A running challenge for children between 7 and 13 years old. The same spectacular start and finish as Göteborgsvarvet!
Lilla Varvet - May 24, 2026:We activate the generation of the future
Welcome to Lilla Varvet in Gothenburg on May 24, 2026 – a super fun race for kids aged 7 to 13 Test your running skills while having a blast with your friends.
Each year, over 6,000 children participate, which means that Lilla Varvet is Sweden's by far the largest running event for children and young people. Running is fun in itself, but to boost the wonderful feeling a little extra, we, along with our partners, offer lots of fun and exciting activities.
Course map:Race course - Lilla Varvet
Lilla Varvet has two courses. If you 2026 are 7-10 years (born 2016-2019) the course is 1,1 kilometers (the blue line) and if you are 11-13 years (born 2013-2015) the course is 2,4 kilometers (the red line).
Both courses start at the same location, below Bragebacken on Margretebergsgatan. The start as well as the rest of the course is mostly on asphalt. Both courses pass through Slottskogen, where runners are met with a vibrant and supportive atmosphere and cheering crowd. On the longer course there is a water station.
The finish is at the classic Slottsskogsvallen, just like Göteborgsvarvet 21k.
The course map will be updated at a later stage (the correct course length for children born in 2016–2019 is 1.1 km).
Race day:Start waves and start times
In Lilla Varvet, there are several different starting waves based on age and course, with boys and girls starting together. The first wave starts at 11:00 AM and the last is scheduled to start around 2:00 PM. There are tentatively two start times per birth year, and your exact start wave and time will be specified in the start certificate, which will be sent via email about one week before the race.
Race bibs are picked up at the Göteborgsvarvet Expo, located in Friidrottens Hus. We recommend collecting the bib on Thursday, Friday, or Sunday during race weekend.
Our tip: Arrive well in advance to avoid rushing to the start area, and please follow the instructions from the event staff on site.
Course maps, start waves, and start times for each age group will be published on the website closer to the event.
Experience! Running Party
Lilla Varvet is like a big running party where you get to run through Slottsskogen and feel the pulse of the city. Whether you're as fast as lightning or taking it at your own pace, it doesn't matter - the most important thing is to have fun!
Encouragement along the race Cheers!
Throughout the race, you'll receive lots of cheers from the spectators along the way. There's nothing better than hearing the cheers as you approach the finish line. It provides a tremendous boost of energy!
Take home Cool Medals!
After crossing the finish line, you will receive fantastic medals as proof of your amazing achievement!
Together with friends! Community
Lilla Varvet is not just a race, it's also an opportunity to be together with other runners. You can cheer each other on and make new friends to share your wonderful experience with.
A day for the whole family Activate siblings and parents
Perhaps you'd like to bring your family along and turn it into a fun family activity. The family area in the heart of Slottsskogen offers activities for both young and old. Running is a fantastic way to be active together and foster healthy habits.
Same experience as Göteborgsvarvet Grand Finish!
Lilla Varvet has the same grand start and finish as Göteborgsvarvet, the world's largest half marathon! As you approach the finish line, you'll be welcomed into Slottsskogsvallen's arena with an impressive finish arch.
Fun and delicious partner activities Sponsor village
In close proximity to the start and finish, our partners will host delightful activities.
100% joy!:A Success with RackarAlex!
After several years of joy and laughter on TV, he has not only become a big idol for several generations of children, youth, and entire families, but Alex has also, with his acrobatic talents and spectacular flips, become a spokesperson for fitness and movement among the youth. Alex has been a great success in the start area at the races in recent years.
With his infectious energy and enthusiasm, he will turn Lilla Varvet into a day full of laughter, sweat, and fun. We promise the best motivation in the starting area where Alex will cheer, encourage, and maybe even run a bit with you. 🚀💫
We will update the information later on regarding whether Alex will be on site in 2026.
Get ready for fun:Göteborgsvarvet Family area
A warm welcome to Göteborgsvarvet’s family area on 23 - 24 May. Here it is packed with fun, running joy, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Yes, you hear. There is a lot of everything here. Not only that, you get to meet someone who has longed to meet you. Our very own running troll Varva, who will make sure you have a memorable day and cheer you on all the way to the finish line.
Inspiration from Instagram
Race Info:Good to know before the race
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Registration
Registration is open until 10:45 AM on the day of the race, with reservation that the race may be sold out earlier. All registrations are done via the website.
Registration fee:
199 SEK until 2026-01-31
259 SEK from 2026-02-01 -
Start & Event Area
The start is on Margretebergsgatan, and the finish line is in Slottsskogsvallen. The first start is at 11:00. In the start and finish area, you'll find fun activities for children and youth.
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Changing Clothes, Bag Storage & Toilets
We recommend that you get changed before arriving as showers/dressing rooms are not provided. The organizer does not offer bag storage. Toilets are available in the start and finish areas.
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Start Certificate, Number Tag & Tag Distribution
The Start certificate will be sent one week before the race to the e-mail address provided when registering. In the Start certificate you will find all the information you need ahead of the event. Your number bib must be collected Thursday-Sunday in Friidrottens Hus; Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM, Friday 10 AM - 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM - 3:30 PM, Sunday 9 AM - 1 PM. Please ensure you arrive early and don't forget your start certificate.
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Timekeeping
There’s a chip on the back of the number bib which will register your time. In Lilla Varvet the net time is measured in all classes except P/F 13 where the gross time is used. With net time the time starts when you cross the start line, and with gross time the time starts when the race begins. In both cases the time stops when you cross the finish line. The number tag must not be folded and must be positioned on the stomach/chest. All participants who complete the race will get a result.
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Warmup
Group warm up exercises are available at the start and will be led by instructors from STC.
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Medal
Everyone who completes Lilla Varvet will receive a medal.
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Meeting Point & Parent Phone Number
We recommend that you meet your child at the finish line or that you agree on another meeting point in advance. A good tip is to write the parent’s name and phone number on the back of the number tag or directly on the child’s arm. We also have a meeting point for adults and children who have gotten separated, more information will be provided with the start certificate.
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Getting Here & Parking
Plan your trip and arrive early to pick up your child's race bib. Use public transport when possible. The nearest stops are Linnéplatsen and Marklandsgatan. Note that the stop Botaniska Trädgården isn’t suitable for baby trolleys. Find your route on the Västtrafik ToGo app or on vasttrafik.se. Parking is available for an environmental fee of 100 kr (swish), at Dalens grusplaner by Slottsskogsvallen on Sunday.
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Certificate
Everyone who completes Lilla Varvet will be able to download a digital certificate here after the race.
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Customer service
Customer service is available in the Infocenter in the Entrance Park from 10:00 AM. to 1:30 PM. on the day of the race, as well as in Friidrottens hus on Thursday at 11 AM. - 8.30 PM. , Friday at 10 AM - 9 PM , Saturday at 9 AM. - 4:15 PM. , Sunday at 9 AM. - 1 PM.