Grenaa Halvmarathon - 6 timers ULTRA løb

Time to race Grenaa Halvmarathon - 6 timers ULTRA løb! A 6-hour endurance race where you simply run as far as you possibly can.

The alarm went off at 04:40 🌅😅. Parking in Grenaa is limited and I wanted to secure a good spot before the race start at 09:00, so I had to be there before 08:00.

The race started in race director Kenneth Pedersen’s garden, which set the tone perfectly for the whole event - super relaxed, super cosy, and just a very welcoming atmosphere 🤗. Around 60 runners had gathered to take on the challenge.

The course itself was the blue forest route of 5.5 kilometers per loop. We were very lucky with the weather: mild temperatures, slightly cloudy at the start but gradually becoming more and more sunny throughout the day ☀️. Really ideal conditions for running long - no wind, no rain, no frozen anything.

After each 5.5K loop we passed the aid station, which was conveniently positioned right alongside the gravel path near the start/finish area.

Like many of the other runners, I had set up my own little supply (box) at the edge of the path — stocked with gels, chews, salt tablets and soft flasks filled with energy drink. The system worked very well: just veer slightly to the side, grab what you need, and carry straight on into the next loop 👌🏻.

At the aid station there was increasingly enthusiastic encouragement as the laps progressed.

Simultaneously I noticed that the loop became less crowded as the hours progressed. I guess it was because some runners were either stopping earlier than the 6 hours and/or were taking longer breaks. Don’t know why, but apparently I was a bit surprised about that 😆 out there on the route. But ofc it makes totally sense that not everybody could/would run for the entire 6 hours 💯.

I managed to successfully execute an almost negative split pace strategy 🤩! The plan was to start at a comfortable controlled pace and then progressively push harder as the race went on. After the first 2 hours I cranked it up a notch, and then after 4 hours I pushed it just a little more again. Looking back, those last two 2-hour blocks probably converged on just below 5:00/km pace in reality.

I was slightly surprised to realize I could hold a sub-5:00/km pace in the 50-60 kilometer range 😲. I think a consistently larger running volume combined with my recent marathon training overall has had a good effect 🧐🙂.

Along the way I also set a new 50K PB of 4:06:56 🎉🥳 - which was a very nice bonus!

After 6 hours on the clock, I crossed the finishline with 71 kilometers covered - finishing 2nd out of 60 finishers 🥈! A result I am really really proud of 🤗

Recommended?

Absolutely, without hesitation! ✅

The race has a wonderful, friendly atmosphere, a beautiful forest loop, a great race director, and it’s really well organised. Whether you’re running for a PB or just want to see how far your legs can carry you in 6 hours, this race is a gem 💎.

I’ll definitely be back 🤠👍🏻.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️