Fun Run

by All The Queens Men

When the Greek messenger Pheidippides was sent to Athens to announce the Persians defeat in the battle of Marathon, he ran the entire distance without stopping, burst into the Athenian assembly and died on the spot. Fun Run is his story.

Fun Run is not merely an homage to Pheidippides, but a riotous performance spectacle that pushes the limits of endurance. On Saturday 24 May 2025, Fun Run will crash the city square. Athletes, trampolinists, martial artists, cyclists, cheerleaders, drummers and dancers from all over Bergen will flood the stage. Amid this spectacle, one thing remains constant: a runner is on a treadmill, and he is not stopping until he has reached 42.2 kilometres–the distance of the modern marathon.

Over five hours, a local Bergen hero (soon to be announced) will run a non-stop marathon on a treadmill, fuelled by massive visual effects, a booming soundtrack, a silky-voiced MC and riotous performances and cheering crowds.

Acclaimed Australia arts company All The Queens Men have presented Fun Run all around the world, from Ansan to Melbourne, Sydney to Taipei, Darwin to Kuopio - and now it’s time for Bergen to join in this extreme endurance artwork; which is part dance party, part performance piece and part epic community celebration. 

The runner is Håkon Gisholt

The former police officer, social activist, and author Håkon Gisholt will run the marathon distance on a treadmill in the town square. Gisholt lost his sight in adulthood and became Norway’s first blind police officer. He is a strong advocate for active collaboration between people with substance use disorders and individuals with disabilities.

– I ran my last marathon five years ago and was never going to run again – but when you get the chance to do it in Bergen, in the town square – it doesn't get any bigger than that. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, says Håkon Gisholt.

Recommended age

Suitable for all

Contributors

• All The Queens Men presenters and creators

• Tristan Meecham, Bec Reid creator, producer, community liaison

• Willoh Weiland event director

• Luke Smiles sound design, sound technician

• Nick Roux video design, video technician

• Chris More content producer, additional video

• Anna Pidgeon production manager

• Tristan Meecham host

• Bec Reid, and others dancers

• Håkon Gisholt runner

• NN performers

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