Race infor­ma­tion – Göteborgsvarvet

Leave the car at home!
The fastest, easiest and most sustainable way to get to Göteborgsvarvet on May 23 is by walking, cycling or using public transport. Large parts of the city are affected by the race and access by car is very limited.

Make sure to allow plenty of time, no matter how you choose to travel.

See detailed information about travel options, maps, traffic diversions and road closures:

How to get to the start - Traffic information


A summary is provided below:

Public transport
Public transport routes will be adjusted on Saturday and services will be reinforced both before and after Göteborgsvarvet. Information about public transport on May 23 can be found on the Västtrafik's website. Plan your journey in the Västtrafik “To Go” app or via the travel planner, which also helps you plan routes for cycling and walking. The app also shows which buses/trams are accessible.

You can find Västtrafik’s ticket options here.

• Getting to the start/from the finish by public transport:
  The closest stop to the start on Margretebergsgatan is Marklandsgatan, alternatively Linnéplatsen. (Please note that the Botaniska Trädgården stop is closed on May 23 between 8:30 AM– 8:00 PM.

• Private bikes: Göteborgsvarvet offers bike parking at Dalens Idrottsplan, Stubbeledsgatan & Linnéplatsen. Please see the arena map for exact locations: Arena map.
  
• The cycling route planner at Trafiken.nu provides information on accessible routes and which pedestrian and cycle paths are closed during the race.
  
• Rental bikes (Styr & Ställ/Nextbike): The city bike system allows you to pick up and return bikes at stations around Gothenburg. Stations at Slottsskogsgatan, Marklandsgatan and Handels are closed on May 23. Stations at Linnéplatsen and Botaniska may become full. Updated information on closed or potentially full stations is available in the Nextbike app. Download the Nextbike app in the App Store or Google Play.

Shuttle bus
We offer a shuttle bus service for runners to and from Åby Arena – the start/finish area.

• Direct buses with no stops
• 16 buses run continuously between 09:00–20:00.
• Three of the buses are accessible.

Read more about shuttle bus

Car
Leave the car at home! Göteborgsvarvet does not offer parking at the start/finish area or along the course. Many streets are completely closed or difficult to access.

If you still choose to drive:

• Expect very long queues and very limited accessibility
• Park in other parts of the city and continue the final stretch to the start/finish on foot or by public transport

Parking is prohibited:

• Along the course
• On pedestrian and cycle paths
• In a way that blocks residential access

Stay updated on current traffic disruptions and queues via Trafiken.nu or download the Trafiken.nu app in the App Store eller Google Play. Expect significantly longer travel times than usual.

Search for parking in the city’s standard parking apps. Map of larger parking areas: Click here

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

You and your friends are warmly welcome to visit Göteborgsvarvet Expo, May 21–23, at Friidrottens Hus, in the heart of the start and finish area.

Explore the latest trends in the running world among our fantastic exhibitors – you’ll find everything you might need before race day. This is also where you pick up your race bib. Free entry for everyone.

Getting here
The best way to get to Göteborgsvarvet Expo is by public transport, bike or on foot.

The area around the Expo will have very limited car access due to the large crowds expected during these days. Unfortunately, there is no parking available in direct connection to Friidrottens Hus.

More information: How to get here – Traffic information

Race bib collection
We encourage everyone who can to pick up their race bib during the daytime on Thursday, May 21, or Friday, May 22, to avoid queues.

If you collect your race bib on Saturday, May 23, we recommend doing so well in advance of your start time.

Opening hours:
Thursday May 21: 11 AM – 8 PM
Friday May 22: 10 AM – 9 PM
Saturday May 23: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Bags
Bags brought into the Expo may be subject to security checks. Thank you for your understanding.

Read more and plan your visit:

Göteborgsvarvet Expo


Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

Course
A half marathon, 21,097.5 m, taking you through 10 phases across the streets of Gothenburg.

Explore our interactive course map and phases

Timing
Timing is done electronically, and “net time” applies, meaning your time is recorded from when you cross the start line to when you cross the finish line (not applicable for the elite start wave). This means you don’t need to push forward at the start to get a good position. Your timing chip is attached to the back of your race bib upon collection.

Keep to the right
If you prefer a more relaxed pace during the race, keep to the right so we can use the left side of the course for overtaking.
Please note that wheelchair participants take part in Göteborgsvarvet and may reach high speeds, especially on downhill sections.

Show consideration and respect for your fellow runners – together we create a positive experience for everyone.

Cut-off times
To complete the race, you need to pass:
16:52 – 5 km (south side of Älvsborgsbron)
17:45 – 12 km (SVT building)
18:10 – 15 km (Packhusplatsen)
18:28 – 17 km (Götaplatsen)
19:15 – 21 km (Finish – Slottsskogsvallen)

Starts take place between 13:00–16:15, so the maximum time depends on your assigned start wave. An approximate pace of 7:30 min/km is required if you start in the last wave.

Runners who are not expected to meet the cut-off times must leave the course to allow traffic to reopen as planned. If you need to withdraw, transport is available by bus from medical stations back to the start and finish area. Continuing outside the official race is at your own risk.

Water & sports drink stations
There are 9 hydration stations along the course, 4 of which also provide sports drink. Read more about the contents of the sports drink and where hydration is available along the course here.

Sustainability
Waste may only be disposed of in designated litter zones (before Älvsborg Bridge and before Hisingsbron) and/or at water & sports drick stations.

Showers along the course
There are 10 “shower stations” along the course where you can cool down as you run through them.

Medical services
Medical stations with trained staff and defibrillators are located at each water and sports drink stations along the course, as well as after Hisingsbron, in Bältesspännarparken, at Brunnsgatan, and in the start and finish area. Defibrillators are also available at the Information Center in Entréparken (between start and finish).

Music
To keep your energy up, there are several live bands, DJs and festive partner stations along the course.
See what’s happening in each phase here.

Toilets
In addition to the start and finish areas, toilets are also available just after each water and sports drink stations along the course

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

Live results via the Göteborgsvarvet app
Download the Göteborgsvarvet app and access information for both runners and visitors.

The app includes:

• Live results where you can follow your friends with position and time. Cost for live results: SEK 40 for up to 25 runners.
• Our latest news
• Participant and visitor information
• Results lists
• Fun selfie filters

If you have friends on site or following from afar and want to track your race, they can do so via our app “Göteborgsvarvet”, available for download in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

The app has recently been updated for the 2026 race – make sure to update it to follow runners.

Once the app has been updated, open it and tap the gear icon in the top right corner. Then enable “Timing” and “News” by checking the options. This is important to receive live updates on your mobile for the runners you have added as favourites, both at split times and at the finish line.

To follow runners: click on “Follow runners – Splits and results” and search for the runner you want to follow. For SEK 40, you can follow up to 25 runners at the same time. Click (+) to add a runner as a Favorite.

Results, split times and estimated next split

If a friend wants to follow you, they can simply search for your start number in the app. Your position is estimated based on your average pace between split time checkpoints. If you want to show your exact position instead, you need to start tracking in the app.

Results, split times and exact position
For a friend to follow your exact position during the race, you as the runner need to register in the app using your registration ID + last name under “My Race – Start live tracking”. You also need to start tracking in the app when the race begins. Your booking reference can be found in your start certificate next to your start time and start wave.

Live results via SMS
Send an SMS to 72700 with one of the following codes and your start number:

• RGV start number (you will receive times after finishing). Example: RGV 1234
• GV start number (updates along the course). Example: GV 1234
• GV start number TO mobile number (order for another phone) Example: GV 1234 TO 0709123456

The service costs SEK 40 per order and is provided by EST, supported by Telia, Halebop, Tele2, Comviq, Telenor and Tre.

GP live broadcast – web TV
Göteborgsposten will broadcast the race live from 12:55–14:30 on May 23. Follow coverage before, during and after the race at gp.se.

GP gives you everything you need before, during and after Göteborgsvarvet. You can already read reports and interviews with interesting people and experts. During the race, GP will broadcast over 1.5 hours live of the elite runners and have several reporters around the city covering the atmosphere.

If you are a subscriber and want to watch yourself or your friends complete the 21 km course, you can access the start camera, two city district cameras and the finish camera. These will be live during the race and also available afterwards on gp.se.

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

Runners Zone
A well-earned medal and a banana await you after the finish line in the Runners Zone inside Slottsskogsvallen. A place for recovery, snacks, drinks or to take a photo in front of our photo wall. This is where you should enjoy the moment, talk about the race with fellow runners or congratulate each other on a fantastic performance.

Partners in Runners Zone: Almondy, Vitamin Well, ProPud, Chiquita, Therabody and Biotherm.

Registration 2027!
Inside the Runners Zone, you’ll find a registration portal for Göteborgsvarvet 2027. If you pass through the portal, you will receive an email with an offer to register for Göteborgsvarvet 2027 with a SEK 100 discount on the regular entry fee.

The registration is not binding, and you will NOT be automatically registered by passing through the portal. The offer email will be sent within 24 hours after the race, and your registration is only valid once you have completed payment and received a confirmation for Göteborgsvarvet 2027. The offer is valid until May 31, 2026.

Meeting point – New for 2026!
It’s a good idea to agree on a meeting point with family or friends after the finish – before the race starts. A good option is our marked meeting points A, B & C on Stubbeledsgatan, directly across from Frölundaborg. The meeting points are shown to the left of the arena map.

After run
Just outside the Runners Zone in Entréparken, you’ll find the Göteborgsvarvet Food Court, operated by Carotte. Here you can enjoy both hot and cold food, drinks, coffee and energy snacks. The area is open from 09:00–20:00 for both runners and spectators.

Results
Split times and results are updated live and can be found via the link below – or in our app, Göteborgsvarvet. You will also receive your results by email and SMS shortly after finishing.

Results

Your race photos – Marathonphotos
Your race photos directly to your phone.

How it works:

1. Visit Marathonphotos
2. Enter your start number
3. View your photos

Your finisher video
See yourself running Göteborgsvarvet! ASICS will send you a link via email with your personal video shortly after you finish. You can also search for your video by start number and name after your race, click here.

The Varvet medal
The 2026 medal returns in its iconic design, where a round plate is topped with the silhouette of Älvsborgsbron. The medal is inspired by Göteborgsvarvet being the world’s largest half marathon, with more than 100 nationalities participating in recent years. The leaf motif from previous medals continues to grow and is featured even more on this year’s medal. The medal is designed by jewelry artist Carolina Claesson.

Personal medal badge (iTAB)
On My Dashboard, you can purchase a personalized medal badge with your name and result (SEK 125), which can be attached to your medal. The last day to order is May 31, 2026. Your medal badge will be sent by post approximately one month after the race. Please ensure your address details are up to date in your registration.

Diploma
A diploma with your split times can be ordered via My Dashboard. The diploma costs SEK 95. The last day to order is May 31, 2026. It will be sent by post approximately one month after the race. Please ensure your address details are up to date in your registration.

Toilets
Available just after the Runners Zone outside Slottsskogsvallen, as well as in Entréparken.

Showers
Showers are available in the arena area, close to the finish line.
Men – Frölundaborg
Women and non-binary – Slottsskogens Ice Rink.

Sustainability
Sort your waste and dispose of it in the correct bins at designated locations.

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

Göteborgsvarvet is conducted in accordance with the Swedish Athletics Federation’s rules for long-distance races. Each runner participates at their own risk. It is not permitted to move to an earlier start wave. However, if you want to run with a friend, you may always move to a later start wave. This can be done without contacting us and will not affect your result.

You can find our full terms and conditions here: Terms and conditions

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.

So much more than one race!
During Varvet Week, May 19–24, there’s a race or activity for everyone.

May 19
Specialvarvet – 1.4 or 2.4 km in Slottsskogen

May 20
Stafettvarvet – 4 x 3.2 km team relay in Slottsskogen

May 21–23
Göteborgsvarvet Expo – Race bib pick-up and exhibition

May 23
Göteborgsvarvet – 21.1 km
Cityvarvet – 4.3 km for all ages
Minivarvet – ages 0–6

May 23–24
Göteborgsvarvet Family area – Show with Varva and activities for the whole family

May 24
Lilla Varvet – The country’s largest youth race, ages 7–13
Minivarvet – ages 0–6

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next page using the menu.

Explore Gothenburg over a weekend and experience the city’s best shopping, accommodations, and restaurants. Get inspired by the city's unique neighborhoods, unwind at a relaxing spa, or enjoy exciting new culinary experiences. In this guide, we've gathered everything you need to know for a wonderful weekend in Gothenburg.

Read more about what you can discover

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next page using the menu.

Email: info@goteborgsvarvet.se

Our most frequently asked questions: Q&A
Information about all our races: goteborgsvarvet.se

Customer service Varvet week: Opening hours

Follow us on social media!
Instagram @gbgvarvet
TikTok @goteborgsvarvet
Facebook @göteborgsvarvet
LinkedIn @göteborgsvarvet

Share your pictures with other runners by tagging your photos #göteborgsvarvet

Organizer
The race is organized by the Gothenburg Athletics Association. The surplus goes back to the federation's associations and their youth activities, as well as the operation of Friidrottens Hus. Each year Göteborgsvarvet also collects approximately SEK 1 million for our charity partners.

Scroll to the top of the page and navigate to the next section in the menu.