More than 100 teams took part as the traditional relay race made its comeback under its new name, the 7 Steel Running Festival. Photo: lopefestivalen.no.

Running Festival Makes a Successful Comeback

2 July, 2026 13:12 Del Del

After a one-year break, the popular relay tradition returned in a new format. Previously known as the Celsa Relay, this year’s event was relaunched as the 7 Steel Running Festival—an expanded weekend of running featuring a relay race, individual races and activities for children.

The festival is a joint initiative by 7 Steel Nordic, Bossmo & Ytteren IL, and the Rana Running Series. Over two days, the event brought together corporate teams, recreational runners, children and competitive athletes for a weekend celebrating sport, achievement and community.

Friday’s programme included children’s races as well as individual 5 km and 10 km races. For every child who participated, NOK 100 was donated to the Norwegian Childhood Cancer Society (Nordland chapter). The weekend concluded on Saturday with the traditional relay race at Revelneset, where more than 100 teams lined up at the starting line.

“To sum it up, it was a great success. There was a fantastic turnout, a wonderful atmosphere and an extremely well-organised event,” says Andreas Falch Sætran, Chair of the 7 Steel Nordic Sports Club.

A total of 103 teams participated.

“We didn’t organise the event last year, so it had been two years since the previous relay. That’s why I’m especially pleased that so many people turned up,” says Sætran.

The 7 Steel Nordic Sports Club has been an important part of the event for many years and once again played a key role in planning, setting up the venue, grilling food and handling practical arrangements.

During Saturday’s relay event, hamburgers and hot dogs were served to both participants and spectators. In total, approximately 1,300 hamburgers were grilled—an achievement made possible through careful planning, efficient logistics and the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers.

“From the feedback I’ve received afterwards, it seems people were very satisfied with the event. That’s, of course, wonderful to hear,” he says.

The new festival format appears to have been well received by participants.

“I expect we’ll organise something similar next year. People seemed very happy with the new concept,” says Sætran.

Del Del