[Author’s Note: This article is the eighth in an 11-part series in AJW’s Taproom celebrating under-the-radar races.]
Tucked into the southeastern coast of Sweden along the Baltic Sea, lies the historical province of Sörmland. It is here, each September, that Trail Experience Sweden hosts the Sörmlands 100 Trail Festival.
This weekend-long festival consists of a 100-mile race, a 100-kilometer race, a 55k race, a half marathon, and a kids’ race. Directed by Billy White, a renowned chef, author, and long distance runner, Sörmlands brings together people from all over the region to enjoy this special part of the world.
According to White, his race is special due to “a beautiful course, following the route all distances take in technical forest trails, open farmland, and rolling hills — along with aid stations at some of the region’s most well renowned restaurants and food producers.”
He continues, “All the races we put on over the race weekend — 100 miles, 100k, 55k and half marathon, and even the kids’ 2k race — are point to point, which I always think gives races a more organic and less contrived feel.” Over the years, White and his team have developed strong relationships with local food producers and breweries to provide the event with a wide range of local fare.
It’s certainly clear that White’s intent with the event is to combine all of his favorite things: nature, running, and food.
Runners navigate rocky terrain at the Sörmlands 100 Trail Festival. Photo: Micheal Miracolo
Since the beginning, Sörmlands has been about bringing people together in a low-key, fun environment. As White notes, “It was important to us when we started the race to build a community rather than just a race, that’s why we use local restaurants and breweries to cater for the runners and a reason why we have introduced an evening of pre-race talks, and live music after the race.”
He added, “We want our runners to come for the weekend and enjoy everything we have to offer rather than turn up, run, and then head directly home.”
As with many large, multi-distance events, Sörmlands has its fair share of obstacles. The races traverse five different municipalities and over 120 distinct pieces of private land, so building and maintaining strong positive relationships is paramount. In addition, just the logistical challenge of marking the course through such a diverse landscape, covering a total distance of 104 miles, is daunting.
For White, however, the obstacles and challenges of putting on the race are far outweighed by the positivity the events personify. When I asked White what he looks forward to most about race weekend, he enthusiastically responded. “From the 100-mile start on the first day until the final finisher crosses the line right before the cutoff, the entire weekend is always a bit of a blur!”
An aerial view of the route. Photo: Anders Neuman
He added, “I always love the anticipation and nerves at the race start, and obviously the finish line euphoria. However, above all that, my favorite is the after-race vibes when the runners are hanging out, talking through their race highlights around the fire, cheering on the final finishers. To me, that’s what trail running is all about.”
This year’s Sörmlands 100 Trail Festival takes place on September 13 to 15 and there are still spaces available in all distances. If you’re looking for a fantastic old-school style race experience in a beautiful place, give Sörmlands a look.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s Beer of the Week is one of Sweden’s most popular. Falcon Export is a pale lager produced by the Carlsberg Group. It has a bready flavor with gentle hints of fruit and honey and an ABV of 5.2%. A perfect summer lager to drink after a long day on the trails.
Call for Comments
Have you been to the Sörmlands 100 Trail Festival? Tell us about your experience!
Food being prepared at a late night aid station at the Sörmlands 100 Trail Festival. Photo: Daniel Bernstål
