Axa Fjällmaraton (mountain marathon) in Vålådalen/Ottsjö just outside of Åre, has become a yearly challenge for us. Last year we did the Öppet fjäll, which is the full marathon with open starting times. This year due to less pre season (and on season) training we decided to run the half marathon instead. In almost perfect conditions the four of us did really well, our individual conditions taken into consideration. Myself finished 13th with a time of 2:13,49.

But the times are irrelevant (as long as you beat your friends) since the track in itself is a spectacular experience, and I think all of us will be back next year – maybe even going for the real thing!

Link to Axa Fjällmaraton homepage here.

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  Three happy runners before the race

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  The clouds on top of Ottfjället was a bit worrying

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  From the bus ride to the start

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  The gusty wind blew the clouds away

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  "Old" friends before the start

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  550 people starting the half marathon today

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  Getting nervous

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  Up the first rise, more walking than running

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  Getting above the tree line and the first image of the competition of the day

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  Still climbing in the beautiful scenery

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  First selfi, looking fresh

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  Still climbing

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  Still...

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  Some are better going up

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  After 3 km of climb the mountain levels out...

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  ... and the track lies around some beautiful small lakes

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  In case you wondered what you were doing

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  Met a friend doing the full marathon, way to go Anders

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  Now the competition is behind, this is my terrain

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  The first spectators of today

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  Reaching the food station after 9 km

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  My heroes, and my chips, candy and drinks... It's all MINE

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  But first...

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  The highest point ahead,...

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  Then it's all down hill, almost

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  Happier going down 🙂

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  Beautiful view

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  The track goes over marshes on wood for 2 km

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  Then down the road for another 2 km, love my audience

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  At the bottom of the road only 5 km left, and I am getting really tired

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  Really tired

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  Now there is no track, only woods

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  And up the last hill, a slalom slope

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  Up...

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  .... and up

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  And at the top. 1 km to go... down

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  Amazing view though

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  Passing my...

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  ... greatest fans.

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  Got beaten (finish line camera) by David.

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  Because I'm happy!

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  Happy that it's over that is!

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  Jonas and Jonas resting...

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  ... and resting. The only race with hot tubs?

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  Kristin finished just after.

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  Malin saved some energy for the finish

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  We did it! See you next year!

#axa #fjällmaraton #mountainmarathon #vålådalen #ottfjället #running #åre