This is news update #2 about Oslo Bergen Trail 2025.
Main topics
- GPS tracking for the different contests
- Can I use my own GPS device?
- Upload of pictures and text to the live tracking map
- About the cabins of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT)
Other matters
- Access to a bed at the stations
- Accommodation at Soria Moria hotell
- Reminder about the medical certificate
- Adjustment of the race number series
- Buying a Garmin inReach device at Langt og Lenge
- Become a member of Langt og Lenge LIVE?
GPS tracking during Oslo Bergen Trail
In Oslo Bergen Trail we use devices of the type Garmin inReach Mini 2 for GPS tracking of the contests 500K, 500K TEAM og 300K. This system is known to be very robust, and it works even when a mobile network service is unavailable.
For the contests 130K og 37K we use GPS trackers sending their position through the mobile network service (GSM).
Excerpt from the race rules:
- Each team and each individual participant carry a GPS tracker provided by the organizer. On delivery before the start the tracker is ready for use. The tracker is attached to the outside of the backpack, with a clear view of the sky. It is not allowed to use means of attachment that require tools to be removed (e.g., strips), as this may cause damage to the tracker.
- Participants must not operate the trackers themselves unless the organizer gives notice of this.
- A team/participant who happens to lose a tracker will be billed for the organizer's cost of obtaining a new one.
- When the participant arrives at a station, the crew will check the battery status of the tracker. If the battery level of a tracker is assessed as low, the tracker shall be set to charge while the participant rests. On arrival to a service station, the crew will set the trackers to charge while the participants are at rest. The trackers are obligatory equipment, and it is the responsibility of the participants to carry the trackers with them out of the station.
Marking the tracker
The organizer will label the GPS tracker with the race number of the team or individual participant.
Charging the tracker
Each team (500K TEAM) and each individual participant (500K, 300K, 130K) must bring a charging cable, which is used to charge the tracker on the stations.
Requirements to the charging cable
- One plug is USB-C, in order to fit into the tracker
- The other plug fits into your power bank (USB-A or USB-C)
Normally, it should not be necessary to charge the tracker between the stations, but with the brought cable one will nevertheless have the possibility to charge the tracker from the powerbank.
Battery level of the Garmin inReach Mini 2
The battery level must be at least 80% when an individual participant or a team leaves the station.
From an electric power outlet it takes approximately 3 hours to charge the tracker battery from 20% to 100%. Participants who want to shorten the charging time, should charge the tracker using their powerbank before reaching the station.
Battery level of the GSM device
For the GSM device there is no explicit requirement to the battery level when the participant leaves the station, as it should, in principle, be unpropblematic to complete the 130K and 37K contests without recharging this type of tracker. However, should the battery level turn out to be low the participant will be asked to recharge the tracker from the powerbank. This can be done as the participant is in movement.
Can I use my own Garmin inReach device?
Yes, in Oslo Bergen Trail there is an opportunity to use your private Garmin inReach device for the GPS tracking of the event.
Requirements:
- You own the inReach device and subscription yourself
- The subscription must be of type PROFESSIONAL
Participants who use their own inReach device will get a refund of NOK 400 on the registration fee. Let us know by 28 May if this is an option for you.
Upload of pictures and text to the live tracking map
We want all participants to be well presented in the live tracking map. To your data area in RaceResult it is possible to upload 1-2 pictures and 2 text paragraphs (maximum 300 characters in each paragraph). For these texts, please note that improper language or commercialism is not allowed.
You will find a link to your data area in the link that confirmed your participation.
Teams (500K)All members of a team can upload a profile photo. In addition, the team member listed first may use the options:
- Alternative photo: Upload a photo of the team
- About me (English):A text paragraph about the team, in English
- About me (any language):A text paragraph about the team, in English or your preferred language
Each individual participant can upload a profile photo and may in addition use the options:
- Alternative photo: Upload a second photo of yourself
- About me (English):A text paragraph in English
- About me (any language):Another text paragraph, in English or your preferred language
We encourage all of you to utilize these possibilities😊 The deadline for edits of your personal data in RaceResult is 1 July 2025.
About using the cabins of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT)
The race rules allow runners to take a break at tourist cabins and other accommodations, shops, gas stations, etc., located along the route or a short distance from the route. These places must be open to the public. The majority of tourist cabins along the route belong to the Norwegian Tourist Association (DNT)
Read more: DNT
Everyone can use the DNT cabins. The self-service and no-service cabins are normally locked, and to get in one will need the unique DNT key, which is available to members. If you want to enter a cabin, you must therefore either be a member yourself or arrive with someone who is a member. Day visits or visits with overnight stays are paid for with the DNT Hyttebetaling app. There are separate prices for members and non-members.
East of Finse, the no-service and self-service DNT cabins are locked, while west of Finse, the cabins are not locked.
The section Oslo-Noresund
The sections between stations in the Oslo Bergen Trail will be manageable for most people as (long) day stages, i.e. you do not need access to a bed or to come indoors. However, experience has shown that needs may vary, and weather conditions will also be of influenc. On the longest section, Oslo-Noresund, we are therefore making an adjustment.
Between Sundvollen and Noresund there are two no-service DNT cabins, Hovinkoia and Grønknutkoia. Both of these cabins are locked, but a DNT member from the organizer will be present at Hovinkoia (approx. 67 km) during the time runners are passing. Those who want to use the cabin pay with the DNT Cabin Payment app.
Other matters
Access to a bed at the stations
Runners who want a bed will be allocated a time period of maximum 4 hours where the bed can be used. In case of high demand, some waiting must be expected.
Accommodation at Soria Moria Hotel
Do you need accommodation at Soria Moria hotell in connection with the race?
Get an OBT discount on accommodation: Soria Moria Hotel
Medical certificate
We remind you that the deadline for submitting a medical certificate is 15 May 2025.
Read more here: Medical certificate
Adjustment of the start number series
As the registration has been open for a long time, there is a need for an adjustment of the start number series of each competition. This adjustment will be done around June 1, 2025.
Purchase of a Garmin inReach device at Langt og Lenge
Langt og Lenge is selling some GPS devices of the type Garmin inReach Mini 2 at a favorable price.
Read more here: Langt og Lenge SHOP
Would you like to become a member of Langt og Lenge LIVE?
Langt og Lenge LIVE is an online community for viewing and following GPS tracking of training, trips and expeditions.
Read more here: Langt og Lenge LIVE
Next news update
The next news update is expected around 3 May 2025. There we will, among other things, cover:
- The food and drink offerings at the various stations
- Starting point 300K, Vasstulan: Schedule, check-in and options for accommodation/transport
- Starting point 130K, Voss: Schedule, check-in and options for transport
- Starting point 37K, Gullbotn: Schedule, check-in and options for transport