Kolrassa krókríðandi members run 10 kilometres for Ljósið

The four members of Kolrassa krókríðandi will run 10 kilometres together for Ljósið in the Reykjavík Marathon, mbl.is reports. Singer and violinist Elíza Newman was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and says Ljósið provided invaluable support during her rehabilitation.

Ljósið provides support and rehabilitation for people diagnosed with cancer from the age of 16, as well as their relatives. The organisation is moving to new premises, and Newman says the band hopes to raise as much money as possible.

Newman, drummer Birgitta María Vilbergsdóttir, bassist Ester Bíbí Ásgeirsdóttir and guitarist Sigrún Eiríksdóttir formed the band in 1991 while they were in the 10th grade at Holtaskóli. The group was initially called Menn, then Saraþústra, before adopting the name Kolrassa krókríðandi.

After entering the Músíktilraunir music competition with four original songs, the band won and released its first album, Drápa, in 1992. The group initially played more rock and indie music before developing a more pop-oriented sound.

The band later changed its name to Bellatrix and toured widely. The members lived in England for a year and had a record deal, touring Europe and playing in the United States while still very young. Their final album, Köld eru kvennaráð, was released in 1996 and included one of the band’s best-known songs, Opnaðu augun þín.

In recent years, the members have performed occasionally, including at Menningarnótt two years ago. They remain close friends and meet regularly in what they call a rock knitting club. They have now reunited to work on a new album, with four songs completed, and are due to perform at Eyrarrock in Akureyri in October.

Newman first ran 10 kilometres for Ljósið in 2024, several months after being diagnosed with breast cancer again. She registered for the run again this year and jokingly asked the other band members in their group chat whether they would take part.

“We are not exactly the sportiest band in the world, but I suddenly received tremendous support from the girls,” Newman said. “So we decided to create a running group, bring the band together, run 10 kilometres and hopefully raise some money for Ljósið.”

Donations to Kolrassa krókríðandi can be made through hlaupastyrkur.is, with the proceeds going to Ljósið.