The Flensburg Run: „We enjoy being together“
13. The Flensburg Run takes place tomorrow, Tuesday 16th September at 17:30. The Healthy Town of Hafnarfjörður stands with the Flensburg students and staff who are organising this great street run.
Let's run together and make a difference.
„We've noticed that it's not just fun for our students who are running and walking, but also for those who are barbecuing and controlling the music. We can create an event here on a weekday; a street run, and be together outdoors enjoying simply being alive,“ says Erla Ragnarsdóttir, headmistress of Flensborg School, which tomorrow will hold its 13th Flensburg Run. 400 took part last year. But how many will there be this time?
Good forecast and hope for hundreds of runners
„It's a tricky one to predict,“ says Erla cheerfully, before taking a closer look at the situation. „The weather forecast is favourable for tomorrow. Mild and good running weather is on the cards. Yes, we had 400 runners last year and we're hoping to top that,“ she says.
The participation fee is 1,500-3,000 krónur, depending on distance and age. All proceeds go to the Pieta Foundation, the suicide prevention charity. But why did they choose this cause?
„It's Yellow September and these issues are in the spotlight throughout the whole community. We're also a health-promoting secondary school. That means the theme changes from year to year, and this year the focus is on mental health. It's all connected,“ says Erla.
„Preventing suicide among young people is extremely important. This is a concern for everyone in society and it is being tackled on many fronts. We wanted to do our bit. This is one way of addressing the issue.“
Erla Ragnarsdóttir, school champion in last year's Flensburg Run.
13. The Flensburg Run
The Thirteenth Run. „Yes, the run has taken place year after year, apart from the COVID years,“ says Erla. „There's a great atmosphere around the run. Here, students and staff help each other. We get good support from the City of Hafnarfjörður, KFC and Landsbankinn, as in previous years. Also from businesses in Hafnarfjörður that donate prizes.“ The organisation is thorough and good. „We have a committee of staff and students who work on the preparations.“
Erla says it is not a given that a secondary school will hold a street run that is open to everyone. „This is a hell of a project that we are working on here together, all as one.“