Heidi At first, I had no intention of participating in the Lidingöloppet. I was considering running the Midnattsloppet on Södermalm in mid-August. However, I had already spent three weeks in Stockholm in July and it seemed crazy to fly back as early as August. Anyway, I hesitated just a little too long because when I tried to enrol, the Midnattsloppet was already sold out.
Lidingöloppet, the largest cross country race
Not much later, the Lidingöloppet caught my attention. This run is the biggest cross-country race in the world, with 30,000 people participating. The Lidingöloppet is part of En Svensk Klassiker (A Swedish Classic). There are different categories, including various races for children, 10 km, 15 km, and the famous 30 km.
I’ll share some practical information on the Lidingöloppet for those who want to participate in the future and tell you a little about how I experienced this great running event.
Lidingö is an island near Stockholm. You can go by boat, but there is also a fixed bridge, Lidingöbron. A lot of commuters live in Lidingö. The last weekend of September, the whole island is busy with the Lidingöloppet. The local children have lemonade stands and sell all kinds of sweets. There are food stalls and a great atmosphere. The whole island seems to be celebrating and welcoming the event!
Even though 30,000 participants are joining, the Lidingöloppet is by far the best-organised running event I have ever participated in! No waiting or queues, everything was clearly marked, and the runners were really well looked after.
With an entry fee of more than 50 euros, it’s not a cheap race. But what other running races offer you kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) at the finish?
Free buses
Free buses between the bus and subway station Ropsten and Lidingövallen are offered during the whole weekend of the Lidingöloppet race. They recommend picking up your race number on Friday. So, I took the late afternoon bus from Ropsten to Lidingövallen.
You can stay at one of the three schools on Lidingö for free. Individual runners get a spot in the sports hall; groups can reserve their own classroom. There are only a few hotels in Lidingö, and this weekend is always fully booked long in advance, so this is a great and inexpensive solution.
Sleeping at school
You register on arrival at the sports hall. Typically Swedish: you take off your shoes at the door! Then you pick yourself a spot. Tip: be on time, as you’ll have more choice. In the hall where I stayed, you could sleep on the tribune stand as well, which gave a little more privacy. Others took advantage of the gymnastics equipment to sleep extra softly or make a small bedroom. There were also showers and toilets available.
Bring your own mattress and sleeping bag. By coincidence, the spot where I put my mattress had an electrical outlet so I could easily charge my smartphone, but you’re better off bringing additional external batteries, just to be sure!
It was no problem to leave your gear at the hall. Obviously, it’s best not to leave valuables! Sleeping in the gym is free. Those who want to reserve a private classroom pay a small fee.
Practical informations
On Friday, I explored the start and finish areas. For the Lidingöloppet, there are three event zones, each with its own function. Lidingövallen was the central place where you pick up your race number, where you can leave your bag, etc. Koltorps Gärde was the starting position for the 15 km race (and also the 30 km run). From Lidingövallen to Koltorps Gärde, it was a tough hike. I quickly learned what ‘backen’ (hill) means! The finish was on Grönsta Gärde.
You start in different groups. Your starting group depends on any previous result or your estimated finish time. The start boxes for the different starting groups are clearly marked. Of course, there is a warming-up session. The whole event is mostly in Swedish, but the most important information can also be found in English. Each year, there are more and more international participants. I think the flags of all participating nationalities were hanging out because I even spotted a Belgian flag!
If you come to the start area, you can take off your clothes for the warm-up and leave them in a plastic bag with your race number on it. They bring those bags to the finish! Your other bag is to be dropped off at Lidingövallen, and you can choose where to pick it up after the run. If you pick it up at Lidingövallen, it is free. For 40 kronor, they transport it to the finish. I found this system very practical and very well organised!
Lidingöloppet 2016
Fair enough, 15 km was quite overconfident. I knew that. Last summer, I had been training a little but hardly ever went beyond 6 km. And now I would do almost three times that distance. I chose to start quietly. I was determined to finish the race!
Soon, I found a few other runners who ran about my pace and who chose to walk the steep hills instead of running up. I walked a lot, but I ran all the flatter sections. I took the time to drink some sports drink and some water. And what a nice surprise it was when they suddenly also offered kanelbullar!
Yes, it was quite a hilly run! But the trail was very varied, and I really enjoyed it. Although I was glad I passed the finish line, I found it a pity that it was already over. It was lovely running in the woods and along the water. Certainly worth doing again!
Yes, I did it!
Afterwards, the participants received a medal with a design by the artist Milles. I was obviously incredibly proud of this medal.
The shower afterwards felt so great (cold water and sponsored shower gel – and barely any queues!). I refilled my energy by devouring a veggie burger. Hooray for food stalls where you a) can pay by card and b) you can find veggie burgers. I felt energetic enough to go and cheer for the 30 km runners.
On Saturday night, I stayed at the sports hall as well. I was just too tired to walk around in Stockholm, and it was already getting dark.
Have you already run the Lidingöloppet? Or are you planning to participate? What is your favourite running event in Sweden?
Pin for later
