Vasaloppet

Vasaloppet is a long distance cross-country ski race (ski marathon) held in northwestern Dalarna, Sweden, annually on the first Sunday of March. It is the oldest, one of the longest, and in popular consideration the biggest cross-country ski race in the world.[citation needed] In the 80th race held on March 7, 2004 some 15,500 skiers competed in the main event, which is held over a distance of 90 kilometres between the village of Sälen and town of Mora. A total of more than 40,000 participated in one of the seven different races held during the first week of March. The race was started in 1922 being inspired by the run that the future King Gustav Vasa had made in 1520.