Adventurous Couple Embarks on '5athlon' Journey from Norway to South Africa

April 16, 2025 - ExplorersWeb
In a unique adventure combining multiple disciplines, Finnish couple Peyman, 42, and Sailor, 36, are undertaking an ambitious journey they call a “5athlon,” which spans from Norway to South Africa. The expedition involves six stages and five disciplines: skiing, running, cycling, swimming, and sailing. The couple aims to complete their journey in approximately two and a half years, relying solely on muscle power and minimal external support.

The duo, who refer to themselves simply as Peyman and Sailor or by their joint social media handle, Nomad’s Trails, launched their expedition on January 27, 2025. They started with a challenging 795-kilometer ski trek from North Cape, Norway to Rovaniemi, Finland. Following this, they plan to run from Rovaniemi to Helsinki and then swim from Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia.

From Estonia, the pair will cycle to Greece before setting sail to Egypt. Finally, they will cycle through Africa to their destination in South Africa. Their only planned support throughout the journey is a safety boat during the swimming segment. For the remainder of their trip, they intend to travel independently, camping wherever possible and relying on local towns for rest, supplies, and repairs.

Meeting by Chance, Combining Passions

Peyman and Sailor met in Helsinki in late 2022 and quickly discovered their shared passion for adventure. Both have extensive backgrounds in solo expeditions—Peyman has spent eight years camping and cycling over 55,000 kilometers across three continents, while Sailor has traveled to 30 countries and has participated in various adventurous activities. Since they joined forces, they have achieved significant milestones, such as biking across Finnish Lapland and cycling from Helsinki to Berlin on a very tight budget.

During the first week of their 5athlon, the couple adjusted to hauling sleds weighing 50 kilograms through snow-covered terrain. They faced challenging weather conditions, including snowstorms that confined them to their tent for days. By the end of the week, they managed to cover around 12 kilometers per day, reaching their first village, Honningsvåg, in Norway.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

Their stay in Honningsvåg extended beyond the planned one or two days, largely due to adverse weather. After departing, they encountered another hurdle: insufficient snow for skiing. For several days, they resorted to dragging their gear across heather until fresh snowfall provided a temporary solution. However, this also posed its own problems, as the new snow was deep and soft, significantly slowing their progress.

By late February, the couple recognized that traditional skis would not suffice for hauling their sleds and decided to construct carts with wheels in Lakselvi after sourcing materials from a local hardware store. This adaptation came at a crucial time as they had to alter their schedule. While Peyman continues to work remotely, editing video footage and posting updates, Sailor has taken a temporary job with the Finnish Coast Guard, which requires her to split her time between work and the expedition.

On March 23, Sailor rejoined Peyman just in time to mark a significant milestone: their crossing of the Norwegian-Finnish border, an experience she described as an extraordinary one. Shortly after, both adventurers faced health challenges when Sailor contracted norovirus, affecting them for several days. However, they resumed their skiing after recovering and are now close to completing the first leg of their journey.

With approximately 300 kilometers left to reach Rovaniemi and complete the first phase, Peyman and Sailor remain focused on their goal, adapting their approach as warmer temperatures complicate their skiing conditions. Through determination and innovation, they continue on their remarkable journey toward South Africa, inspiring many with their adventurous spirit.

For further updates, you can follow their journey on their YouTube channel, where they have amassed over 100,000 subscribers.