“It was long. It was a good start to the top of the course. And after that, it was just downhill. The kilometers from 20 to the finish were very tough,” says Johannes Thingnes Bø after his debut over 42 kilometers.

On March 23 this year, he finished his career as a biathlete after nearly 15 years on the World Cup circuit. Since then, he has tried his hand at running, but the marathon was a new distance for the Norwegian star.

“Tried to enjoy it along the way”

The 32-year-old admits that the marathon was a serious challenge.

“I’ve never moved for that long. And I’m not used to taking in nutrition either. So, I just had to try and figure things out. But I tried to enjoy it along the way. Toward the end, it was just about keeping my running stride going and not switching to walking,” says Thingnes Bø after his 42-kilometer debut.

The result was 7th place in the M30–39 age group and 13th overall, 27 minutes behind the winner, Are Denstad from Stjørdals Blink Ski.

Denstad won with more than five-minute margin over Jon Olsen from Fjellhamar.

Top 3 Men, Birken Fjellmaraton 42km

1. Are Denstad, Stjørdals Blink Ski, 3:01:15
2. Jon Olsen, Fjellhamar, 3:06:53
3. Marius Elvedak, Tranby, 3:10:00
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4. Johannes Thingnes Bø, 3:28:43

Full results

Fans beg for a comeback

After Johannes Thingnes Bø revealed a new collaboration with the German brand Adidas, fans are begging the biathlon star to make a comeback. The 32-year-old is keeping his cards close to his chest.

“I retired because I didn’t have time to train. And look at me now: I have time to train because I retired,” he wrote on Instagram earlier this spring.

When asked if he’s thinking about a comeback, Johannes Thingnes Bø replied:

“I don’t have big plans; I live from day to day.”

Also Read: Fans beg for a comeback – Thingnes Bø debuts at Birken

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