Racing on Oslo's Bislett Track?

Sorry up front, but I don't know anything about all-comers meets at Bislett. However, I had a once in a lifetime opportunity to run there several years ago. I have been drawn to this track ever since reading about it in the '70s and seeing tv coverage of meets there in the '80s featuring the likes of Coe, Moorcroft, Aouita, Cram, and Kristiansen.
When Mrs. Barabbas and I were in Oslo on vacation in 2012, the first thing I did was drag her over to Bislett to get a picture with the Grete Waitz statue out front. We wandered around a bit and found an open door. My heart was pounding as we walked through the hallways and out onto the track. No one even gave us a glance. There was a small group of club runners doing intervals, but other than them the place was empty. We wandered all over the stadium taking pictures. When the club runners were done working out, I walked out to the starting line and just stood there drinking it in. Then I figured what the hell, and I ran one of the most joyous miles of my life. I kept thinking of all the legends who circled the very track I was now running on. It was very emotional for me. I guess it would be like a huge tennis fan getting to hit a few practice shots at Wimbledon. Mrs. B didn't quite get the reason for my teary eyes, but she was happy for me. And she got my whole mile on video. Probably the slowest mile ever run on that track!

That was a cool post. Legit.

My feelings exactly, Barabbas. It's almost like a pilgrimage for those of us that grew up with Bislett being such a huge deal, and usually the highlight of the European season. Really enjoyed your post.

Do you mean veteran age Group? There are some Meetings (like mizuno lekene) With age Groups (younger age Groups and seniors).
The possibility to visit the track and even run there is allways there. (just avoid some arrangements dates) Every day is normally possible to visit and run. (In Norway the tracks are open for training in general also at Bislett. The inndoor track is very popular (when it is not so easy to run outside) and many People running, so the time between 1700 and 19 is only for Club-runners and wedensday between 1930 to 21 is also closed. But there are still a lott of hours in the week to visit.

Do you have any dates for visiting Oslo and Bislett? The Clubs IL i BUL, IK Tjalve og SK Vidar are together "Bilsettalliansen" an Association for the Stadion. The Clubs have Meetings there.

Wow, thanks Espen! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! To answer your question, I would be there in early July. I am 43 years old. A race there would be a dream come true.

Early July is typically holliday here, but not impossible that there will be a Meeting. I do not think that the list of Meetings is set. I saw that for instance Mizono lekene this year was in august, another example the Norwegian Milers Club Meeting With 1500 m and 3000 m in late august (Club Vidar) on Bislett this year. I think that you should be member of a Club to run such meetings, but if you make a request I would Guess that you could run for a Club outside Norway. There was also a 10 000 m for "everybody" (we Call it mosjonsløp) in 2014, but not in 2015. Maybe you can Write mail to [email protected] a little closer to you trip and ask.

Once again, thank you VERY MUCH, Espen!

Once again, thank you VERY MUCH, Espen!

Great story!!!!
A true track fan.