Since its inception in 1980, Göteborgsvarvet has grown into the world’s largest half marathon, attracting over 60,000 runners and surrounded by more than 200,000 spectators cheering along the course. The scenic 21.1 km route begins and ends at Slottsskogsvallen arena, weaving through Gothenburg’s leafy parks, over Älvsborg and Hisingen bridges, and alongside the Göta älv river, complete with roughly 50 live music stations en route. In addition to the main race, the Varvet Week includes complementary events such as kids’ races, Cityvarvet (a 4.3 km fun run), a relay, and Special Varvet for athletes with special needs. The event is ISO-certified for sustainability and doubles as the Swedish national championship on select years. With its festival atmosphere, fast course, and inclusivity, Göteborgsvarvet remains a bucket-list event for runners worldwide.
Race
Half Marathon
Race Date:
23 May, 2026
Organized by the Göteborg Athletic Association, Göteborgsvarvet is the world’s largest annual half marathon, featuring a fast, scenic 21.1 km loop through Gothenburg. The next edition is scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025, starting at 13:00 from Margretebergsgatan and finishing at Slottsskogsvallen Stadium. 
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Göteborgsvarvet?
How long is the Göteborgsvarvet?
Where does the Göteborgsvarvet take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Göteborgsvarvet?
How can I prepare for the Göteborgsvarvet?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Göteborgsvarvet?
Organized by the Göteborg Athletic Association, Göteborgsvarvet is the world’s largest annual half marathon, featuring a fast, scenic 21.1 km loop through Gothenburg. The next edition is scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025, starting at 13:00 from Margretebergsgatan and finishing at Slottsskogsvallen Stadium. 
The Göteborgsvarvet is 21km long.
The Göteborgsvarvet takes place in Gothenburg.
The Göteborgsvarvet elevation gain is 163 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Göteborgsvarvet?
Organized by the Göteborg Athletic Association, Göteborgsvarvet is the world’s largest annual half marathon, featuring a fast, scenic 21.1 km loop through Gothenburg. The next edition is scheduled for Saturday, 17 May 2025, starting at 13:00 from Margretebergsgatan and finishing at Slottsskogsvallen Stadium. 
How long is the Göteborgsvarvet?
The Göteborgsvarvet is 21km long.
Where does the Göteborgsvarvet take place?
The Göteborgsvarvet takes place in Gothenburg.
What is the elevation gain of the Göteborgsvarvet?
The Göteborgsvarvet elevation gain is 163 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Göteborgsvarvet?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Göteborgsvarvet?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Major City
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Göteborgsvarvet 2026 or Gothenburg Athletic Association. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Göteborgsvarvet 2026 website.
