— An enormous sense of pride that we managed to make this happen.
That is what Edvin Anger said after crossing the finish line in the premiere edition of the race and community celebration that he and his team launched in his hometown of Hedemora.
The TT race in Hedemora was once a prestigious motorcycle competition. The first edition was held in 1933, and its golden era came in the late 1950s when more than 100,000 spectators attended to watch the event.
Last Saturday marked the premiere of the race in a new format, this time created and named by skier Edvin Anger. As a result, the new event is called the Anger TT Run.
A total of 1,200 participants — from children and youth to relay teams, recreational runners, and elite athletes from both the running and skiing worlds — took on the various distances.
— It feels absolutely fantastic that we’ve been able to make this a reality. The entire municipality, all the companies, and local associations here in Hedemora have truly stepped up and helped create an incredible public celebration, says Anger.
What emotions have you experienced during the day?
— I feel enormous pride. When I ran ahead of all the children in the kids’ race and Robin (announcer Bryntesson) asked if they were excited and they just screamed — I got chills all down my back. It was such an amazing feeling, says Anger, who finished eleventh in the 7.3-kilometer race.
— I knew my running form isn’t where I want it to be. But that wasn’t the most important thing today. I’ve truly enjoyed this, says Anger, who finished just two seconds behind last year’s Vasaloppet winner Alvar Myhlback.
The race was won by Hässelby’s Yohannes Kiflay, who crossed the line eight seconds ahead of Mohammedreza Abootorabi. The “best skier” was Finnish 50-kilometer champion Alexander Ståhlberg, who finished third.
In the women’s race, Lovisa Modig claimed victory, finishing 44 seconds ahead of Louise Lindström. Modig has World Cup credentials in cross-country skiing but has focused fully on running in recent years. Long-distance skier Louise Lindström (who has a Junior World Championship gold medal in sprinting on her résumé) reached the podium for the first time this past winter in two Ski Classics events.
Anger TT Run, 7,3 kilometer
Herrar: 1) Yohannes Kiflay, Hässelby, 20.40, 2) Mohammedreza Abootorabi, Spårvägen, 20.48, 3) Alexander Ståhlberg, Finland, 21.08, 4) Alexander Mathisen, Sellnäs, 21.54, 5) Leon Dahlin, Hedemora Skidor, 22.05.
Övriga resultat i urval: 7) Eric Rosjö, Mora, 22.27, 8) Jonas Eriksson, Mora, 22.28, 11) Alvar Myhlback, Lager 157, 22.49, 112) Edvin Anger, 22.51.
Damer: 1) Lovisa Modig, Runacademy, 24.36, 2) Louise Lindström, Högbo, 25.20, 3) Ella Olsson, Springmedossfalun, 25.55, 4) Anja Stolpe, 26.11, 5) Julia Forsgren, Walmart Wille 26.23