Mustaschmilen – a virtual and physical race for everyone

Since its inception in 2020, Mustaschmile has been a virtual race for everyone, regardless of physical conditions. A race that wants to combine sport and physical activity while raising the level of knowledge about the most common prostate cancer in Sweden.

After two years of virtual racing, Mustaschmile 2022 will be staged for the first time as a physical race in Stockholm on November 12. Continuing to race and giving it to everyone, no matter if you’re running, jogging, walking or using a wheelchair is natural for Marcus Anderson, initiator of Mustaschmile. One step in this is to expand the race from one distance to two distances, which means that in Stockholm there will be a 5 km race and a 10 km race. The 5 km race can be completed as a classic run or as a guided walk for those who want to contribute to the research, but don’t want to race against time.

– Finally we can complete the first physical race. For us, it is extremely important for everyone to be able to participate in Mustaschmile and so we are happy and proud to be able to offer the two different distances that make this possible, says Per-Anders Nygård, Mustaschkampen campaign manager.

Race Director Marcus Anderson wants to take the opportunity to invite and encourage people who use wheelchairs to participate in the 5km race.

– The road runs along the beautiful Djurgård canal on exercise trails and asphalt and is relatively flat, making it wheelchair-friendly as well. Any companions that participate are free, says Marcus Anderson, Aim Higher.

Zoomability and RG Aktiv Rehabilitation are supporting the initiative and will spread the opportunity to participate in Mustaschmile in their respective operations. Zoomability was the main sponsor of “The Long Walk” that took place in August. The interest has been so great that Vasaloppet is now planning to run a wheelchair race as part of Cykelvasan 2023. RG Aktiv Reareness works towards enriching and inspiring lives for people with spinal cord injuries who have similar conditions.

We have previously supported the Lidaloppet, which is organized for the Breast Cancer Society. For us, it is a natural step to be a part of Mustaschmile and to also make it possible for people who use wheelchairs to contribute both physical presence and money to support the Prostate Cancer Society’s fight against the most common form of cancer in Sweden and at the same time share in the healing powers of nature, he says. Pehr-Johan Fager, Zoomability.

– It’s great to have another race available for participants in wheelchairs! Staying fit as a wheelchair user simplifies everyday life in many ways, says Veronika Lyckow, RG Aktiv Rearenessering.

Since its inception in 2020, Mustaschmile has shared over 4,000 participants and raised over SEK 500,000 for Mustaschkampen.