”Det är jättekul att dra igång igen”, säger Emelie Engström, evenemangsansvarig för Broarna runt.
It has become a sure sign of spring for the people of Skellefteå, and it's that time again. On Tuesday, Broarna will begin its competition season for the 58th year in a row.
– It's great to be back on track. The pandemic hit us hard, resulting in a loss of over 60% of our participants compared to 2019. Although things were slightly better last year, we are hoping to make a strong comeback this year, says Emelie Engström, of Skellefteå AIK Athletics and event manager for Broarna Runt races. (The Bridges Run races).
Engström steps into the role for the first time.
– It feels great and honorable, and I hope to do it as well as possible. It's a well-established name, so there's a lot to live up to, she says with a laugh.
– But we have very nice and good volunteers. Without them, it would not have been possible, Engström adds.
Broarna Runt was started in 1965 by Kjell-Göran Marklund and the local organisation, Skellefteå AIK.
The race is five kilometers and starts and ends at Nordanå, which means that runners cross both the Lejonströmsbron and Parkbron brudges during the race.
The fastest-ever runners are Peter Ljungholm (for men), who crossed the finish line in 14.43 in April in 1991, and Birgit Bringslid (for women) who ran the race in 16.28 in May 1980.
This event, which many say marks the start of spring, usually features seven races, but this year there will be eight.
Anyone can take part in the races.
FACTS
Broarna Runt 2023
First race: 11 April 16.30.
Other dates: April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30.
Under måndagen lastades bord, och saftdunkar in i högkvarteret på Nordanå.