Running a marathon – a full 42.2 km – is no easy feat.
When you add the challenge of not being able to see, the difficulty increases significantly.
The man taking on this wild project on Saturday 24 May is Håkon Gisholt.
And did we mention that the whole thing will take place on a treadmill in the town square?
– I ran my last marathon five years ago and had decided never to run again – but when given the opportunity to do it in Bergen, in the town square – it doesn't get any bigger. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, says Håkon Gisholt.
The blind police officer from Hop in Bergen becomes the main character in the exhilirating outdoor performance Fun Run on Saturday, 24 May.
Håkon Gisholt worked as a police officer in Oslo for 34 years but began his career as an apprentice in Bergen. Initially, he was in the order department, but the day after an intense car chase, he was diagnosed with the onset of vision loss, which would eventually lead to blindness.
– I've been very fortunate nonetheless; incredibly many positive things have happened in life as a result of this disease. One of those things is that I'm here at the Bergen International Festival, says Gisholt.
The positive and cheerful Gisholt stands tall and upright, towering well over 1.90 meters. His clean-shaven head is slightly sun-kissed, indicating much time spent outdoors.
Gisholt grew up in an active family in Hop. His parents took their children out into nature, picking berries in the spring and skiing in the winter. When he and his brother discovered orienteering at the age of 12, they were hooked and spent all their free time improving. Later came the military, then police school. But even for a self-described 'wholesome man,' a marathon is always challenging.
– It's terribly long, no matter how you look at it. No matter how fit you are, you get tired and your body hurts after passing 30 km, Gisholt says about the distance.
Nevertheless, Gisholt has run around 15 marathons. The last was in New Delhi, where he finished in 4 hours and 20 minutes, which he calls "a leisurely time."
– In my youth, the timing was the most important, but eventually, the experience and the setting around the marathon became the highlight. And the setting in Bergen will surpass even the New York marathon, Gisholt laughs.
A couple of years after the onset of his disease, Gisholt joined a training environment for people with disabilities. One day, they thought of involving individuals with substance abuse problems as guides on mountain hikes. The idea developed into today's Vinn-Vinn project: a unique collaboration between visually impaired individuals and those recovering from substance dependency, organized by the RP Association and the Tyrili Foundation.
– It has become my strong passion in recent years; we've had more than 300 individuals with substance dependencies, who have been through tough times, participate in this collaboration. They have guided us on mountain hikes, the Birkebeiner race, military runs, rafting—quite tough activities. There has been a lot of achievement for both groups and, not least, many new, good friends, Gisholt explains.
Perhaps the most unconventional friendship duo to come from Vinn-Vinn is the subject of a book written by Gisholt and an NRK series titled Politi og røver.
Tommy Johansen was for many years a heavily involved drug addict, topping Oslo police's list of repeat offenders, the so-called VIC list (Very Important Criminals). Tommy became Håkon's guide and found new meaning that helped him out of substance abuse and crime.
He is now Håkon's regular guide, best friend, and was the best man at his wedding.
– The people we pass by on the street, whom we barely want to talk to or look at, they are actually great resources if they are shown trust—and drug-free individuals are wonderful people, and they need to be given a real chance, Gisholt says about his experiences from the project.
As Gisholt now trains to come in marathon shape, he follows a training program with partners from Vinn-Vinn and his regular running guide, Kjersti Skudal.
Skudal has run in places with Gisholt where just a year earlier she had been using drugs. The change is enormous, and today Skudal joins in on both jogging and ski races, ensuring that Gisholt has a clear path and is guided past obstacles.
– When Kjersti and I run together, we have a white cane as an anchor between us; she holds one end and I the other, so she guides me around obstacles that way, Gisholt explains.
Between strength training and endurance tests, Gisholt also mentally prepares to run on stage in his hometown.
– The mental aspect, standing in front of so many people, even though I can't see them, I'm both nervous and excited about, Gisholt smiles.
The story from Vinn-Vinn, about people supporting and cheering each other on during tough times, is also reflected in the Fun Run performance. In this grand outdoor event, the audience is invited to cheer on the marathon runner, lift and support the person forward, share the experience, and participate in the community created along the way.
Join in and cheer on Håkon Gisholt, and experience the free event Fun Run at Torgallmenningen on 24 May at 18:00.
