June 29, 2010 – The challenge: 26 peaks in 38 hours. The challengers: Peter Northug and Hallgeir Martin Lundemo versus mountain running phenom Per Kristian Nygård of Team Western Metal. It was recently announced that Northug will aid long-time friend Lundemo in a bid to break the Meraker Peaks challenge reports Langrenn.com.

The race consists of 26 peaks, each over 1000 meters. The current record time is 38 hours, 19 minutes and 33 seconds held by Lundemo himself. No stranger to these peaks, Lundemo has grown up around them. Even so, he told Langrenn.com that he is excited to have Northug along to aid in this new attempt. “Over the years new maps have been developed and it will be interesting to see if they can help find paths to a new record,” said Lundemo.

But the mountains aren’t the only obstacles standing between Northug and Lundemo. They’re also being challenged by Per Kristian Nygård, a mountain runner for Western Metal who will be vying for the record and the win as well.

Progress reports will be posted to Langrenn.com – read more here.