Stories Adventure

Top 6 most challenging trail running races

Trail runners, here are the top 6 most challenging trail running races taking place in Swedish Lapland this summer!

In all its simpleness, trail running might be the most natural and perhaps the oldest ways of sports or exercise – the running on nature trails. The vast spaces, differences in altitude and the beautiful and serene Arctic landscape makes Swedish Lapland an excellent destination for any trail running enthusiast.

Arctic Circle Race 15 km, August 17th 2019

How about getting dropped off by a helicopter 15 km (about 9 miles) out into roadless land and make your way back on foot along trails with the alternating terrain of easily run flat rocks, mossy bogs and dense birch forests? The Arctic Circle Race in Arjeplog is a challenging trail through an area also known as the mountain archipelago.
arcticcirclerace.se

Arctic Circle Race is a challenging trail through an area also known as the mountain archipelago. Photo: Maria Söderberg.

DXR 22 km, August 31st 2019

A test of strength for all running enthusiasts. Lace up your sneakers and get ready for a 22 km long (about 14 miles) run with a 700-metre rise in altitude along Mt. Dundret in Gällivare, with a view over Sarek National Park and Kebnekaise, Sweden’s highest peak.
dundretextreme.se

Niliterrängen 30 km, June 15th 2019

For over 30 years runners have gathered in Nilivaara, outside Gällivare to run in the Nilivaara forest, a great 30 km long (about 19 miles) race for cross-country runners. Expect a beautiful forest landscape and a jovial spirit amongst participants and old friends alike.
nis-lopning.se

Dundret Extreme Running, DXR, 22 km long (about 14 miles) run with a 700-metre rise in altitude along Mt. Dundret in Gällivare. Photo: Yngve Johansson, Imega Promotion.

Ammarnäs Ultra Trail 43 km, July 6th 2019

Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve is known for its beautiful nature and as the perfect area for trail running! Mountains, valleys, mores, forests, bogs, lakes – and great trails. Starting at Tjulträsk in Sorsele, this race will take you 43 km (about 27 miles) along vast, beautiful landscape to the finish line at the homestead in Ammarnäs. Be aware that the weather can rapidly change, so the right equipment is a necessity.
idrottonline.se

Boden Fortress 10-50 km, June 29th 2019

A race along historic trails and up secretive mountains! The Boden Fortress is made up of five mainly self-supporting forts excavated out of the bedrock in five of the mountains surrounding Boden. You can choose between a 10 km or 50 km long trail with amazing views from the top of the fortress.
bodenfortress.se

Swedish Alpine Ultra runs from Nikkaluokta to Abisko. Photo courtesy of Swedish Alpine Ultra.

Swedish Alpine Ultra 107 km, July 20th 2019

The most famous part of the King’s Trail (Kungsleden) is the 107 km (about 66 miles) stretch between Nikkaluokta and Abisko in Kiruna, sometimes referred to as the Sweden’s most beautiful mountain area. As you probably realise, this no ordinary race. It requires that you allocate your strength to last from start to finish, come snow, rain or sunshine.
swedishalpineultra.se

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