They particpated in the Lidingöloppet, the world's biggest cross-country race. Since the first Lidingöloppet in 1965, hundreds of thousands of runners have participated. This year, over half a million people will have passed the finishing line on the classic Grönsta gärde. Many of them come from countries other than Sweden.
Every year, between 25,000 and 30,000 runners from 25–30 different countries take part. They come for the beautiful natural surroundings, the hilly course, the magnificent autumn colours and for the national festival.
The main categories are 30 km for men and 10 km for women, but there are categories for all ages and all abilities. We even watched 3 and 4 year olds run (with a parent) the one mile race! Hundreds of them!
~N~ ran with nearly 300 other 11 year old boys. He ran the mile in 7:34, which placed him at #156. The fastest runners at this age were running a mile in 5 minutes! We could not believe it!
~D~ placed #226, running the mile in 8:49. He was competing against more than 300 nine year old boys! They each received a medal, a certificate (they call it a diploma in Sweden) and free food and drink after they raced.
I was so proud!
Today is ~D~'s ninth birthday! We'll celebrate with his favorite meal, chicken fried rice, which he will get to eat on the Special Red Plate. I decorated his room with streamers and balloons last night while he slept, so that when he woke this morning, he found himself in a party room! Fun! He also opened a present this morning. Sweet little boy. I can't believe he's 9!
Rejoicing,
Marla
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