Johannes Thingnes Bö amused his fans. © Social Media

“Stupidest idea”: Marathon after biathlon retirement

Johannes Thingnes Bö dominated the biathlon circuit at will over the past decade. After his retirement this March, the Norwegian remains active. On Saturday, the 32-year-old competed in a marathon – the first and likely last of his life.

June 14, 2025

From: leo

The Birken Run is Norway's largest trail race. Participants can choose between different distances – from 7,5 to 60 kilometers. The younger of the two Bö brothers decided to run the marathon distance on Saturday. "That was the stupidest thing I've ever done," the five-time Olympic champion wrote on social media afterward, revealing how this crazy idea came about.

"I decided to do it within 15 minutes. It was likely my first and last marathon. But I'm glad I did it," Bö wrote. It was no ordinary marathon, which further increased the difficulty. Bö climbed a total of almost 650 meters in elevation and reached the finish line after 3.26 hours and XNUMX minutes.

Ended his career in March: Johannes Thingnes Bö © ANSA / MARTIN DIVISEK

"The first 21 kilometers felt great. A comfortable pace and good energy. I was thinking, 'Okay, the Mont Blanc ultramarathon is the next step.' But I changed my mind pretty quickly after the second half," jokes Bö. "The times for some sections are embarrassing, but I don't care." To replenish his energy reserves, the retired biathlete then enjoyed some of his mother's waffles. All's well that ends well.