From driving rain and low-hanging clouds to snow-covered peaks and brilliant sunshine, the Lofoten Islands delivered everything the Norwegian wilderness is famous for when 110 employees from across KONGSBERG gathered to take part in this year’s Lofoten Ultra Trail Relay.
KONGSBERG fielded teams in both the 100-mile and 50-mile relay categories, bringing together employees from different business areas, professions and locations. The event offered participants an opportunity to challenge themselves physically while experiencing some of Norway’s most spectacular scenery.
The Lofoten Ultra Trail Relay is known for demanding stages, rapidly changing weather conditions and terrain that tests both physical and mental endurance. Relay teams navigate mountains, coastal trails and rugged landscapes, relying on teamwork and support from fellow runners throughout the race.
But for KONGSBERG, the event is about much more than running.
Over time, the Lofoten Ultra Trail Relay has become an important tradition within the company. By supporting employee participation, KONGSBERG creates opportunities for people to challenge themselves, build new relationships and work toward a shared goal outside their everyday roles.
As KONGSBERG continues to grow, bringing together employees from different business areas, professions and locations becomes increasingly important. The relay format naturally encourages teamwork, communication and mutual support – qualities that are just as valuable in everyday work as they are on the trail. Participants return home with new connections, fresh perspectives and a broader understanding of the expertise and capabilities that exist across the company.
The relay is about much more than running. The experience starts long before race day and continues throughout the event itself. It’s about encouraging each other, overcoming challenges together and building relationships across the company. By the end, you take home not only great memories, but also a deeper understanding of the people, backgrounds and expertise that make KONGSBERG what it is – both professionally and personally.
- Camilla Brevik Hågensen, one of the participants and team leaders.
Health, wellbeing and community
Equally important is the focus on health and wellbeing. Training together, preparing for a demanding challenge and completing difficult stages in spectacular surroundings creates a strong sense of achievement, community and shared purpose.
For many participants, the combination of personal achievement, outdoor adventure and teamwork is what makes the experience special. Interest in the event continues to grow year after year, reflecting the popularity of both the challenge itself and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the organization.
“Arranging an event like this requires a significant effort from everyone involved. We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated volunteers who invest their own time and energy to make it such a memorable experience for employees across the company. Their commitment is what makes events like this possible,” says Senior Vice President HSE & Organization Development, Bredo Larsen.
While the scenery of Northern Norway is unforgettable, participants often point to the people and the shared experience as the most rewarding part of the journey.
Together, they return home with a sense of achievement, stronger connections and memories that last long after the race is over.