20 hours obligatory rest in the 500 km race

Compared to most long distance dogsledge races in America, participants in the 500 kilometer race in Finnmarksløpet are running more slowly and resting less. That is part of the background for introducing a minimum 20 hour total obligatory resting time during the 500 km race in this years race.

The 20 hours resting time are for the musher to use whenever he or she finds it appropriate. That is - except six hours which must be rested at the checkpoint Sousjavrre. The remaining 14 hours can be used at any of checkpoint before Sousjavrre - Joatka I, Skoganvarre, Levajohk and/or Karasjok.

Before, the 500 km has had two obligatory rests during the race. One at a checkpoint before Karasjok, typically Levajok, and one at Sousjavrre. This years change is hoping to bring several advantages for both dogs, mushers and for the suspense of the race:

- More total resting time for the dogs

- A more concentrated and bigger lead group

- opens for more exiting ways to run the race

- Hopefully it will make more competitors to complete the race.

It is also expected that the increase in checkpoint time, will make the 500 km more alike the 1000 km in focus on checkpoint routines, resting time, tactics, and therefore make the transition to start the longer race, easier.