FL-500: Hard-core grandma

Bente Levorsen heading to the starting line. (Photo: Elisabeth Bergquist)

As early as in 1987 Bente Levorsen participated in her first Finnmarksløpet Race. Since then she's participated three times more before arriving at the start line for the 5th time this year. Earlier this winter she participated in the Tobacco Trail race and finished 2nd. Tonight she and her dogs are the second team to hit the trail from Levajok to Skoganvarre.

During the race start in Alta Saturday noon she had eight overly keen dogs in front of her sled, and her handlers struggled to hold them back.

Bente Levorsens team are helped to the startingn line in Alta on Saturday. (Photo: Elisabeth Bergquist)

The fit grandmother of one started racing dogs in 1983 and continued for a decade before taking a break. A few years ago she picked up the sport again, and this is her fourth Finnmarksløpet race in five years. She says all her dogs are capable of working as leaders of her team.

This amazing 60-year-old now participates in FL-500 with eight dogs of her own. 

 

Updated: Sadly the hard-core grandmother had to scratch from the race some time after the publishing of this article.