At the end of July, a five-person international team – four from Norway and one from the United States – took on an extraordinary challenge to highlight a powerful truth: every human life has value and purpose. Running the “Purpose Race,” they covered 500 kilometers in just six days to raise both awareness and funds for healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Jan Oskar Alnes, who has served multiple times as captain aboard the MV YWAM PNG, shared, “We run because we believe every human life has a purpose.” He is helping lead a team in Norway committed to partnering with YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG for years to come.
Having seen firsthand how many in PNG walk for hours to access healthcare, the team wanted to raise visibility around this reality. Their journey spanned 500 kilometers and more than 14,000 vertical meters across rugged terrain. Setting out at dawn on July 24 from Bergen, on Norway’s west coast, they ran eastward, arriving in Oslo, the capital, six days later.
Working as a team, each runner contributed in different ways: some rested as needed, one finished his personal goal by day four as planned, and one other, Simon Bror Stendal, completed the full 500 kilometers. Together, their effort was made possible by the unwavering support of their dedicated crew, who provided vital logistics and encouragement every step of the way.
Along with raising awareness, the team also raised over NOK 250,000 (around AUD $37,000) toward empowering healthy lives in Papua New Guinea.
“It’s been a fantastic adventure and a nightmare all at the same time,” said Theodor Flåten. “I think we’ve shown in practice what it means to serve someone other than yourself. Helping another person costs you something. That’s what love is.”
