Checkpoints and Stages

In a mountain race, it is important for runners and hikers to know what kind of service they can expect along the way, and to plan what they need to bring themselves. MMC offers a plentitude of good services along the course, but it is also important for participants to take responsibility for their own needs. Above all, participants must be prepared for surprises such as a checkpoints running out of food and drinks or the organizer being unable to provide the intended service at a service station.

Below is an overview of the most important points along the course, but first, there are some terms and rules that everyone should be familiar with.

MMC distinguishes between 'start', 'finish', 'placement', 'checkpoint', 'service station', 'support zone', and 'drop bag point'. In addition, there may be 'informal service points' provided by others than the organizer. It is important to know the difference between these terms, especially the applicable rules and what to expect at each location. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the following descriptions:

• Start Point: Naturally, a 'start point' is where one or more distances begin. A start point can also be a checkpoint and even a service station for longer distances.
• Finish: 'Finish' is synonymous with Teveltunet as all distances end there.
• Placement: A 'placement' is a location where basic refreshments such as water, juice, and simple snacks are provided. Placements are typically unmanned.
• Checkpoint: A 'checkpoint' is a location along the course where participants are registered when they pass through. Some checkpoints have electronic registration, but most rely on staff and top guards for manual registration. Note: Ensure your bib number is clearly visible (from the front) when you reach a checkpoint or communicate with the staff to ensure the correct number is recorded. Checkpoints provide basic refreshments such as water, juice, and simple snacks.
• Service Station: A 'service station' is a point where extra services are provided, primarily in the form of food and drinks. Service stations may also offer other services such as medical assistance and drop bags. The availability of food and drinks may vary, but participants can refill their bottles and consume sufficient nutrition at these locations. Typically, water, juice, sports drinks, bread with spreads, fruits, and cookies are offered. Hot broth/soup is available at Angeltjønnhytta. All service stations also function as checkpoints.
• Support Zone (applicable only to competitive participants): Receiving support from personal support teams outside defined support zones is not allowed. Support zones start 100 meters before and end 100 meters after the official service stations. Note that 'self-support' outside these zones is also not permitted. It is not allowed to place personal 'aid stations' along the course.
• Drop Bag Point: A 'drop bag point' is a location where runners in the longer distances have the opportunity to find the drop bags they have submitted before the race.
• Informal Service Point: An 'informal service point' is a location where participants can get drinks and, if available, snacks from someone other than the race organizer. The specified informal service points in the course descriptions are agreed upon with the race organizer and are permitted for use by participants.

It may also be helpful to understand the different roles of volunteers associated with these locations:

• Course Marshal: The main task of course marshals is to guide and ensure participants follow the course. They will also assist if any help is needed.
• Service Staff: Service staff members are present at service stations and assist with serving refreshments, managing drop bags, etc.
• Medical Personnel: MMC collaborates with Norsk Folkehjelp, who may be present at certain locations to provide medical assistance if needed.
• Top Guard: Top guards are positioned on the mountain tops along the course and staff the checkpoints there. They are responsible for registering passing runners, ensuring their safety, assisting participants who drop out, and managing the refreshments available at the checkpoints. Note: Top guards will do their best to ensure there are drinks and food for participants who pass by last. Please respect that there are limits to what the organizer can transport to the mountain tops.
• Starter: A 'starter' is responsible for conducting the start procedure for a distance and ensuring that participants start on time and in the correct manner. Note: In distances with a rolling start (especially 21K), it is the participant's responsibility to ensure they pass the electronic timing mat at the start. If in doubt, please ask!
• Secretariat: The secretariat is located at Teveltunet and handles administrative procedures, including logistics, registrations, bib numbers/trackers, timing, and results services.

Now study the course overview below, which includes a table with information about the most important points along the course and the distance per stage. A more detailed description of all points of interest (POI) and stages - including ascents/descents and descriptions of the terrain composing each stage - is available in both excel and pdf formats in the download area. Look for files with "POI" in the file name. 

Please note that specifications may change from year to year, and even close to the race day. If there are significant changes, participants will be notified via email.

(Translated from Norwegian with assistance from ChatGPT)