VARD x Norseman
What does it take to achieve something that most people consider impossible? For some, it means building some of the world's most advanced vessels. For others, it means standing at the start line of one of the world's toughest endurance races. At VARD, we believe the mindset behind both is remarkably similar.
That is why we are proud to partner with Norseman Xtreme Triatlon, one of the world’s toughest endurance races, because the race represents the same principles that shape our culture and performance. Each and every day we push the limits for what is possible - demonstration what can be achieved through commitment, preparation and teamwork.
The road to Norseman 2027 starts now.
More than a race
A 3.8 km swim in the cold waters of the Hardangerfjord before sunrise, a 180 km bike ride through rugged terrain and steep climbs, and a 42.2 km marathon finishing at the summit of Gaustatoppen, 1,883 metres above sea level.
Together, they form Norseman – widely recognized as one of the world's toughest endurance races.
But Norseman is about much more than the distances. It is about setting ambitious goals, preparing relentlessly, overcoming setbacks and continuing when others would stop. Above all, it is about trusting the people around you, because no one reaches the finish line alone.
Meet our Norseman candidates
As part of the partnership, two VARD employees have accepted an extraordinary challenge: to prepare for and complete Norseman 2027.
Over the next 12 months, they will train alongside their everyday jobs, sharing their experiences, setbacks, milestones and achievements. Their journey is about much more than race day. It is about personal growth, perseverance and inspiring colleagues across our global organization to set ambitious goals of their own.
We invite everyone to follow their journey, celebrate their progress and be part of the road to Norseman 2027.
Jesper Vos, Service Engineer, Vard Electro.
- Being given the opportunity to compete in a prestigious race like Norseman is incredibly exciting. I'm determined to make the most of it, and I'm ready to put in blood, sweat and tears over the next year of training.
I know Norseman will be cold, demanding and physically exhausting. But the dream of reaching the summit of Gaustatoppen will make every challenge, every aching muscle and every tough training session worth it.
Louisa Stuedahl, Marketing Coordinator, Vard Group.
- Taking part in Norseman is both intimidating and incredibly challenging. That is exactly why I want to do it. I want to challenge myself, push beyond my limits and prove that I am capable of achieving something that feels bigger than myself.
I am willing to push myself to my absolute limits to reach my goals. This will be the greatest challenge I have ever taken on. I am excited to discover how far my body can go when my mind begins to doubt. I believe those are the moments when you truly find out what you are capable of.
Norseman is one of the world's toughest endurance races, but it is also a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved through commitment, preparation and teamwork. Those qualities are deeply rooted in VARD, where we challenge ourselves every day to deliver advanced vessels through collaboration, precision and dedication. That's why this partnership is such a natural fit for us.
Cathrine Marti, CEO Vard Group.
Who we are
Driven by our values
At VARD, our values come to life through action. That's why this partnership is about much more than supporting an endurance race. Over the next 12 months, we will follow two colleagues as they prepare for Norseman 2027, using their journey to explore how Salesmanship, Craftsmanship and Fellowship enable people to achieve extraordinary goals. Whether preparing for race day or delivering advanced vessels, the mindset is remarkably similar: set ambitious goals, prepare thoroughly, trust your team and never stop improving.
Salesmanship is about taking ownership of ambitious goals and delivering beyond expectations. Like every Norseman athlete, we believe success begins with commitment and the courage to aim high.
Craftsmanship is about precision, discipline and attention to detail. Whether preparing for race day or delivering advanced vessels, success is built through careful planning, continuous improvement and excellence in execution.
Fellowship is about achieving more together. Behind every Norseman athlete stands a dedicated support team, just as every vessel we deliver is the result of thousands of people working together across disciplines, companies and countries. We are OneTeam.
Fredrik Mandt, Race Director Norseman Xtreme Triathlon says:
Norseman is one of the toughest endurance races in the world – an entire day spent pushing the limits of both body and mind. It does not require superhuman abilities, but something we have great respect for: the willingness to go all in and keep going, day after day, over a long period of time.
That is exactly why this partnership means so much to us. The people at VARD accomplish things that, from our perspective, many would consider impossible – not as a one-time achievement, but every single day. Year after year. Now, VARD is bringing that same mindset to the Hardangerfjord, and we look forward to seeing how Team VARD takes on the Norseman challenge.
Norseman is limited to just 250 participants. But together with VARD, we hope to reach many more people by showing that what seems impossible is often simply a matter of taking the first step—and having the perseverance to keep going over time.
Follow the journey
Over the coming months, we will share updates from the candidates' preparation, training, milestones and reflections as they move closer to the start line in Eidfjord.
Extraordinary achievements are never reached alone.
The road to Norseman 2027 starts now.