Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, one of the world's toughest triathlons, today made available the list of athletes who will start the 2026 race. On1 August, 250 athletes will jump from a ferry into the Hardangerfjord at 05:00 and take on 226 kilometers of swimming, cycling and running across Norway, finishing on top of Mount Gausta.
This year's field includes Alistair Brownlee, double Olympic champion, who will be racing Norseman for the first time.
"I've been a triathlete for 30 years, and for 18 of those I was a professional, training to win the biggest races", says Brownlee. "But I've always been the child who wants to explore new places, push my limits and discover new sporting communities. Now I've got the chance to do that, and the one race at the top of my list has always been Norseman. I'm genuinely excited, and slightly nervous, to experience this legendary event."
"I like to tell everyone I don't compete anymore, I participate. But that's easier said than done when the horn goes. My goal is to enjoy the race, taking in the scenery. I'll still be going as fast as I can, even if that's a lot slower than a few years ago. I will enjoy crossing the finish line as much as ever", Brownlee ends.
Among the athletes who will be racing for the win is Kristian Grue, winner of the 2025 edition and Hans Christian Tungesvik, the winner of the 2019 edition.
"Norseman 2026 will be an exciting edition for everyone following along," says Grue. "On paper, the start list points to a tight fight at the front. I love this course and I love this race. It's the most spectacular course out there. And I couldn't say no to the chance to race a two-time Olympic champion in triathlon. My ambition is to beat the 2025 version of myself. If I manage to do so, I think everyone else on the start list is going to have a tough day," Grue continues.
In the women’s field, Kaja Bergwitz-Larsen is one of the favorites, with three previous podium finishes.
“My ambitions for Norseman this year is to set a new personal best and do one final attempt on taking the win. This year, I'm not going to race Celtman or Swissman like previous years but instead prepare and focus only on Norseman”, says Bergwitz-Larsen.
Nikola Corbova won Himalayan XTRI overall in May 2025 and is on the start list for Norseman for the first time this year.
Close to 8,000 people from 100 countries applied for a place in the 2026 race, which is fully booked.
See the full start list attached, including athletes' country and postal codes, so local media can find their local heroes, or go to: Start list