It became official on Monday afternoon. The 38-year-old has entered a remarkable target time for her marathon debut in Valencia in just under four weeks.

Therese Johaug has now formally submitted 2:21:05 as her target time to the organizers. Johaug’s manager Jørn Ernst confirmed this to NTB. 

Wants to break legendary record

The time is not only objectively ambitious for someone who has only just started to focus seriously on running. It is also one second faster than the current Norwegian marathon record, set by Ingrid Kristiansen at the London Marathon in 1985. 

Johaug herself reveals that there is a specific reason behind the bold goal: the former running star recently commented that she does not believe the record will fall in Valencia. Johaug has taken note of that. 

The fact that Kristiansen doubts Johaug can break her record only gives the former cross-country star extra motivation. 

“I read some newspaper articles saying I should be very happy if I ran 2:27 to 2:29 or 2:30 in my first marathon. But I can tell you right away, Ingrid, that then I would be damn disappointed,” Johaug said in the podcast “Gukild & Johaug” before the weekend.

“It just fires me up. There is a little devil in me: ‘I will prove it, I will prove it – I am not going to run 2:27.’”

Also Read – Johaug reveals: Debuting in another distance

Dreams of the 2028 Olympics

However, the Valencia Marathon is only one step on the way to something much bigger. 

At the Copenhagen Half Marathon in September, the 38-year-old was the fastest of all European women. The former cross-country star finished in 1:08.43. At the World Championships, that would have been good enough for 19th place. 

Since the race in Denmark, Johaug has said several times that she is tempted by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, in the marathon. 

The Valencia Marathon on December 6 is her first opportunity to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard. For women, the standard for the Los Angeles Olympics is expected to be 2:23:20. 

Read More – Olympic door opens for Johaug: reveals ongoing conversations

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events with English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER