I had never heard of Nordic Race before we signed up. On paper, it looked like a crossfitter's wettest dream and a family father's nightmare. I pictured pumped-up men in bare upper bodies crawling over burning cars while the crowd threw protein bars at them. Instead, it became a day of surprises — and the constant fear of having the “bracelet of shame” cut off the wrist.
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Disclaimer: Apropos Magazine received access or a review copy. As always, we share our own impressions — unfiltered.
Six stars
The Nordic Race is actually a mix of sports event, festival and team building. In our case: 5 km, 18 obstacles and a huge setup on Refshaleøen. Officially it is called “Copenhagen Urban”. Unofficially, it feels like a circular gladiatorial pitch, where you can gauge how much body and psyche can hold up while spectators stand in the middle of the circle cheering.
I honestly didn't expect it to be for everyone. I imagined a hell of elite people in compression pants that would leave us in the dust. But the first thing we said to each other when we arrived was: “This would be a lot of fun to do with five or six friends.” It suddenly looked like a party, not just a fitness regime.
We arrived in the morning, nervous about whether we could go through. I was on hold with my co-editor, and neither of us were exactly in the best shape of our lives. But we had been invited along and we thought: why not?
The first thing that struck us was the size. 800—1000 participants, plus spectators. The atmosphere was almost like a local festival: music, stalls, people of all ages. We quickly found the stand where we were handed the starting number, chip — and most importantly: the bracelet. “Bracelet of shame”. A plastic band that gets clipped if you can't handle an obstacle. At first we laughed and said 'screw that bullshit'. But we knew full well we would fight to keep it.
First meeting with the track
We were on team 11. For the briefing, we could already see how mixed the field was. There were children as young as 12 years old standing next to us, people who looked like gymnasts at a comfortable level — and then there were giant muscular men with upper arms that could trigger earthquakes. It was both reassuring and frightening. If the little ones could, I guess we could too. Or die trying.
The instruction was vague: “Have fun, look out for each other.” Then we went to work.
First hurdle: crawl under a net and into a puddle. We soon found out that you can actually curl up without getting too wet. And yes, why get dirty just for the show? We hid the forces.
Then came a climbing wall. Easy enough. Further.
We had to carry heavy stones. Go on tilting booms. Throw medicine balls three feet up. Hang in rope ladders. Low arm gait until the fingers burned. All obstacles with officials ready to cut your wristband if you failed.
It was actually brilliant. Suddenly, sport went into the armband. The further we got, the more it mattered. It was no longer “screw that crap”. It was 'we're going for everything in the world not to lose this'.
The surprise
I thought Nordic Race was for hardcore crossfit types. But I was wrong. It was surprisingly inclusive. There were all kinds of people: old, young, clerks, students. Some were fast as gazelles, others took their time. It seemed like one of those rare events where anyone can actually participate.
And yes, it was tough. I felt like a mixture of Tarzan and a man who had signed up for something by mistake. But it was fun. We laughed, we cheered for each other, and we sweated across bodies, levels and generations.
downside
You can't embellish it: it's also brutal. I had a moment where I thought, 'If I fall now, it's the ER. ' And yes -- it actually was. We had to stop after hurdle 16. Our run ended abruptly with a ride in ambulance. That, of course, is part of the premise. The organizers had it under control -- there was help ready right away. But it put a stop to our debut.
All that outside
One thing Nordic Race should be commended for is the curation. Inside the center of the circle, the audience could buy pancakes, experience saunagus and soak up the atmosphere. There was Joe & The Juice and other little experiences which made it more than just a race. It was a full day where both participants and companions could get something out of it.
It's clever: you make people linger, you turn it into an event experience, not just sport.
The afterthought
I went from there with scars on my knees and the desire to come back. Because yes, we were stopped ahead of time, but I can say for sure: I would like to complete the whole course another time.
Nordic Race is not brilliant. It's not pretty. It's not perfect either. But it's fun, tough and inclusive. It is “at your own risk” in its purest form. And it's a super cool opportunity to take friends or family out on a sunny day and show that you still have a little powder left in your body.
That's perhaps the most honest thing I can say: I was expecting hell. I had a party.
Reflection
The Nordic Race is not just for the elite. Nor is it for delicate souls. It's for anyone who dares to get dirty, sweat a little and maybe lose a bracelet along the way. I came home tired, bruised and happy. And I know I wasn't the only one.
