Greenland should focus on adventure tourism. This has been emphasized by both Visit Greenland and Visit Nuuk. Running and running tourism are on the rise internationally, and in Greenland, a newly launched company—Assut Adventures—has set out to make the country an internationally renowned running destination. On August 1, they will host the Nuuk Five Peaks.
On August 1, the Nuuk Five Peaks Mountain Challenge will take place for the first time. The race is a trail run that, as the name suggests, winds through the local peaks near Nuuk: Quassussuaq, the two peaks of Ukussissak, Isikkivik, and Kuaninnguit. If the 25 km and 2,000 meters of elevation gain are too much, runners and hikers can also choose the Nuuk Trail 10K, which covers a distance of 10 kilometers and 700 meters of elevation gain.
Greenland has many high-quality races. But the Nuuk Five Peaks is the first UTMB Index race. This means the race is in an international category. The organizers’ goal is to develop the race into a destination for runners from all over the world within a few years. Behind the company are three dedicated trail runners with extensive experience in the terrain, event management, and trail running.
“We want to create a world-class race. Many residents of Nuuk have probably noticed that we’re in the process of upgrading the course markings. And we’re turning the race into a complete experience, so there will also be a race dinner and an awards ceremony in the evening,” says Erna Broberg, one of the three owners of Assut Adventures.
“We draw on the experience we’ve gained from the international races we’ve participated in ourselves and from the many events we’ve organized,” says Patrick Bech, who, in addition to being one of Greenland’s many talented ultra-distance runners, will serve as race director on August 1. He continues:
“We know full well that the first few years are all about gaining experience, building local networks, and raising our profile in the wider world. Fortunately, we’ve received tremendous support from others who saw the potential in the event and were willing to take a chance on our ability to fulfill our ambitions: Visit Nuuk, the Greenland Bank Business Fund, Greenland Brewhouse, and AirGreenland.”
The race is also open to locals
Although the organizers have international ambitions, everyone from the local community is, of course, very welcome to join this big running festival. If you’re up for the challenge of either the 10-kilometer race or the 25 km in the Five Peaks, you’re very welcome to join us.
