Bright Midnight - Interview with the Winner

Bright Midnight - Interview mit der Siegerin

Interview with Marei Moldenauer: Her Extraordinary Journey at the Bright Midnight Race 2024

Marei Moldenauer embarked on an incredible journey during the 2024 Bright Midnight Race, navigating through Norway’s pristine and breathtaking landscapes. This race pushed her physical and mental limits, offering challenges and memorable moments from the preparation phase to crossing the finish line.

Marei at the Bright Midnight Race

Exploring the Course

The Bright Midnight Race is more than just a competition—it's a true adventure across Norway. Spanning over 1,000 kilometers of rugged terrain, gravel, and some paved sections, this race demands peak endurance and fitness. The route starts in Tolga, winds through diverse and stunning landscapes, and concludes in Bergen.

Preparation: Battling Time and Health

Preparing for a race of this magnitude is always a delicate balance. Marei faced additional challenges as she contracted COVID-19 just two weeks before the event, hindering her ability to train effectively. She seriously considered withdrawing but ultimately decided to participate, despite not being in peak condition.

Marei Preparing for the Race

The Start in Tolga

The race kicked off at 10 a.m. in Tolga, with the first stage proving both challenging and captivating. The route offered steep climbs, uneven paths, and scenic views. Initially, Marei tried to keep her feet dry during numerous river crossings by removing her shoes, but she soon realized this wasn’t practical. She decided to ride through the water, embracing the wet conditions and focusing on the adventure ahead.

Despite the unpredictable weather, including occasional rain, the beauty of the landscape was undiminished. The blend of demanding trails and breathtaking vistas made every moment of the ride enjoyable.

Marei on the Course

Day Two: Weather Changes and Encounters

The second day brought new challenges as the route climbed into higher elevations and glacier regions, rewarding Marei with spectacular views. The weather shifted rapidly from bright sunshine to sudden showers, making each moment unique.

A highlight was her encounter with Joachim, another participant. They exchanged experiences and supported each other, a reminder of the strong sense of community among participants.

Marei and Joachim on the Trail

Day Three: Endurance and Motivation

The third day tested Marei’s mental resilience with long, flat sections and monotonous terrain. Knee pain added to the challenge, but the stunning nature and encouraging messages kept her motivated. A special moment was seeing a rainbow after a heavy rain shower, which re-energized her and reminded her why she was there.

Marei Riding Through a Rainbow

Music as a Companion: Marei’s Playlist

Music played a crucial role in Marei’s mood and motivation during the race. The song “Giro” by Roy Bianco & Die Abbrunzati Boys was particularly helpful in overcoming tough sections. Her playlist, a mix of uplifting and calming tracks, kept her spirits high.

Check out the playlist that accompanied Marei during the race: Marei’s Playlist.

Marei Listening to Music

Lessons Learned: Insights and Tips

Favorite Gear: Marei emphasized the importance of tire choice, opting for knobby tires that provided excellent grip on the varied terrain.
What She Could Have Left at Home: Two emergency blankets and an extra sleep shirt proved unnecessary.
Mood-Boosting Strategies: Music, regular short breaks, and consciously enjoying the scenery were key factors in maintaining her motivation.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey

The Bright Midnight Race was a true adventure for Marei, pushing her to her physical and mental limits. The stunning beauty of Norway, the diverse course, and the camaraderie among participants made this race a unique experience. For those interested in such an adventure, Marei advises: be prepared for anything, train well, and let the surroundings inspire you.

Marei’s Bag Choices

This blog is based on an interview with Marei, who not only had an unforgettable adventure but also achieved great success. She finished fourth overall and was the first woman to cross the finish line. Marei completed the 1,100-kilometer course with 16,000 meters of elevation gain in 60 hours and 50 minutes.

Learn more about the route here.

Follow Marei on her adventures: Instagram.