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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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)
30%
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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