Cross Island Bornholm 2025

My family and I have been enjoying the Easter vacation on Bornholm this year. While being there my wife found out that the half marathon Cross Island Bornholm 2025 was about to be held. She nudged me to run it - so that’s exactly what I did. Didn’t need much push 🤭😂.

The race was starting very close to our vacation home in Gudhjem in the east: at the art museum in Rø. Then the route went via paved roads and gravel roads crossing the Island (Bornholm) to the city in west, Rønne - at the stadium. This is how the route looked like on Strava after I ran it:

A few photos from the starting area at the art museum:

As the route has more descend than ascent I figured it would be “very fast”. So I aimed at trying to set a shiny new PB for the half marathon distance.

The route started with a quick descent and then the same ascent back up again. It was fun downhill - and equally tough uphill. I really tried to find the sweet spot effort wise on the way up. I think I did. Then the route transitioned a bit more into some minor undulating terrain until kilometer 11. From that point on it was almost exclusively downhill (and a little bit flat, super limited ascent. Almost zero). Quite amazing 🤩. From the same kilometer point we also faced some headwind. That honestly at times could be felt as a limiting factor. But sunny and warm it was 🤗🤠. And the headwind was definitely not a deal breaker … just annoying given the opportunity for a fast race.

My family waited for me at a few key spots along the route. They also - btw - send me from the starting line, and they also greeted and cheered for me at the finish line. That was super lovely. What a nice support 🥳🤩.

Fast forward to the end. I did not beat my PB (from 2024) but I did have an extraordinary run with a very satisfying effort. I could not deliver more under these circumstances. In fact my result was really fine I think; out of 234 finishers I ended up 10th 🤯🤗. Much better than I had dreamed about (such a big field considered). Additionally, my effort led to my 2nd best official lifetime half marathon result and a range of other related 2nd best lifetime PBs on Strava; 5K, 10K, 15K, 10M, 20K and Half marathon. So: 🥳.

In conclusion I felt I was running at the edge of what was possible for me at my current fitness level. I consciously speeded up and down at different segments to just about ride the redline. Granted; below it … but not much. I am also satisfied with my fueling and hydration approach too. Before the race I was fully hydrated and fueled with a portion of electrolytes sports drink. During the race; a gel after ~7K and another after ~15K … and a ~300ml Salomon water bottle (hand carried) emptied starting at 10K or so.

Recommended?

100% yes!

This race was super fast. And because it has more descent (159 meters according to my Garmin watch) than ascent (117 meters, also according to my Garmin watch) it has a potential to break PBs.

The route was very simple (mostly straight) and without sharp turns. Race volunteers at every road crossing and major turns. It also had a few aid stations with accommodating volunteers and spectators cheering for you. At certain segments it was quite scenic too; beautiful 🤩. Lastly, the finish line at the stadium in Rønne was quite epic. It definitely gave me goosebumps and an extra kick over the finish line 🤠.

This race gets an almost top of the line 4-star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️