Black Lake Race 2026 – Participant Guide
Welcome to Black Lake Race
Welcome to Black Lake Race, a challenging mountain race in the spectacular landscapes surrounding Svartevatnet – The Black Lake – in Vågstranda, Norway.
Expect steep climbs, technical descents, alpine ridges and breathtaking views across fjords and mountains. Whether you choose the demanding 29 KM course or the faster 20 KM course, you are in for an unforgettable day in the Norwegian wilderness.
Download GPX files her:
Race Office & Registration
All participants must:
- Be at least 16 years old on race day
- Check in at the race office before the race
- Sign a liability waiver
- Confirm that they have read and understood all race information and participate at their own risk
Race bibs will be distributed during registration.
Race Office Location
Vågstranda School (race start and finish area)
Opening Hours
Friday, July 10
- 18:00–20:00
Saturday, July 11
- 07:30–08:45
Race Day Schedule
29 KM Race
Start: 09:00
20 KM Race
Start: 10:00
Kids Race
Start: 11:00
Start & Finish Area
Vågstranda School
Cut-Off Time
A cut-off time of 5 hours applies at Checkpoint 3 (Svartevatnet / The Black Lake) on the 29 KM course.
Participants who reach Checkpoint 3 after the cut-off will be directed onto an alternative route back to the finish area for safety reasons.
Free Camping for Participants
We are pleased to offer free camping for race participants at Hjelvik Idrettsplass.
Available for tents. If you arrive by campervan or caravan, please send us an e-mail and we will help you with a spot nearby.
If you would like to reserve a spot, please contact:
Course Information
29 KM Course
The 29 KM course starts at Vågstranda School and quickly enters steep forest terrain before climbing towards Lundsfjellet and Nøta.
Runners then continue via Svarthammeren before facing the toughest challenge of the race: the climb to Trollstolen, gaining more than 850 vertical metres over approximately two kilometres.
The route continues across:
- Trollstolen (1141 m)
- Stolsaksla (953 m)
- Langfjellet (989 m)
- Svartevatnet (The Black Lake)
- Trolltinden (1241 m)
- Midttinden (1220 m)
- Blåtinden (1166 m)
The final section descends through Fjellsetra before returning to Vågstranda School.
GPX Navigation – Mandatory
The race course is marked, but mountain conditions, weather and visibility can change quickly.
All participants in the 29 KM race are required to download the official GPX track and load it onto their GPS watch before race day.
👉 Download the official 29 KM GPX file here:
Participants are responsible for ensuring their navigation device is functioning properly before the start.
Aid Stations
Food and drinks are available at checkpoints along the course.
20 KM Course
The 20 KM course is a faster and more accessible mountain route combining gravel roads, forest trails, alpine terrain and technical descents.
Highlights include:
- Fjellsetra
- Svartevatnet (The Black Lake)
- Trolltinden (1241 m)
- Midttinden (1220 m)
- Blåtinden (1166 m)
Participants return to Vågstranda School via forest roads and trails.
This course offers a perfect combination of speed, scenery and mountain running.
Race Rules & Sportsmanship
Poles
Running poles are permitted.
Participants may:
- Carry poles throughout the race
- Leave poles at Checkpoint 3
Poles left at Checkpoint 3 will be transported to the finish area.
Respect Fellow Runners
If you encounter another participant who requires assistance, you are expected to stop and help or alert race staff if necessary.
Livestock
The course passes through areas with:
- Sheep
- Goats
- Cows
- Horses
Please pass animals calmly and respectfully.
Failure to respect livestock may result in disqualification.
Pasture Gates
Several pasture gates must be passed during the race.
Please make sure all gates are closed after passing through.
Leave No Trace
We are privileged to race in a spectacular mountain environment.
Please do not litter. Carry your waste until you reach a checkpoint or the finish area.
Mandatory Equipment
Mountain weather can change rapidly.
All participants must carry:
- Windproof jacket
- Rain jacket
- Warm beanie
- Buff
- Gloves
- Extra shirt
- Small first aid kit
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Emergency contact numbers provided by the organiser
- One energy bar
- Survival blanket
Additional equipment may be required depending on weather conditions.
Photography & Video
Photos and videos may be taken before, during and after the event.
By participating in Black Lake Race, you grant the organisers the right to use photographs and video footage for promotional and marketing purposes.
Insurance
All participants must have their own accident insurance covering mountain sports and trail running activities.
Changes or Cancellation
Participant safety is always our highest priority.
The race organisation reserves the right to:
- Change the course
- Modify the event schedule
- Cancel the race
if weather conditions or other circumstances create unsafe conditions.
Refund Policy
If the race is cancelled:
- More than one month before race day: 50% refund of the entry fee
- Less than one month before race day: no refund
Contact
Questions regarding registration, travel, accommodation or partnerships?
Email: post@blacklakerace.com
Website: www.blacklakerace.com