Göteborgsvarvet 2026 is on May 16th with 60,000+ participants. The 21.1 km course has 200 meters of climbing, with the toughest hills at km 10-15 in Örgryte. Start training 8-16 weeks before the race, include hill intervals, and save energy for the second half.
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.
Start your personalized Göteborgsvarvet training plan now – free to begin!
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
The Course: What to Expect
Göteborgsvarvet starts at Slottsskogen and takes you through central Gothenburg. Here are the key sections:
Course Difficulty Kilometer by Kilometer
The map shows the course with each kilometer color-coded by difficulty. Green means flat and easy, yellow is moderately hilly, and red marks the tougher sections with more elevation. The course has around 200 meters of total climbing – not massive, but enough to feel it in your legs if you're not prepared.
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.
The hills at Örgryte are decisive. If you've saved energy during the first 10 kilometers, you'll handle them better than most around you.
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.
Training Plan: How Much Time Do You Need?
| Your Current Level | Recommended Time | Start Date for May 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (can jog 30 min) | 16 weeks | End of January |
| Can run 5K | 14 weeks | Mid-February |
| Can run 10K | 12 weeks | Mid-February |
| Experienced (have run half marathon) | 8-10 weeks | March |
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
| Day | Session | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Rest | Recovery |
| Tuesday | Intervals: 6 x 800m | VO2max |
| Wednesday | Easy run 40 min | Aerobic base |
| Thursday | Rest or strength training | Recovery |
| Friday | Tempo run 25 min | Race pace |
| Saturday | Long run 16 km | Endurance |
| Sunday | Rest or walk | Recovery |
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
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:
| Target Time | Pace/km | Pace/mile |
|---|---|---|
| 1:45 | 4:58 | 8:00 |
| 2:00 | 5:41 | 9:09 |
| 2:15 | 6:23 | 10:17 |
| 2:30 | 7:06 | 11:26 |
Plan to run the first 10 km about 10-15 seconds per kilometer slower than your goal pace. Save energy for the hills and the finish.
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
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
Train for Göteborgsvarvet with VRAPIDA
With VRAPIDA, you get a training plan specifically tailored for Göteborgsvarvet 2026:
- Select Göteborgsvarvet as your goal in the app
- Enter your current level and available training days
- Get your first workout – instantly adapted for your journey to May 16
- 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
Already signed up for Göteborgsvarvet 2026? Start your Göteborgsvarvet training here – it's free to begin.
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!
