The Course

The Växjö Marathon course is probably Sweden's fastest. The race consists of eight laps around Lake Växjösjön, with approximately 3 meters of elevation gain per lap. 

The course circles Lake Växjösjön with a short detour through the Sigfrid area. It is flat and fast, running mainly on asphalt, with approximately 300 meters of well-maintained gravel. The course was officially measured in August 2024.

The course is clearly marked, led by a cyclist, and monitored by course marshals. Roads are not closed to the public, so runners share the pedestrian and cycling paths with walkers and cyclists. There are also three road crossings with vehicle traffic.

Distance markers are placed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 21.1, 25, 30, 35, and 40 km, as well as signs showing 4, 3, 2, and 1 km remaining until the next lap or the finish.

Nutrition and Hydration

Water and Umara lemon-flavored sports drink are available at aid stations located in the Strandbjörket event area and at the eastern end of the course by Lake Trummen. Across the eight laps, runners will have 15 opportunities to use the aid stations, plus refreshments immediately after finishing. You may also place your own nutrition at the lap area. Tables for personal nutrition are located on the right-hand side in the running direction.

The ready-mixed sports drink contains 90 g of carbohydrates per liter, approximately 10 to 15 g per cup.

At the lap aid station you'll also find bananas, pickles, coffee, and more. As always, pastries will be served at the finish line.

Marathon

Experience the southern parts of Växjö as you run through tree-lined avenues, green parks, residential neighborhoods, roads with lake views, and the beautiful lakeside promenade along the northern shore of Lake Växjösjön. Along the eastern side of Lake Trummen, you'll even catch a glimpse of Teleborg Castle in the distance.

The race includes official competition classes as well as recreational classes.

The rules of the Swedish Athletics Federation apply, meaning that to compete in the official competition classes, you must be a member of an affiliated athletics club.

If you are not a member of an affiliated club, you are welcome to participate in the recreational men's or women's class.

Relay

Run and compete together as a team in our relay race.

Gather your friends, coworkers, club teammates, family members, or anyone else. Whether you're an experienced runner or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome.

The relay follows the same course as the marathon, eight laps around Lake Växjösjön.

Each team consists of four runners, with each runner completing two laps. Runner 1: Starts with the marathon field and runs Laps 1 and 2, approximately 11 km. Runner 2: Runs Laps 3 and 4, approximately 10.4 km. Runner 3: Runs Laps 5 and 6, approximately 10.4 km. Runner 4: Runs Laps 7 and 8, approximately 10.4 km, bringing the team across the finish line.

Relay exchanges take place on the right-hand side of the lap and finish area. Teams use a relay baton, which is handed over to the next runner.

Race bibs are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Start and Finish

The start area is located along the avenue at Strandvägen 2 in Växjö, between the lakeside boardwalk at Lake Växjösjön and the Central Hospital.

The lap area, finish area, relay exchange zone, race office, and aid station are now located in Strandbjörket on Värendsgatan in Växjö. The race starts at 11:00 AM.

Parking

Ample parking is available at Bangården Parking Garage (Askelövsgatan 16A), just a 950 meter walk to the start and approximately 1.2 km to the finish and event area. Additional parking is available at Norrtull (Skolgatan 2), Södra (Skogsuddevägen), and behind Toréns Framtid School (Kvarnvägen 8).

Event Area

The lap and finish area is located in Strandbjörket. The race office, where race bibs are distributed on race day, is also located here.

Smålands Skafferi will be serving grilled food throughout the day, so stop by if you're feeling hungry.

The Kids Race also takes place in the event area.

Changing rooms and showers are available in Strandbjörkshallen. 

Other Information

Race Information

The official race guide will be emailed a few days before race day. It contains everything you need to know before the event.

Awards

The top three finishers in each class receive prizes. Everyone who finishes within the six-hour time limit receives a medal. Award ceremonies begin at approximately 2:30 PM and will take place continuously as soon as the top three finishers in each class have crossed the finish line. The ceremony takes place near the finish area.

Race Bib Pickup

On Friday, October 16, 2026, participants will receive a text message with their bib number. Please bring this when collecting your race bib. Race bibs can be collected on Friday between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Växjö Concert Hall. The entrance is to the right of the main entrance. You may also collect your bib on Saturday at the race office  between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.

Late Registration

Late registration is available on race day at the race office until approximately 45 minutes before the start.

Changing Rooms and Showers

Men's and women's changing rooms are available in Strandbjörkshallen next to the event area.

Valuables

Valuables and clothing bags may be left at the race office, where race bibs are collected. Your race bib includes a detachable ID tag. Attach it to your bag before handing it in. Since the start is located 600 meters from the lap and finish area, you may also leave warm-up clothing there before the race. Bags are stored during the event and must be collected no later than 5:00 PM.

If You Withdraw

If you need to withdraw from the race, please report it to race management at the finish area.

Food and Grilling

Kungsgrillen kommer stå för grillning under hela dagen, så om du/ni blir hungriga så ta gärna en sväng förbi deras tält som finns vid eventområdet i Strandbjörket.

Kaffe från Cafébar kommer att säljas om man bli kaffesugen.

The course is 500 meters long, with both the start and finish located in the event area. Registration takes place on-site after the main race has started and remains open until approximately 11:20 AM. Run with an official race bib and enjoy plenty of cheering along the course. Every child who finishes receives a medal, a banana, and a juice box. The race is best suited for children aged approximately 3 to 8 years, but children of all ages are welcome.

– Start: Approximately 11:30 AM
– Entry fee: SEK 50, payable via Swish.

Photos from Växjö Marathon 2024

Photos from Växjö Marathon 2025