Flensborgarhlaupið: “We enjoy being together”

Running together and doing good

“We’ve noticed that it’s not only fun for our students who run and walk, but also for those who grill and manage the music. We can create an event on a weekday; a street run, and be together outside, enjoying being alive,” says Erla Ragnarsdóttir, principal of Flensborg School, whose 13th Flensborg Run takes place tomorrow. 400 participants showed up last year. But how many will there be this time?

Good forecast and expecting hundreds of runners

“It’s hard to predict such things,” Erla says cheerfully, then looks at the situation. “The weather forecast is favorable for tomorrow. Mild and good running weather is expected. Yes, there were 400 runners last year, and we hope to top that,” she says.

• Registration for the run is available here

The entry fee is 1.500–3.000 ISK depending on distance and age. All proceeds go to the Pieta organization, which works against suicide. But why did they choose this cause?

“It’s yellow September, and these issues are in the spotlight across society. We are also a health-promoting secondary school. That means the theme changes each year, and this year the focus is on mental health. It’s all connected,” says Erla.

“Prevention of youth suicide is extremely important. It’s a concern for everyone in society and is addressed on many fronts. We wanted to contribute. This is one way to tackle the issue.”

Erla Ragnarsdóttir, principal, at last year’s Flensborg Run.

13th Flensborg Run

The thirteenth run. “Yes, the run has taken place year after year, except during the COVID years,” says Erla. “There is a great atmosphere around the run. Here, students and staff help each other. We get excellent support from Hafnarfjörður municipality, KFC, and Landsbanki, as in previous years. Also from local companies in Hafnarfjörður that donate prizes.” The organization is tight and well planned. “We have a committee of staff and students working on the preparations.”

Erla says it is not a given that a secondary school would hold a street run open to everyone. “This is a huge project that we all work on together as one.”