Lofoten trail running weekend
Join us for an exclusive women’s trail running weekend in Lofoten, led by Skyrunning World Champion Shanga Balendran. Enjoy personal coaching, inspiration, and three days of trail running through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain Lofoten has to offer.
1–4 October 2026
An intimate and raw trail running experience in the spectacular landscapes of Lofoten. The weekends are designed for women who want to develop their trail running skills and rediscover the joy of running in a supportive and inclusive community.
This isn’t about your pace on Strava. It’s about control on steep terrain, confidence on the descents, and finding your flow through technical sections.
Included in the package
✔ Coaching and guidance from Shanga Balendran, one of Norway’s leading mountain runners
✔ Two days of trail running in varied and spectacular terrain
✔ Technique training and expert insights into trail running and endurance
✔ Morning yoga for mobility and balance
✔ Sauna and a dip in the sea after the runs
✔ Accommodation in historic fishermen’s cabins at Svinøya in Svolvær
✔ Shared meals and a welcoming, inclusive community
✔ The chance to win great prizes from our partners
Weekend Programme
The programme is flexible and will be adapted according to the weather, trail conditions, and the group’s experience and skill level. The weekend will follow this general schedule:
Thursday
- Arrival at various times
- 16:00 – Welcome and inspirational talk about trail running and outdoor adventures in Lofoten, followed by a gear check ahead of Friday’s run
- 17:00 – Short shake-out run and a chance to get to know the group
- 19:00 – Dinner at Børsen Spiseri
Friday
- 07:00 – Morning yoga
- 08:00 – Breakfast (packed lunch included)
- Trail running – Day 1, including an introduction to technique and practical tips for mountain and trail running
- Sauna and recovery
- 17:30 – Optional talk on endurance training
- 19:00 – Dinner at Børsen Spiseri
Saturday
- 07:00 – Morning yoga
- 08:00 – Breakfast (packed lunch included)
- Trail running – Day 2
- Sauna and recovery
- 17:30 – Themed talk or running-specific strength and mobility session
- 19:00 – Dinner at Børsen Spiseri
Sunday
- 07:00 – Morning yoga
- 08:00 – Breakfast
- Short run or hike in the nearby mountains for those who have time before departure
1–4 October – Autumn in Lofoten
Crisp air, strong colours and pure focus
October is a favourite month for experienced mountain runners.
What to expect:
- Cool, stable temperatures (typically 3–10°C)
- Often dry trails and excellent grip
- Spectacular autumn colours and low-angle light
- Quieter mountains and a calm atmosphere
- Possibility of northern lights in the evenings
Conditions are often ideal for technical running and downhill work, with a strong focus on flow and precision.
Perfect if you want focused training in stunning autumn scenery.
VJ is proud to be part of this event!
This trail running weekend is limited to a small number of participants to ensure a high-quality and safe experience.
Date: 1–4 October 2026
Price per person: from NOK 13,250
Who is it for: Women who want to develop their mountain and trail running skills.
Discount code for remaining places: REST15
Not sure if the weekend is right for you and your level of experience? Send us an email and we’ll be happy to help: post@svinoya.no
Who is Shanga Balendran?
Originally from Oslo, Shanga has found her home in Kabelvåg in Lofoten. With extensive local knowledge of the mountains and trails, she will take you to some of the very best trail running experiences Lofoten has to offer.
Shanga has more than ten years of experience in mountain running and competes internationally at elite level. In 2026, she became Skyrunning World Champion, adding to an impressive list of achievements that includes a Norwegian Championship title in trail ultra and a European Championship title in skyrunning.
Alongside her career as an elite athlete, Shanga is a qualified medical doctor with a particular interest in exercise physiology, public health, and nutrition. She is passionate about sustainable training and helping runners develop their performance, confidence, and enjoyment of running over time.
Yoga & Massage with Selena Raven Cordeau
Start the day with gentle, functional morning yoga designed to prepare the body for running in mountain terrain. The sessions focus on mobility, breathing and presence, an ideal way to wake up the body and support performance and recovery.
Morning yoga on Friday and Saturday is included in the program.
For additional recovery, massage can be booked as an optional extra. Massage helps release tension, supports recovery and prepares the body for the weekend’s training sessions.
Massage: NOK 900 per 45 minutes
