Midnattsloppet 2026: Complete Training Guide

Stockholm's Most Magical Race

Midnattsloppet is unlike any other race. When the starting gun fires at 10 PM on an August evening in Stockholm, something special happens. Thousands of runners take to the city streets at dusk, and by the time you cross the finish line, the city lights are glowing around you.

Midnattsloppet 2026 takes place on Saturday, August 15th. At 10 km, it's a perfect goal if you want to challenge yourself without committing to half marathon training.

👉 Start your personalized Midnattsloppet training plan now – free to begin!

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Why Run Midnattsloppet?

• Unique experience – Running through Stockholm as the sun sets is magical
• Perfect distance – 10 km is challenging enough to feel like an achievement, yet manageable for most
• Amazing atmosphere – The crowd and music along the course give you energy
• Summer evening – Cooler temperatures make running more comfortable
• Community – Thousands of runners share the experience with you

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The Course: What to Expect

Midnattsloppet starts and finishes at Stadion in central Stockholm. The course takes you through some of the city's most beautiful areas – but also some hills that demand respect.

Course Difficulty Kilometer by Kilometer

Midnattsloppet 2026 - Course map with difficulty per 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. The course has about 85 meters of total climbing – concentrated in the middle of the race.

Km 1-3: Stadion → Östermalm

The start at Stadion is wide and you'll have plenty of room to find your pace. The first three kilometers are relatively flat and take you through the Östermalm district. Enjoy the atmosphere and hold back.

Km 4-6: The Hills

Here comes the toughest part of the race. Three kilometers of hilly terrain where you climb approximately 55 meters in total. This is where many runners go out too hard and pay the price later.

Km 7: The Downhill

Now you're rewarded for the climbing. Kilometer 7 is mostly downhill – use it to recover before the final push.

Km 8: Last Climb

One final short hill before it flattens out. Be mentally prepared – you're almost there.

Km 9-10: Sprint to Stadion

The last two kilometers are flat and fast. Now it's time to give everything you have left. The finish at Stadion with the crowd around you is unforgettable.

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Training Plan: How Much Time Do You Need?

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Training Structure for Midnattsloppet

Phase 1: Base Building (weeks 1-4)

Focus on building a solid foundation:

• 3-4 running sessions per week
• All sessions at easy pace (you should be able to talk)
• Gradual increase in distance
• One longer run per week (building from 5 to 7 km)

Phase 2: Development (weeks 5-8)

Now we increase both distance and intensity:

• Introduce one interval session per week
• Tempo runs at 10K pace
• Longest run increases to 8-10 km
• Continued focus on easy base runs

Sample Week in Development Phase

Phase 3: Taper (weeks 9-10)

Final phase before the race:

• Gradually reduce volume
• Maintain some intensity with shorter intervals
• Focus on recovery and sleep
• Last longer run (8-10 km) ten days before
• Last hard session one week before

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Specific Training for Midnattsloppet

Hill Training

With 85 meters of climbing concentrated in the middle of the course, you need to be prepared. Here's how:

• Include hill intervals once a week
• Run on hilly terrain when possible
• Practice uphill running form (shorter steps, active arms, eyes forward)

Pacing Strategy

A typical pace chart for different 10K finish times:

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The Week Before Midnattsloppet

Monday-Wednesday

• Short, easy runs (15-25 min)
• Focus on keeping legs fresh without tiring them

Thursday

• Complete rest or very easy walk
• Prepare all equipment

Friday

• Pick up race number
• Optional short 10-minute jog
• Lay out clothes and shoes

Saturday (race day)

• Eat lunch as normal, avoid heavy food
• Light snack 2-3 hours before start
• Arrive at Stadion early (at least 1 hour before)
• Warm up 15-20 minutes before start

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Equipment for Midnattsloppet

Shoes

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

Clothing (August in Stockholm)

August evenings can be pleasant or cool:

• Plan for 15-22°C (60-72°F) at start
• Light, moisture-wicking clothes
• Shorts and singlet usually suffice
• Bring a light jacket to warm up in (leave in gear check)

Reflectors and Headlamp

Midnattsloppet runs through dusk and darkness:

• The organizer usually provides reflectors
• A headlamp isn't necessary but can be fun
• Light-colored clothing is more visible

Nutrition

• Eat normally during the day
• Light snack 2-3 hours before: banana, energy bar, or sandwich
• During the race: water at aid stations is enough for most runners at 10 km

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Train for Midnattsloppet with VRAPIDA

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

1. Select Midnattsloppet as your goal
2. Enter your current level and available training days
3. Get your first workout – instantly adapted for your journey to August 15
4. Train and give feedback – the plan adapts to how you feel

Why VRAPIDA for Midnattsloppet?

• Right structure – The plan accounts for the race date and builds you up optimally
• Adaptive training – Life happens, and the plan adjusts to you
• One workout at a time – Focus on the next session, not an entire schedule
• Hill training – We include hilly workouts to prepare for Midnattsloppet's climbs

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Summary

Midnattsloppet is an experience like no other. Running through Stockholm on an August night, surrounded by thousands of other runners and cheering crowds, is something you won't soon forget.

Remember:

• Start training in time (at least 8 weeks)
• Respect the hills at km 4-6 – train for them
• Hold back at the start
• Enjoy the evening and the atmosphere

See you at Stadion on August 15, 2026!