September 03, 2010 – Marcus Hellner is now accepting challengers to take him on in a 5km-running race that will be held on his home course on Wednesday, September 8, in Gällivare, Sweden. The race is being billed as a chance for runners and ski fans to test themselves against the double Olympic gold-medal winning ski racer in the same stadium where he won World Cup gold two years ago.

Hellner, who will be home in Gällivare for a week before heading to Ramsau with the rest of the Swedish squad, is excited about the running race. “It’s damn good, that such events happen at the stadium. It is important at this stage to liven up the atmosphere before the ski festival, which is now approaching in November.”

When asked whether he was worried about the competition, he said “Certainly, there are many talented runners who both want and can beat me,” though he’s holding out hope that a strong push over something called “Dynamite Hill” half way through the course will give him the edge he needs to defend his Olympic honor.

Event Details

Challenge Marcus Hellner!
World Cup Challenge
– Wednesday, September 8 at the ski stadium Dundret, distance: 5km.
– Start exercise class: 18:00 (no timing)
– Start racing class: 18:05
– visit www.worldcupgellivare.com
– Registration fee: 50 SEK (Companies can be invoiced)
– We raffle exclusive World Cup t-shirts to those who complete the course.

Read more HERE.