3 in 4 BraCom HQ staff enter Oslo’s toughest relay

A unique corporate fixture in Norway is Holmenkollstafetten – a gruelling, part uphill relay heading towards the landmark ski jump on the northern city hill, 350 metres above sea level.

What began as a sports event more than a hundred years ago has developed into Norway’s largest race, ever more hyper competitive, where consultancies, law firms and finance corporations rival eachother for records and social prestige.

This year, Anders Ruttenborg was handed the baton to organise the BraCom squad.

What’s the biggest task – smashing your own record for your 2860 metre uphill leg of the race, or coordinating 15 colleagues for a full team?

“Oh, the coordination! Firstly we need a little cajoling to get as many as 75% of our staff in Oslo to race, says Ruttenborg. “Also, we try to think tactically to ensure we deliver. This year it was satisfying to beat last year’s time by 90 seconds”, he adds. “Beforehand we did some baton exchange dry runs in the start area in Frognerparken – that in itself shaved off some seconds.”

Ruttenborg rates Holmenkollstafetten as one of the best events of the year in the busy BraCom social calendar. “It’s special how we’ve done something collaboratively first, and how we feel we’ve earned the right to a few drinks”, Ruttenborg says. “The vibe is different when we sit down for a meal after a synchronised sport effort. We discuss everyone’s contribution – each and every one is very supportive of their colleagues. It’s a great foundation for a get together”.

Colleague Fredrik Haugen Petersen agrees. “This might seem surprising to people who’re new in Norway, but socially I rank this event as the best one in our packed social events calendar in BraCom. When the race is done, the communal feeling is immense. We’re absolutely ready for drinks and dinner!”

This year BraCom held its post-relay party at Shutter Bar, complete with DJ and some well earned sparkling beverages.

“From a sporting perspective, all I know is that we did better than our Nydalen business premises neighbours”, adds Haugen Petersen. “They’ve got way more staff, so I consider that a win.”

Haugen Petersen is an old timer who has entered for BraCom every year since 2022. “We are never going to win on finish time in the corporate category. Some Norwegian employers draw on thousands of staff.  It’s safe to say that BraCom is not a position to organise qualifiers. You do need a bit of charm to get the line up in place. But there’s something about this spring time event which energises us all!” Haugen Petersen adds:

“I do think BraCom  are unique in that we manage to get 15 out of 20 head office staffers to enter. The solidarity we feel at the end is immense.”

Team members this year include team leader Anders Ruttenborg, Håvard Stette Rørvik, Emil Østerbø, Håvard Bergum, Mads Heim, Ida Løkkebø, Nora Bringaker, Willy Zhao, Thomas Ølmheim, Glenn Dalsvaag, Fredrik Haugen Petersen, Martin Valderhaug, Marcus Nilsen, and Lars Kveseth.