Göteborgsvarvet 2026: Complete Training Guide

Sweden's Biggest Running Festival

Göteborgsvarvet isn't just Sweden's largest half marathon – it's a celebration of running. With over 60,000 participants each year, it's one of the world's biggest races at the 21.1 km distance. The course winds through central Gothenburg with incredible crowd support along the entire route.

Göteborgsvarvet 2026 takes place on Saturday, May 16th. That gives you plenty of time to prepare properly.

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Why Run Göteborgsvarvet?

• Unique atmosphere – Hundreds of thousands of spectators along the course
• Beautiful course – Through Gothenburg's most scenic areas
• Well-organized – Sweden's most professional mass-participation race
• Community – Run alongside 60,000 others
• Personal record potential – The course is relatively fast despite some hills

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The Course: What to Expect

Göteborgsvarvet starts at Slottsskogen and takes you through central Gothenburg. Here are the key sections:

Km 0-5: Slottsskogen → Linné

The start is wide but can be crowded. Begin easy and find your rhythm. The terrain is relatively flat.

Km 5-10: Haga → Vasaplatsen → Avenyn

Through the popular Haga district and up towards Avenyn. The crowds are amazing and it's easy to get carried away. Hold back!

Km 10-15: Örgryte → Lunden

The toughest part of the course. This is where the hills demand respect. Many lose time here by going out too fast earlier.

Km 15-18: Ullevi → Nordstan

Now it flattens out and you start to feel the finish approaching. The crowds grow again and energy increases.

Km 18-21.1: Göta Älvbron → Slottsskogen

The final stretch over the river and back towards Slottsskogen. The finish is magical with thousands cheering.

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Training Plan: How Much Time Do You Need?

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Training Structure for Göteborgsvarvet

Phase 1: Base Building (weeks 1-6)

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 8 to 12 km)

Phase 2: Development (weeks 7-12)

Now we increase the intensity:

• Introduce one interval session per week
• Tempo runs at half marathon pace
• Long runs increase to 14-18 km
• Continued focus on easy base runs

Sample Week in Development Phase

Phase 3: Taper (weeks 13-16)

Final phase before the race:

• Gradually reduce volume (taper)
• Maintain some intensity
• Focus on recovery
• Last long run (15-18 km) three weeks before
• Last hard session two weeks before

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Specific Training for Göteborgsvarvet

Hill Training

Göteborgsvarvet has challenging hills around km 10-15. Prepare by:

• Including hill intervals every other week
• Running long runs on hilly terrain
• Practicing running form uphill (shorter steps, more arm drive)

Pacing Strategy

A typical pace chart for different finish times:

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The Week Before Göteborgsvarvet

Monday-Wednesday

• Short, easy runs (20-30 min)
• Focus on keeping legs fresh without tiring them

Thursday

• Complete rest or very easy walk
• Travel to Gothenburg if you don't live there

Friday

• Pick up race number at the expo (Eriksberg)
• Optional short 15-minute jog
• Lay out all equipment

Saturday (race day)

• Breakfast 2-3 hours before start
• Arrive at start area early (at least 1.5 hours)
• Find your start corral based on estimated finish time
• Light warm-up in the final 15 minutes

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Equipment for Göteborgsvarvet

Shoes

Use broken-in shoes you've trained in. Never new shoes on race day!

Clothing (May in Gothenburg)

Weather can vary significantly in May:

• Plan for 10-18°C (50-65°F)
• Light, moisture-wicking clothes
• Shorts and singlet if warm
• Arm warmers if cool (easy to remove)

Nutrition

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, banana, toast with honey
• During race: Water at every other aid station, energy gel at km 8 and 15

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Train for Göteborgsvarvet with VRAPIDA

With VRAPIDA, you get a training plan specifically tailored for Göteborgsvarvet 2026:

1. Select Göteborgsvarvet as your goal in the app
2. Enter your current level and available training days
3. Get your first workout – instantly adapted for your journey to May 16
4. Train and give feedback – the plan adapts to how you feel

Why VRAPIDA for Göteborgsvarvet?

• Right structure – The plan accounts for the race date and builds you up optimally
• Adaptive training – Got sick? Got blisters? The plan adjusts
• One workout at a time – Focus on the next session, not making a schedule work
• Hill training – We include hill intervals specifically for Göteborgsvarvet

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Summary

Göteborgsvarvet is an experience like no other. With proper preparation, you won't just complete the distance – you'll enjoy every kilometer.

Remember:

• Start training in time (at least 12 weeks)
• Respect the hills – train for them
• Hold back in the early kilometers
• Enjoy the crowds and atmosphere

See you at the start line on May 16, 2026!