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"Running the Ridge" – A Trail Runner's Story

By Leo Matsen Professional Trail Runner & BWO Athlete 10+ years experience Trail Running

There's a moment, halfway up a mountain, when the world goes completely quiet — except for the rhythm of your breath and the pulse of the earth under your shoes. That's the moment I chase every time I lace up.

I've run trails on five continents — from the volcanic ridges of Iceland to the dusty switchbacks of Utah — but nothing compares to the feeling of freedom I get when I'm running light, fast, and dry in BWO gear.

BWO isn't just another outdoor brand. Their clothing feels like it's made for movement — the fabric stretches with every stride, breathes through every climb, and somehow still feels weightless even when the air turns thick with mist. I don't think about the cold. I don't think about the heat. I just run.

On my last ultra in the Dolomites, the weather shifted from sun to sleet in minutes. My BWO One Fit shell handled it like a dream — shedding rain while keeping my body temperature balanced. By the time I crossed the 60K mark, my legs were dead, but my core was steady, dry, and focused. It's strange how much confidence you gain when you trust what you're wearing.

"When I run in BWO, I feel less like I'm fighting the mountain — and more like I'm part of it."
  • Nationality: Norwegian
  • Based: Bergen, Norway
  • Profession: Professional Trail Runner / Mountain Endurance Coach
  • Years of Experience: 10+
  • 1st Place – Nordic Sky Ultra 2024
  • Top 5 Finisher – UTMB Mont-Blanc 2023
  • Brand Ambassador – BWO Outdoor (since 2024)
  • Environmental Partner – Clean Trails Europe Initiative

"Every trail has its own rhythm. BWO lets me hear it — instead of fighting against it."

Ethan Ward mountaineering

Leo Matsen is a professional trail runner and BWO athlete from Bergen, Norway. With over 10 years of experience in mountain endurance sports, he has competed in ultra-marathons across five continents and serves as an environmental partner for the Clean Trails Europe Initiative.

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