Mølleå (Kærgaard) and Vejers. There are signs at every full kilometer, counting downwards from the starting point to the finishing area in Hvide Sande. Also the 4,2 km and 8,4 km are “back and forth” -routes starting and finishing at Hvide Sande Southbeach. At the turning points, all participants will be given a control ribbon to wear. This ribbon can be exchanged for a medal at the finishing line.
How many runners do you expect to have in your event?
We expect between 1 500 and 1 800 runners.
What kind of weather conditions can runners prepare to face in your event?
It can be sunny, slightly or very windy, or cloudy. Last year it rained a lot, but participants reached the finish line in good spirits.
What else runners should do in the city after/before the race? Any suggestions to newcomers?
Ringkøbing:
Ringkøbing is one of the oldest market towns in Denmark, beautifully situated on Ringkøbing Fjord. There are few places in Denmark that have such proud traditions, such an exciting history, and such an intense atmosphere.
Hvide Sande:
With the sea on one side, and the fjord on the other, a visit to Hvide Sande is a very special experience at any time of year.
Founded by fisher folk in connection with the completion of the long-planned for sluice gates between the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord, the main industry in Hvide Sande is still fishing. The fishing harbor, Denmark’s youngest and currently 5th largest, is an important center point of the town.
Hvide Sande Habor:
It is always busy at the harbor. Early morning is the time to see the fishing boats unloading, and the catch being transferred to the Auction Hall. If you want to see the fish you can visit the Auction Hall on Monday to Friday from seven in the morning.
How would you describe your event to people who haven’t yet participated in it and why should they register?
North Sea Beach Marathon is the world’s most special run. It is run literally in sand along the west coast. This year, bothstarting and finishing at Hvide Sande South Beach. North Sea Beach Marathon is an extreme race an definitely not an ordinary marathons.
Anything else you want to tell about your event?
Many runners have said after the race that one has not participated in a real marathon before one has participated in the North Sea Beach marathon!
