The iconic Holmenkollen 50km mass start race returns to the FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup calendar on March 14, 2026, in Oslo, Norway, after a one-year absence. For the first time since the women's distance was extended to 50km in 2023, both men's and women's events will occur on the same day and partially overlap. Norway has selected 24 athletes for the skating technique races, highlighting national hopes in the endurance showcase.
The Holmenkollen 50km, a legendary event first raced in 1898, is set to captivate spectators at the Holmenkollen National Arena with its electric atmosphere generated by thousands of passionate fans lining the 8.3km course. This year's edition marks a new format in the 2025-26 season, featuring men's and women's 50km free technique mass starts on the same day. The men will begin at 10:00 local time, followed by the women at 10:45, creating three hours of non-stop action where athletes complete six laps and pass the stadium 12 times. Each skier can change skis once after a full lap.
FIS Cross-Country Skiing Race Director Michal Lamplot emphasized the significance: “First of all its fantastic to have the 50km back on the calendar. The Holmenkollen 50km is iconic, steeped in history and tradition. And for the first time, women and men will race on the same day. That will allow both competitions to experience the electrifying atmosphere that makes Holmenkollen such a special place.”
Historically, the men's race has seen victories from figures like Gunde Svan of Sweden and Martin Johnsrud Sundby of Norway. Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Norway's Oslo-born star and six-time Olympic gold medalist from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, won the event once in 2024, leading a Norwegian sweep. The women's 50km was introduced in the 2022-23 season to align distances with the men; Ragnhild Gløersen Haga of Norway claimed the inaugural win before retiring. In 2023-24, Sweden's Frida Karlsson triumphed ahead of Ebba Andersson, who later won Olympic gold in the event at Milano Cortina 2026. Karlsson had her first World Cup victory at Holmenkollen in 2020 over 30km.
Norway's lineup includes prominent men such as Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo, Einar Hedegart, Simen Hegstad Krueger, Martin Loewstroem Nyenget, and Lars Heggen, alongside women like Astrid Oeyre Slind, Heidi Weng, and Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs. Swedish stars Karlsson and Andersson pose strong competition, but Norwegian distance specialists aim to thrill the home crowd.
