Sweden Backyard Ultra is a Backyard (Last Person Standing) ultra marathon in Borås, Sweden. Elevation: 60m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 35/100). DNF rate: 99%. Surface: trail. Established 2019.
Sweden Backyard Ultra
Borås, Västra Götaland, Sweden
"Last person standing in the Swedish forest. Midsummer daylight, dark determination."
Scandinavia's biggest backyard ultra — a last-person-standing race in the forests of western Sweden with legendary community spirit.
The Course
Sweden's premier backyard ultra, held in the forests outside Borås. The classic format — a 6.706km loop every hour until only one runner remains. The loop runs through beautiful Swedish forest on a mix of gravel paths and soft forest trails, with just enough hills to keep it interesting.
rolling
backyard
1
Runner Experience
Loop-based format with continuous access to a central aid area between laps.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
16°C
10° – 22°
65%
35%
Swedish midsummer weather — long daylight hours (sunset ~22:30), mild temperatures, but rain is always possible.
Stats & Records
2019
1
52:00:00
Johan Steene (2023)
40:00:00
Anna Carlsson (2023)
Entry
SEK 1,200
January
weeks
Lore & Trivia
Sweden's backyard ultra scene exploded after the format went viral globally. Held in the forests outside Stockholm, this event brings Scandinavian stoicism to Lazarus Lake's American invention. Swedish runners — accustomed to long dark winters and allemansrätten (freedom to roam) — take to the hourly loop format with characteristic quiet determination. The atmosphere mixes Swedish fika culture (coffee and cinnamon buns between loops) with the raw psychological warfare of elimination running.
- ▸ Held during the brightest time of the Swedish summer, runners experience nearly 24 hours of daylight.
- ▸ The Scandinavian backyard ultra scene has exploded — Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland all have national championships.
- ▸ The relaxed, supportive atmosphere is famous — competitors cheer each other on even while trying to outlast them.
Swedish stoicism and backyard ultras are a perfect match. We're culturally programmed to endure.
Notable Editions
Johan Steene's Record
Swedish runner Johan Steene — already a Barkley finisher and one of the most respected ultra runners in Scandinavia — set the record at 52 hours, proving that Sweden's backyard scene had world-class depth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Sweden Backyard Ultra? +
Sweden Backyard Ultra is a Backyard (Last Person Standing) ultra with 60m of elevation gain on trail terrain.
How hard is Sweden Backyard Ultra? +
Sweden Backyard Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 35/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 99%.
What is the weather like at Sweden Backyard Ultra? +
Average temperature is 16°C (range 10°C to 22°C) with 65% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. Swedish midsummer weather — long daylight hours (sunset ~22:30), mild temperatures, but rain is always possible.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Sweden Backyard Ultra? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are not allowed.
What is the course record for Sweden Backyard Ultra? +
The men's course record is 52:00:00 set by Johan Steene in 2023. The women's course record is 40:00:00 set by Anna Carlsson in 2023.
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