The Race

ENTER VALHALLA

One loop. One hour. One last runner standing.

On 3 July 2027, runners from across the Nordic countries and beyond will gather in the heart of Stockholm for the inaugural Valhalla Backyard Ultra.

Set against the beautiful surroundings of Gärdet and Royal Djurgården, Valhalla is more than an ultramarathon. It's a test of endurance, determination and the willingness to keep going when everything tells you to stop.

There is no set finish distance. No predetermined finish time. And no knowing how far you'll go until you get there.

Every hour brings a new beginning.

How far will you go?

Outdoor lifestyle photography of four joggers running along a trail in a lush, misty forest. The atmosphere is serene and focused, capturing an athletic group workout.

Modern day Vikings running

in the heart of stockholm

Backyard Ultra-formatet

Konceptet er smukt enkelt.

Hver løber skal gennemføre en 6,706 km (4,167 mile) rute inden for én time. Ved hver times begyndelse stiller de løbere, der stadig er med i konkurrencen, op og starter forfra.

Gennemfør din rute på 45 minutter, og du har 15 minutter til at restituere. Brug 55 minutter, og du har kun fem.

Brug den tid til at spise, drikke, skifte tøj, hvile eller forberede dig til næste runde.

Hvis du misser tidsfristen eller ikke formår at starte næste runde, er dit løb slut.

Processen gentages, så længe der er løbere tilbage.

Der er ingen målstreg i traditionel forstand. Løbet fortsætter, indtil kun én løber gennemfører en runde, som ingen andre kan.

Én løber vinder. Alle andre finder deres grænse.

Men i Backyard Ultra måles succes ikke kun ved at vinde. Det kan betyde at løbe dit første maraton, nå 100 miles, gennemføre 24 timer eller opdage, at du er i stand til langt mere, end du nogensinde havde forestillet dig.

The Course

6.706 KM

APPROX. 50 M ELEVATION PER YARD

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Valhalla takes place on Gärdet and Royal Djurgården, one of Stockholm's most beautiful green spaces.

Our planned course combines predominantly gravel paths, gentle undulations and scenic parkland, offering runners a memorable setting as the hours turn into days.

With approximately 50 metres of climbing per yard, the route is designed to be runnable without being completely flat. Over 24 hours, those small climbs add up to nearly 1,200 metres of elevation.

The start and finish area will be located on southern Gärdet, where runners return each hour to recover, refuel and prepare for the next bell.

The course will be clearly marked and supported by event marshals.

The final route is being refined in consultation with the landowner and will be published once confirmed.

Digital illustration of a Viking-themed map for a backyard ultra running race. The scene features a parchment design showing a 6.7km loop with Nordic-inspired terrain and navigational details.

the course map

coming soon...

Digital illustration, first-person view of a gloved hand holding a sealed parchment scroll within a rustic, dimly lit hall. The scene evokes a Norse or medieval atmosphere with mountains visible through an arched doorway.

Date: Saturday 3 July 2027

Start time: 14:00

Location: Gärdet / Royal Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden

Format: Last-person-standing Backyard Ultra

Distance: 6.706 km per yard

Duration: Unlimited — the race continues until a winner is determined

Entry: Open to runners of all abilities, subject to available places and entry conditions

Facilities: A dedicated start/finish area with toilets, drinking water, medical support and space for runners and their crews. Full facilities and crew arrangements will be confirmed in future updates.