TOUGH, CHALLENGING
– and utterly addictive!
Choose Åland for training or competition! The landscape is full of natural obstacles and is made for everyone who loves to push the envelope – both physically and mentally.
Åland Swim Run is a challenge that demands true grit, particularly in the classes geared toward experienced athletes. The courses in the outer archipelago cross islands and open water through a landscape that has everything from waves and wind to slippery rocks. Not to mention beautiful views. Fortunately, there are also classes for ordinary fitness buffs who want to test their limits. But, don’t be fooled - the shorter, easier courses are not to be taken lightly, either. ROAD CYCLISTS SAY that Åland is the Mallorca of the North, but better! This is due to lighter traffic combined with ideal roads and beautiful natural surroundings. A total of 1,100 kilometres of public roads and 150 kilometres of bike trails are perfect for anyone who wants to get in a cycling workout on their holiday. Or compete in a bike race. Feel free to contact Ålandscyklisterna on its Facebook
page. Ålandscyklisterna is a group that welcomes other cycling enthusiasts to join their training sessions and competitions. MANY PEOPLE LOVE being able to combine training and competing with family holidays. Many of the holiday competitions during the year start at Käringsund Resort in Eckerö, offering classes for every ability level and age. In many cases, competition days are real family gatherings, where even members of the family not competing can find plenty to do, either in the competition area or anywhere in Åland. While the athletes are hard at it, those wanting to simply enjoy the good life can sunbathe, swim, go sightseeing and eat to their heart’s content! On pages 54-57, you’ll find several tips on family activities.
a time–you the Käringsund Triathlon is for you. There are classes and sections that suit every ability, but for pros it’s all about the middle distance, or Half Ironman triathlon. Competitors must swim 1,900 metres, bike 90 kilometres and run 21 kilometres. However, the most enjoyable way to compete is to gather up your friends or co-workers for the team relay. CLOSE OUT THE COMPETITION season with a run in October, when the air is clear and loaded with oxygen. The 22 kilometre-long Kanonloppet (Cannon Run) crosses varied terrain, while the Åland Marathon & ½ Marathon is a city run through the streets of Mariehamn. Then, you can loosen up your tired muscles with a steamy sauna and good night’s sleep at the hotel.
IF YOU LOVE TO SWIM, run and bike–preferably long distances for several hours at
COMPETE TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT IN ÅLAND! SJÖJUNGFRULOPPET, women’s run in Mariehamn, 7 May. BRÄNDÖLUFFEN, half-marathon and run, 21 May. TROLLINGTRÄFF ÅLAND, fishing event, x1–4 June.
Å LA N D T R AV E L M A G A Z I NE 2022
KÄRINGSUNDSLOPPET, cycling event, 2–3 July. SEMESTERLOPPET, running event, 9 July. KÄRINGSUND TRIATHLON, 26–27 August.
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