Urban experiences meet raw Arctic nature
Tromsø
Sámi Week Tromsø: Reindeer Racing and Lasso Throwing
Truls Tiller
MSM
MSM
Truls Tiller
The Sámi Week in Tromsø is held every year in connection with the Sámi National Day, which is celebrated annually on 6 February.
General information
The programme includes the Norwegian Lasso Throwing Championships on Saturday and the Norwegian Reindeer Racing Championships on Sunday.
Experience the excitement as specially trained reindeer race through Storgata in the heart of Tromsø, and watch skilled lasso throwers compete in precision and speed.
Norwegian Lasso Throwing Championships
The lasso is an important tool in reindeer herding. Catching the right reindeer in a moving herd requires precision, skill and quick reactions. Lasso throwing is also a competitive sport governed by the Sámi Sports Association and is particularly popular among Sámi and reindeer herders.
MSM and SVL have organised the Norwegian Lasso Throwing Championships annually since 2005. Competitors must hit a moving target that is visible for only a few seconds. The target consists of three poles placed one metre apart. Hitting the middle pole awards three points, while hitting either of the outer poles awards one point.
Women and men compete in the same class, with women throwing from a distance of seven metres and men from nine metres.
The competition is open to everyone, but places are limited. Early registration is recommended.
Norwegian Reindeer Racing Championships
Reindeer racing has been part of Sámi Week in Tromsø since 2004. The reindeer are specially trained for the sport and can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h as they race along Storgata, pulling their drivers on skis.
Participants must qualify through a selection race organised by the Sámi Sports Association, SVL. The sprint covers 201 metres, and the races are often so close that high-speed photo-finish cameras are needed to determine the winner.
The official world record is 14.96 seconds and is held by Anders Nils K. Eira from Karasjok.
In addition to the championships, Sámi Week offers a diverse cultural programme throughout the city and a traditional Arctic market. The event brings modern city life together with Sámi culture and traditions during a few eventful winter days in Tromsø.
We hope to see you there!
To learn more about Sámi Week and view the full programme, visit the official Sámi Week website.
Facilities
- Family-friendly
- Environmentally certified business
About Foundation Midnight Sun Marathon
The Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation organises running events throughout the year, giving participants the chance to experience Tromsø under the midnight sun, during the Polar Night and in the surrounding mountains.
The Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation organises several running events in Tromsø throughout the year, with different distances and challenges for experienced runners and recreational participants alike.
The Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in summer and offers five distances under the midnight sun. In winter, the Polar Night Marathon gives participants the opportunity to run through Tromsø during the Polar Night season.
The foundation also organises Tromsø Mountain Challenge, with trail races in the mountains around Tromsø, as well as Tromsø Backyard Ultra, where participants complete a new lap every hour for as long as they are able to continue.
With events in different seasons and distances ranging from shorter road races to marathons, trail races and ultra running, the foundation gives both local and visiting runners the opportunity to experience Tromsø through running.
The Midnight Sun Marathon Foundation
Phone: +47 776 73 363
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://msm.no/en/sami-week/
Phone: +47 776 73 363
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://msm.no/en/sami-week/
Memberships and certifications
