Stoltzekleiven Opp - dag 1

Stoltzekleiven Opp is a short, difficult uphill race in Bergen, held on the last weekend of September since 1979. Organized by the sports club Varegg, it takes runners from Fjellveien up to Sandvikspilen, finishing at 379 meters above sea level. The statistics convey the challenge: 910 meters of racing, 301.44 meters of climbing, a 36% incline, and stone stairs. The event spans two days, with starts from morning to early evening, and runners begin every ten seconds. The course is essentially a sustained climb up Stoltzekleiven: approximately 800 steps from the lower road towards the ridge below Sandviksfløyen. It generates high demand for its limited length, with recent editions selling out and a participant record of 6300. Group entries have been gone in under a minute, demonstrating its popularity in Bergen. Stian Øvergaard Aarvik holds the men’s record at 7:46, and Kristin Størmer Steira holds the women’s record at 9:35. The race is noted as the world’s largest uphill race, and its 40th edition was commemorated with a jubilee book titled “Stoltzekleiven Opp: 40 bratte år!”