On July 25, Niels “Tuutu” Berthelsen is set to embark on an extraordinary ultra off-road triathlon. This grueling challenge will take place amidst the stunning landscapes of Sisimiut and the vast Inland Ice Sheet, where he will swim, cycle, and run his way through an impressive course.
Tuutu isn’t new to the world of competitive sports, having honed his skills in both Greenland and Denmark. He first dipped his toes into the world of triathlons in Denmark back in 2014, and by 2012, he had already made a mark as Greenland’s marathon champion.
For this upcoming event, he faces a formidable lineup: a 3.8-kilometer swim, followed by 110 kilometers of cycling across rugged terrain, and culminating in a grueling 50-kilometer run.
“The swimming leg is going to be my biggest challenge,” he admits candidly. “The lakes in Greenland are notoriously cold, so I’ve invested in a wetsuit to help me cope.”
The idea for this ambitious undertaking was sparked during one of his visits to Denmark. “I often wondered why we don’t have something similar here in Greenland,” he reflected. But Tuutu’s motivations extend beyond personal achievement. He shared that his family has been significantly affected by cancer, which has led him to contemplate how he can leverage this event for the greater good. “I want to use this opportunity to do something worthwhile for society,” he said, underscoring his commitment to the cause.
### Collaboration for a Cause
In an effort to raise funds for a meaningful purpose, Tuutu reached out to the Siku Cross association. “I want to make sure that the money goes to something beneficial—specifically, to Neriuffik. Anguteeraq Grønvold has considerable experience in this field, which is why this collaboration makes so much sense,” he explained.
Siku Cross, based in Uummannaq, is dedicated to promoting sports and recreational activities. Since its inception in 2023, the association has successfully hosted the Ice Marathon on the sea ice at Uummannaq, with this year’s event taking place by March 21.
The organization is also well known for its 24-hour fundraising runs supporting cancer initiatives. However, Tuutu clarified that his challenge won’t be a continuous 24-hour race; he’ll be controlling his own pace throughout the event.
He extends an invitation to anyone who wishes to contribute: “I welcome anyone who wants to help voluntarily. Your support will only aid me in achieving my goals,” he said, radiating optimism about the journey ahead.