Earlier this summer, Therese Johaug revealed that she was pregnant — and, almost in the same breath, that she was planning a quick return to competition. At that time, she was discussing running the Copenhagen Half Marathon on September 20, 2026. Now, however, Johaug has moved up her comeback.

Read More: Johaug expecting second child

Her next target? The Birkebeinerrennet on March 14.

She revealed this in a new podcast together with Emil Gukild and Petter Northug.

“I’m considering joining him for the Birken challenge. It’ll be exciting and fun to see how far I can get two months after giving birth,” Johaug told VG.

Gukild, who has left NRK, is now a full-time cross-country skier with Team Burger King Northug.

Also Read: Team Burger King Northug is presented

Johaug and Emil Gukild are now launching a new podcast, “Gukild & Johaug,” with three episodes per week. Petter Northug will also make regular appearances.

Wanted to give Kristin a sibling

The wish to expand her family was one of the main reasons Johaug decided not to continue her pursuit toward the 2026 Olympics, despite a World Championship winter that brought three silvers and a bronze — not quite the results she had hoped for. She made that very clear herself.

“That 50km in Trondheim… it has bothered me a lot. I’ll admit, my dream was that 50km in Trondheim, and then the day comes, the course and the conditions are what they are. I really feel I didn’t get to show what I was capable of,” Johaug said after the Championships.

Also Read: Ten key Johaug moments

The baby is expected to arrive on January 17.

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