I have created the initiative RUN FOR HOPE and invite all runners world-wide to share this mind-set:

Each time you participate in an official race, give a small donation to charity !

I invite all Danish runners to donate to RUN FOR HOPE, however, you may also donate directly to a charity organisation of your own choise. Either way, mark your donation ‘RUN FOR HOPE’ to focus your mind-set to the thought that each time you give yourself the pleasure and the luxury of running an official race, you also help others in need, and that you in this mind-set is a part of a greater running community.

Join the initiative – strenghen your mind and body – and help others on your way !

Im inviting you to a series of group marathons on the ‘Rudersdal marathon’ route hear Holte/Birkerød at Copenhagen, please read (in Danish) here: https://www.temperance.dk/blog/?page_id=18 The races will be organized partly together with some of the participants, and I have consulted several of the most experienced marathon runners in Denmark about the set-up and validity of the races. Im happy to announce that the races are endorsed by these well-known danish marathon personalities ! Please sign up to this new marathon event near Copenhagen ! 

Ok, so I didn’t make it, I had to drop out of the Zürich New Years marathon. The day was like this for me: up 06.30, eating, talking with the police to get a provisorial passport as my real one was ‘unavailable’, 08.45 Socialmarathon started on Amager (Copenhagen), I finished in 5.08, then back to home, passport had become available (thank God !), 17.30 driving to the airport, 20.00 take-off to Zürich, then local trains to Schlieren, walking to race area, changing, waiting, race start at 00.00 01/01/2007 ! Running with head lamps in absolute darkness on both sides of a canal system was just amazing ! But…after 2 hrs 53 and 23.74 km minuttes my right knee said ‘STOP’ and I had to obey…risking serious injuries is just not my game. I was picked up by car after 10 minutes of waiting, that was great service. Then, after a shower, I was waiting 2 hours for the trains to run again…then back to the airport…sleeping 3 hours on two chairs…and take-off at 12.00 01/01/2007. What an adventure…and even though I did not finish the race I learned a lot from the experience, stuff that I will use in the races to come. HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Here I give my take on the best marathons in 2006. I have divided into four groups. Let me hear your suggestions also…you need only to register (free !) and then you can write comments to the blog. You find links to the races via ‘My marathons’ in the menu.

Overall
1. New York (USA)
2. Hamborg (Germany)
3. Paris (France)
4. Monschau (Germany)
5. Natursti (Denmark)

Big-city marathons
1. New York (USA)
2. Hamborg (Germany)
3. Paris (France)
4. Berlin (Germany)
5. Copenhagen (Denmark)

Nature
1. Monschau (Germany)
2. Natursti (Denmark)
3. Grenaa (Denmark)
4. Aabenraa (Denmark)
5. Kalundborg Winter (Denmark)

 Small races
1. Aabenraa (Denmark)
2. Kalundborg 5-tower (Denmark)
3. Växjö (Sweden)
4. Göteborg (Sweden)
5. Grenaa (Denmark)

I’m getting excited about this years New Years Evening. But not because of the traditional fuss, funny hats and champagne…no, beacuse I’m going to attempt two marathons within 19 hours, first one in Copenhagen (Denmark) and then the New Years marathon in Zürich (Switerzerland) beginning at 24.00/00.00 hours. I guess it’s my first ultra race in a sense, at least that’s how I have chosen to think about it. I’m sure it’s going to be a success, or at least a very un-like evening !