Förbifartspremiären is a once-in-a-lifetime 12 km race through the new E4 Stockholm Bypass tunnel on October 3, 2026. The course is essentially flat with a maximum 3-4% gradient. Three distances available (4, 7, 12 km) plus walking. Registration costs 375 SEK.
Did you know? The E4 Stockholm Bypass is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Swedish history. Here's why it's being built:
- The problem: Essingeleden is currently the only major road between northern and southern Stockholm. It was built in 1967 for 80,000 vehicles per day – today it carries double that
- The solution: The Stockholm Bypass is a 21 km new route for the E4 motorway, with 18 km in tunnel – one of the world's longest motorway tunnels
- Time savings: The full stretch from Kungens Kurva to Häggvik will take just 15 minutes, compared to often 45-60+ minutes via Essingeleden during rush hour
- Depth: The tunnel reaches 65 metres below sea level and Lake Mälaren at its deepest point
- Cost: Approximately 51.5 billion SEK (~$5 billion USD), funded 80% through congestion charges
- Traffic: 140,000 vehicles per day are expected to use the new road
- No congestion tax is planned for the Stockholm Bypass itself
The first section (Häggvik–Hjulsta) opens in 2026 – and that's exactly the stretch you'll be running in Förbifartspremiären! The full road is expected to be completed around 2030.
A Race That Will Never Happen Again
Förbifartspremiären isn't an ordinary race. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event – organized only once, ever. On October 3, 2026, you'll have the chance to be among the first to walk on the new E4 Stockholm Bypass on foot, before the road opens to traffic. The course goes both above and below ground, through the tunnel tubes of one of the world's longest motorway tunnels.
Förbifartspremiären 2026 takes place on Saturday, October 3rd. Registration opens on February 5th at 12:00 CET.
Start your personalized Förbifartspremiären training plan now – free to begin!
Why Run Förbifartspremiären?
- Once in a lifetime – The race is organized only once, then the road opens to traffic
- Unique course – Run through the tunnel tubes of the new E4, both above and below ground
- Historic – Be among the first to set foot on the E4 Stockholm Bypass, one of Sweden's biggest infrastructure projects
- Flat and fast – A motorway tunnel means virtually zero elevation change
- Well-organized – Organized by Marathongruppen in collaboration with Trafikverket (the Swedish Transport Administration)
- All levels – Three distances (4, 7, and 12 km) plus a walking class
Distances and Classes
Förbifartspremiären offers something for everyone:
| Class | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Competition | ~12 km | Chip timing with results and placement |
| Recreational | ~4, 7, or 12 km | Run at your own pace, choose distance on race day |
| Walk | ~4 km | Walk the course and enjoy the experience |
Price: 375 SEK (~$35 USD). Registration includes race bib with chip timing, aid stations with entertainment, finish line service, and medal.
Age limit: 15 years, or from 13 years accompanied by a paying adult.
The Course: What to Expect
Start and finish are located at the new Akalla interchange. The course follows the section between Hjulsta and Häggvik – a 3.5 km stretch of which 1.8 km runs through tunnel.
The Tunnel Experience
What makes Förbifartspremiären unique is that you run through the new motorway tunnels. Participants in the 4 km course spend most of their race inside the tunnel tubes. The longer distances (7 and 12 km) also take you onto the new roads above ground.
The E4 Stockholm Bypass will become one of the world's longest motorway tunnels – 21 km total with 18 km underground. You'll be running through a piece of engineering history.
What Does Tunnel Running Mean?
- Flat terrain – Motorway tunnels have a maximum 3-4% gradient, making this an essentially flat course
- Consistent temperature – Expect it to be warmer inside the tunnel than outside
- Acoustics – Sound amplifies in tunnel tubes, prepare mentally for an unusual soundscape
- Lighting – Artificial light throughout, no surprises from sun or shadow
The exact course profile and elevation will be published on the official website later. We'll update this guide when more information becomes available.
Training Plan: How Much Time Do You Need?
With the race on October 3rd, you have plenty of time to prepare:
| Level | Time | Start |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 14-16 w | June |
| 5K | 10-12 w | July |
| 7-10K | 8-10 w | July |
| 10K+ | 6-8 w | Aug |
Training Structure for Förbifartspremiären (12 km)
Phase 1: Base Building (weeks 1-5)
Focus on building an aerobic foundation:
- 3-4 running sessions per week
- All sessions at easy pace (you should be able to talk)
- Gradual increase in total distance
- One longer run per week (building from 5 to 8 km)
Phase 2: Development (weeks 6-10)
Now we increase distance and intensity:
- Introduce one interval session per week
- Tempo runs at race pace (~12 km pace)
- Long runs increase to 10-14 km
- Continued focus on easy base runs
Sample Week in Development Phase
| Day | Session | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Rest | Recovery |
| Tuesday | Intervals: 5 x 1000m | VO2max |
| Wednesday | Easy run 35 min | Aerobic base |
| Thursday | Rest or strength training | Recovery |
| Friday | Tempo run 20 min | Race pace |
| Saturday | Long run 12 km | Endurance |
| Sunday | Rest or walk | Recovery |
Phase 3: Taper (weeks 11-14)
Final phase before the race:
- Gradually reduce volume (taper)
- Maintain some intensity
- Focus on recovery
- Last long run (12-14 km) three weeks before
- Last hard session two weeks before
Race-Specific Training for Förbifartspremiären
Flat Tempo Work
Unlike many Stockholm races, Förbifartspremiären is essentially flat. This means you can focus on:
- Even pacing – Practice holding exactly the same pace kilometer after kilometer
- Tempo runs – Longer sessions at race pace are especially valuable
- Negative split – Practice running the second half faster than the first
Tunnel Preparation
Running in a tunnel is different from running outdoors:
- Indoor training – Do occasional treadmill runs to get used to running without landmarks
- Mental preparation – A tunnel can feel monotonous without scenery. Prepare with mental training or music
- Heat training – The tunnel may be warmer than outside. Run occasional sessions in warmer conditions
Pacing Strategy
A guide for different 12 km finish times:
| Target Time | Pace/km | Pace/mile |
|---|---|---|
| 50 min | 4:10 | 6:42 |
| 55 min | 4:35 | 7:23 |
| 1:00 | 5:00 | 8:03 |
| 1:05 | 5:25 | 8:43 |
| 1:10 | 5:50 | 9:23 |
| 1:15 | 6:15 | 10:04 |
| 1:20 | 6:40 | 10:44 |
The course is flat, but still start 5-10 seconds per kilometer slower than your goal pace. In a tunnel without landmarks, it's easy to go out too fast without realizing it.
Summer Training: Keep This in Mind
Since training for Förbifartspremiären falls during the summer months, there are a few things to consider:
- Heat – July and August can be warm in Sweden. Train early in the morning or in the evening
- Hydration – Drink more in the heat, bring water on longer runs
- Vacation – Plan your training around holidays. Running in new places works great!
- Sun protection – Use sunscreen and a cap for outdoor training
The Week Before Förbifartspremiären
Monday-Wednesday
- Short, easy runs (20-30 min)
- Focus on keeping legs fresh without tiring them
Thursday
- Complete rest or very easy walk
Friday
- Pick up race bib (required for entry to the event area)
- Optional short 15-minute jog
- Lay out all equipment
Saturday (race day – October 3)
- Breakfast 2-3 hours before start
- Arrive at Akalla interchange early
- Light warm-up in the final 15 minutes
Equipment for Förbifartspremiären
Shoes
Use broken-in shoes you've trained in. Never new shoes on race day! The course is paved motorway, so regular running shoes work perfectly.
Clothing (October in Stockholm)
October weather in Stockholm can be cool:
- Plan for 5-15°C (40-60°F) outside
- The tunnel will likely be warmer – dress to be comfortable in the tunnel rather than outdoors
- Light, moisture-wicking clothes
- Consider a thin long-sleeve you can tie around your waist
- Arm warmers or light gloves if cold
Nutrition
- Breakfast: Oatmeal, banana, toast with honey
- During race: Water at aid stations. At 12 km, most runners won't need energy gels, but bring one if you usually do
Train for Förbifartspremiären with VRAPIDA
With VRAPIDA, you get a training plan specifically tailored for Förbifartspremiären 2026:
- Select Förbifartspremiären as your goal in the app
- Enter your current level and available training days
- Get your first workout – instantly adapted for your journey to October 3
- Train and give feedback – the plan adapts to how you feel
Why VRAPIDA for Förbifartspremiären?
- Right structure – The plan accounts for the race date and builds you up optimally
- Adaptive training – Got sick? Missed a session? The plan adjusts
- One workout at a time – Focus on the next session, not making a schedule work
- Flat pace focus – We tailor training for the flat course with emphasis on even pacing
Already signed up for Förbifartspremiären 2026? Start your Förbifartspremiären training here – it's free to begin.
Summary
Förbifartspremiären is a unique chance to experience the new E4 Stockholm Bypass in a way that will never be repeated. When you cross the finish line, you'll have done something no one else will ever be able to do – run through one of the world's longest motorway tunnels before it opened.
Remember:
- Registration opens February 5 at 12:00 CET – be quick!
- Start training in time (10-16 weeks depending on level)
- The course is flat – perfect for chasing a good time
- Prepare mentally for tunnel running
- Enjoy the unique experience
See you at Akalla interchange on October 3, 2026!
