Vasaloppet, grueling Swedish cross-country ski race, reaches 100th edition

Sweden Cross-Country Ski Vasaloppet

MORA, Sweden (AP) — The world’s largest recreational cross-country ski race reached its 100th edition on Sunday, with nearly 16,000 participants tackling Vasaloppet in central Sweden.

The grueling race from Sälen to Mora takes place over a 90-kilometre (56-mile) course and is a big part of Sweden’s sporting and cultural history.

Competitors start the cross-country ski classics race Vasaloppet in Saelen, Sweden, Sunday morning, March 3, 2024. (Ulf Palm/TT News Agency via AP)

In 1521, Gustav Eriksson stayed in Sälen during his flight from the Danish king and returned to Mora to lead the rebellion against the occupying power. Eriksson wound up unifying the kingdom and became Sweden’s first king. He was better known as Gustav Vasa.

EmIlie Fleten of Norway, is followed by wreath master Gustav Johansson after winning the women’s VAski classics cross-country ski race Vasaloppet in Saelen, Sweden Sunday, March 3, 2024. (Ulf Palm/TT News Agency via AP)

Vasaloppet runs along the route Gustav Vasa followed as he fled from the soldiers of the Danish king.

The race was first held in 1922 and takes place annually. There have been three cancellations since the inaugural edition.

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Sweden Cross-Country Ski

Norway’s EmIlie Fleten wins the women’s class in the cross-country ski classics race Vasaloppet in Saelen, Sweden, Sunday March 3, 2024. (Ulf Palm/TT News Agency via AP)

Second placed Magni Smedas of Norway, and third placed Kati Roivas of Finland celebrate after the women’s class in the cross-country ski classics race Vasaloppet in Saelen, Sweden, Sunday March 3, 2024. (Ulf Palm/TT News Agency via AP)

Competitors start the cross-country ski classics race Vasaloppet in Saelen, Sweden, Sunday morning, March 3, 2024. (Ulf Palm/TT News Agency via AP)