Long runs became my most important therapy when my wife died suddenly of cancer in 2019. "Nobody" believed me when I decided to run Nordkapp - Lindesnes in less than 30 days. At July 1st. 2021 at 6:00 am I started my adventure. It was a fantastic journey across Norway. Good weather conditions except times with extreme hot weather (around 35 degree Celcius) and times with heave rain and wind at some mountain passes. Most of the run was at heavy highways with traffic. In additional to several underwater - and mountain tunnels. I had my dad following me with a camping van, and we had a lot support from people showing up with flags and salutes. And with several people joining up to running with me. Every day.
Media coverage was good. More or less every local outlet in addition to national (Norwegian) newspaper and TV stations.
On Monday 26 July at 21.19, I reached the lighthouse at Norway's southernmost point - 25 days, 15 hours, 20 minutes and approximately 2600 kilometers after the adventure began. The previous record for a similar stretch was 42 days and was set in 2010. My wild performance corresponds to an average of 100 kilometers every single day since the start from the North Cape Plateau on 1 July. Or two and a half marathons every day, if you will.
(Some quotes from an interview:)
- Now I'm a little tired - This was very special. I have had very good running shape and my legs have just slipped, while my body has been in top shape. This was the best stage ever, says Holvik.
- The distances I have run with 100 kilometers every day and when I double the last distance, it seems people are out of comprehension. - It has hit people in the heart Over a hundred people had turned up at Lindesnes lighthouse to cheer on the runner.
- I have noticed from day one that this has caught people. Runners, non-runners, retirees. It has hit people in the heart.
- People have come to me while I have run and opened up. It has something to do with the "man in the street" that is easy to identify with, says the father of the family, clearly moved to see the children Isak and Ingeborg again. Among those present in Lindesnes were family, friends and others from the running community. Especially son Isak and daughter Ingeborg were extra proud to see father break the record, but not least to see him again.
- I am very proud, says son Isak, before daughter Ingeborg adds:
- This is really cool! During the interview with TV 2 at Sanden Hotell in Hokksund, he was clear that it was going to be emotional to go to the finish line. - I have often imagined that situation, he said.
- Everyone will be present. Both kids. All friends. I feel like I'm getting a lump in my throat just talking about it. I think it will be very strong and touching. It will be an end to my grief therapy. Simply. When I take the lighthouse, it's the point. Then I'm dead. Then I am done with the biggest mourning process, Simen finished for TV 2 at the time. Well at the finish line at Norway's southernmost point, the record breaker is ready for what will be next:
- Now it will be a soft cake and beer.