Showklasse reddet 95 år gammel stafett i Sigdal

When the number of participants in the Prestfoss relay dropped a few years ago, the organizer Sigdal FIK came up with something clever in 2019: A separate show class was created, and now the 95-year-old and tradition-rich relay is alive and well.

By Tore Shetelig, editor of the magazine Friidrett

In the show/business class, participants who dress up in colorful and original costumes run. Around 20 teams competed in the various classes – as usual on 17 May itself. On the evening of National Day, the Sigdølings have since the beginning in 1929 gathered to compete in relays. 

500 spectators, several of them dressed in bunads, turned up – to watch children, young people and adults running in beautiful weather.

FROM THE SHOW/COMPANY CLASS: Anita Sørlie leads ahead of Martin Narum Vatningen. Photo: Ingvild Stegane Strandbråten. 

Relay general Runolv Stegane found it particularly pleasing that seven teams lined up in the recruit relay. Pupils from all three primary schools in Sigdal ran there: Nerstad, Prestfoss and Eggedal. They were distributed over two heats.

SECOND OLDEST IN NORWAY

Only the Holmenkoll relay, which started in 1923 – organized by the Tjalve sports club, is older in terms of relay events in athletics in Norway.

Between 40 and 50 Sigdøler show up as officials on 17 May itself. It is impressive. 

Sigdal Friidrettsklubb also has an anniversary this year. The club was founded in 1974, and can look back on 50 years of operation. The anniversary will be marked with a members’ party in the autumn.

GENERAL 40 TIMES

Runolv Stegane, the driving force behind athletics in Sigdal, also had a personal anniversary on 17 May this year. The 2024 edition of the Prestfosstafetten was his 40th event on 17 May!

The Prestfoss relay has only had three interruptions: During the Second World War – from 1940 to 1945, when there was a sports strike and during the shutdown during the Corona period. Plus in 2007 when the athletics track was rebuilt.

Caption for main image:

IN FARTA: Made for Krødsherad IL. Here, Amilie Mjølstad Skinnes alternates with Nora Råen Skinnes. Photo: Ingvild Stegane Strandbråten.