“This record belongs in Norway,” says Petter Northug about his grand project for the Christmas holidays.

On December 30, Petter Northug aims to set a new World record. The ambition is to organize and carry out the world’s largest cross-country skiing training session. To achieve this, he must gather at least 700 participants. This event will take place the day before New Year’s Eve at the new arena for Janteloppet in Hafjell, according to Langrenn.com.

“December looks promising with the goal of setting a World record for the World’s largest cross-country skiing training session. We aim to bring the title back from Switzerland to Norway, where we believe it belongs,” says Northug, adding, “It will be a great way to start the new year, with fresh spirits.”

Kick-off for Janteburn: A new concept

Northug explains that the World record attempt in December fits well as a kick-off for one of his new projects for the season: “Janteburn.”

“My team and I are now fully focused on planning for Janteloppet 2024, which takes place in April and is also the Ski Classics Grand Finale. Our vision has always been that Janteloppet should be more than just a ski race,” says Northug, elaborating, “We are ready to expand Janteloppet with culture and new traditions, and this season, we are introducing an entirely new concept: Janteburn. The point of Janteburn is to launch an attack against the Law of Jante. This is an idea that has matured over time and is intended to give the event a new dimension.”

In a nutshell, what is the Janteburn concept about?

“Dare to stand out; you can do it,” says Petter Northug.

“Standing for what I believe in and never hesitating to be myself is something I have always lived by and believe in. Janteloppet represents not only a sports arena but also a platform to break boundaries and challenge norms.”

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Timing is not coincidental

There are several reasons why Petter Northug has chosen the Christmas holidays for the World record attempt.

One reason is that Northug expects many people to have time off during the Christmas holidays and be available to participate. Another reason is that the record attempt must fit into his own schedule between the long-distance races he participates in and the work projects he has outside the ski tracks.

Even though Northug is going “all in” for long-distance races at the international elite level in Ski Classics, his daily life looks very different now than when he focused on traditional cross-country skiing with goals like the World Championships, Olympics, and World Cup.

Firstly, Northug is 15 years older. Being a “grown-up” has a significant impact on both training and non-sporting aspects of his dedication.

“My training routines have undergone a significant boost, and I have a lot of drive. I have invested a lot of time and energy into the season, and my form is excellent,” says the man who is soon turning 38, adding, “But at the same time, my everyday life is entirely different now, so I have to be very strict in my priorities to balance training and dedication with a hectic work schedule: my own clothing brand, sports director in the team, expert in cross-country skiing and biathlon on TV2, and Janteloppet AS with its exciting projects.”

Also Read: The training that brought Northug back to the top

Registration for the World record attempt on December 30 opens on December 1 and can be done through the Janteloppet app. More information is also available on Janteloppet’s website.