9/28/2005 :: Sunday, October 3, marked the tenth anniversary for Norway Run/Norwegian Festival Day in Central Park.
The weather was glorious on this day of Norwegian culture and physical fitness, proclaimed "Norwegian Festival Day" by Mayor Bloomberg. As in previous years, the event was kicked off by the incredible nine-time New York Marathon winner Grete Waitz. With a nearly 150% increase in pre-registrations for the Norway Run (1.7m), Grete's Great Gallop (13.1m) and Troll Stroll (ages 2-10), Central Park was buzzing with activity.
The Norwegian Seamen's Church provided delicious traditional, Norwegian waffles for runners and spectators. Salmon for the bagels was provided by The Nordic Group and "Snøfrisk" Cheese was provided by Jarlsberg Cheese/Norseland Inc. SAS Airlines gave the winners round-trip tickets to Norway, and KonTiki Travel and Innovation Norway were generous sponsors.
Spectators enjoyed music by talented Norwegian jazz musicians Eivind Opsvik, Ole and Per Mathisen and bandmates at the Naumburg Bandshell.
Norwegian Festival Day in Central Park was organized by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in New York in co-operation with the New York Road Runners Club. We are proud to list the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, the Norwegian Seamen's Church, The Nordic Group, SAS Airlines, Jarlsberg Cheese/Norseland Inc, KonTiki Travel and Innovation Norway as our partners and generous sponsors.
For further information about the Norway Run, please contact New York Road Runners Club.
When: Sunday, October 3. From 8:30 am to 12 noon.
8:30 am - Norway Run: 1.7 miles
9:00 am - Grete’s Great Gallop: 13.1 miles
10:30 am - The Troll Stroll: for kids 2-10
Where: Central Park, East Drive at 70th Street, NYC
Info: Royal Norwegian Consulate General (212) 421-7333.