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

The Backyard Ultra Format

The concept is beautifully simple.

Every runner must complete a 6.706 km (4.167 mile) loop within one hour. On the hour, every hour, those still competing line up and start again.

Finish your loop in 45 minutes and you have 15 minutes to recover. Take 55 minutes and you have just five.

Use that time to eat, drink, change clothes, rest or prepare for the next yard.

Miss the hourly deadline or fail to start the next yard, and your race is over.

The process repeats for as long as runners remain.

There is no finish line in the traditional sense. The race continues until just one runner completes a yard that nobody else can.

One runner wins. Everyone else finds their limit.

But in Backyard Ultra, success isn't measured only by winning. It might mean running your first marathon, reaching 100 miles, completing 24 hours or discovering that you're capable of far more than you ever imagined.

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.