Held in the capital city of Sweden, the Stockholm Marathon tends to attract some of the world’s most passionate runners.
The very first marathon was held in 1979 and attracted 2,000 runners. That was considered the largest marathon ever known to the world, but that figure is blown away by the 20,000+ runners that now converge on Stockholm every year.
As demanding as a marathon can be, it is far more bearable when in the company of thousands of other runners with a determination to make it to the finish line in the best time possible.
Stockholm Marathon Course
The course has changed since 1979, but the spirit of the race has remained consistent. With live entertainment and hundreds of supporters lining the course, this is one of the liveliest and most inspirational marathons in the world.
The course goes through natural settings with lush green grass and trees then ventures through urban settings such as under highways and on sidewalks in front of major landmarks. The setting is constantly changing and that is part of the thrill of running the Stockholm Marathon.
You will of course find many of the fittest and most focused runners on the course, but it is also a feat that many others undertake.
Few beginning runners will rise to the challenge of this marathon, but runners in their prime of life often give it a shot just so they can say they succeeded or at least tried. Those just moving from 10ks or half marathons may reach out to Stockholm for their first marathon as well.
This gives the Stockholm Marathon an impressive mix of professional athletes out to win and others out to just reach the finish line and proudly wear the t-shirt.
One thing is clear: this is not the best race for beginners just starting to run. It is far too competitive and intense for someone not well trained for long distance running.
Signing Up for the Stockholm Marathon
Before signing up for this marathon, you have to consider the location. Runners from all over the world travel into Sweden for the event, but you have to make sure you can afford the trip and will be able to travel when the race is held.
It is typically held in the beginning of June, but you will need to make travel arrangements far in advance as flights into the country and the best hotel accommodations will sell out fast.
Some people make reservations for their tickets and hotels after completing the prior year’s marathon. That shows how dedicated and passionate runners are about the Stockholm Marathon. It also shows what it will take to get adequate bookings for your own trip.
Registering early is the name of the game. It is routine for the maximum number of entrants to be reached six months or more before the race is actually held.
Though the race doesn’t occur until summer, it will be sold out most years before December of the year before. If you aren’t officially registered before November of the previous year, you are likely to find registration closed when you go to sign up.
You have to think ahead in order to participate in this race. If it is too late to sign up and make flight and hotel reservations for the upcoming race, start planning out for the following year. Not only will this ensure you have a spot in the race and adequate travel plans, but it will give you plenty of time to prepare for the run.
The last edition of Hal Higdon´s Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Training for the Marathon
The Stockholm Marathon is one of the more intense races in the world. So many people sign up for it partly because of the exotic, beautiful location with perfect running weather, but also partly because it is such an intense, challenging environment. This means you need to prepare for that tension and the challenge.
Your training should include weekly long runs where you train your body to push harder, go longer, and store up that glycogen in your muscles. You may experience some of the discomforts of the “runners wall” during these long runs and that gives you a chance to know how it feels and prepare to avoid it in the actual marathon. It will also give you less panic if it is experienced in Stockholm.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
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