adidas Stockholm Half Marathon 2026: Course Guide & Tips

On August 29, 2026, the adidas Stockholm Half Marathon takes you through 21.1 km of Sweden's capital, right through its historic center. Start and finish in the iconic area between the Royal Palace, Parliament, and the Opera House, on a fast and accessible course. Over 1,000 Cobbr runners are already registered.

adidas Stockholm Half Marathon by the numbers

Distance: 21.1 km Elevation gain: 141 m Date: August 29, 2026 Location: Stockholm, Sweden Surface: Road, rolling profile Price: 695-995 SEK (early bird pricing available) First start at 3:30 PM, followed by successive waves every 5 minutes until 4:15 PM. The difference between the highest and lowest point of the course is 27 meters.

Course breakdown

Start - Km 3: Norrmalm (Royal District)

The race starts on Strömbron and finishes on Norrbro, right next to the Royal Palace. You pass Regeringsgatan at km 1, Vasagatan at km 2, then Torsgatan at km 3. This opening section runs through Norrmalm's wide avenues, flat terrain that lets you settle into your rhythm without rushing. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds lining the streets.

Km 3 - Km 8: Vasastan and Kungsholmen

After Barnhusbron at km 4 and Kungsholms strand at km 5, you reach Hornsbergstrand at km 6, then Fredhällsparken where the first real climb appears before Thorildsplan. This rolling section marks the first physical test of the course. A pleasant downhill follows to the mile marker at Rålambshovsleden. Kungsholmen island offers views across Lake Mälaren.

Km 8 - Km 14: Return via Norr Mälarstrand and City Hall

You cruise along Norr Mälarstrand, with the mile marker appearing just before Kungsholms Torg. This is one of the signature stretches: you run past Stockholm City Hall. Then you cross Stadshusbron bridge into the Old Town, Gamla Stan. The terrain flattens here, allowing for a faster pace along the water.

Km 14 - Km 21.1: Södermalm and the Final Loop

Once past Gamla Stan, you head to Södermalm island for your final 6 kilometers. This is where the elevation comes back into play: short but sharp climbs. You run through Tantolunden Park before giving everything on the final straight. The finish is on Norrbro bridge, at the foot of King Carl XVI Gustaf's residence.

What weather to expect

Late August in Stockholm typically brings pleasant running conditions. Average temperatures range from 12°C in the morning to 19°C in the afternoon, ideal for a half marathon. Rain is possible (about 40% chance), with average daily precipitation of 3.5 mm. Wind remains moderate, around 16 km/h.

Plan for light kit (singlet or technical tee) but keep a windbreaker or bin bag at the start if weather threatens. With the first start at 3:30 PM, you'll be running in the afternoon heat: hydration becomes even more important if the sun's out. These conditions are perfect for chasing a time.

Race strategy and tips

Pacing

The course is perfect for improving your personal best and accessible to first-timers. Start controlled over the first 3 flat kilometers, then hold your target pace through Kungsholmen despite the climbs. Pacers are available to help you maintain your goal pace. Don't get carried away on the downhill after Thorildsplan: save energy for Södermalm.

Nutrition and aid stations

Water and sports drinks are served along the course. For a half with 141 m of elevation gain, plan for a gel or energy food around km 10-12, before tackling Södermalm. The effort on the late-race climbs drains your reserves. Hydrate regularly but don't overdo it, especially if temperatures are mild.

Avoiding the pitfalls

The main trap sits between km 15 and km 18, on Södermalm. After crossing Gamla Stan and running along the water, your legs might think it's nearly done. But the final climbs come here, and you need mental strength to push through. The other classic mistake: starting too fast with the adrenaline rush of the Royal Palace start. The 3:30 PM first start also means managing your warm-up and pre-race logistics carefully.

Specific preparation

For this rolling course, incorporate fartlek and short hill repeats into your training. With 27 meters of elevation between the highest and lowest points, it's not flat but it's not a trail either. Work on your resistance over 200-400 m climbs to feel comfortable when it kicks up.

What makes this race special

The course runs through the central neighborhoods of Norrmalm, Vasastan, Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan, and Södermalm, passing many of Stockholm's most famous landmarks. You run past Karlberg Palace, City Hall, the Royal Palace, the Swedish Parliament, and the Royal Opera House. It's a guided tour at race pace.

The Expo is held at Kungsträdgården in central Stockholm, near the start and finish, and welcomes around 25,000 visitors. You collect your bib, then pass through the Stadium and adidas shop with clothing, shoes, and accessories for sale, before discovering partner stands. The atmosphere is festive, typically Scandinavian: organized, friendly, relaxed.

For the 25th consecutive year, runners tackle 21 kilometers through Stockholm's heart. The event has grown into a major late-summer fixture in Sweden's capital.

Getting encouragement during the adidas Stockholm Half Marathon with Cobbr

The kilometers from 15 to 18 on Södermalm, when the climbs stack up and fatigue sets in, often define the race. That's precisely when a voice message from your loved ones can make all the difference. With Cobbr, your friends and family record encouragement that triggers automatically at the kilometer they choose during your race. At km 17, when your quads are burning and the finish feels far away, hearing your partner's or kids' voices gives you the energy to finish strong. Simple, effective, and genuinely motivating.

adidas Stockholm Half Marathon FAQ

What's the exact race distance?

21.098 km, an official road half marathon with 141 m of elevation gain.

Is the course difficult?

It's perfect for improving your personal best and accessible even to half marathon first-timers. The profile is rolling but without major difficulty, with 27 meters of elevation between the highest and lowest points.

Is there a time limit?

Official information doesn't mention a strict cutoff for this edition, but plan for around 3 hours maximum to finish comfortably.

What's the weather like in late August in Stockholm?

Temperatures are mild, averaging 12-19°C, with about 40% chance of rain. Ideal running conditions.

How can I receive encouragement during the race?

With the Cobbr app, your loved ones record voice messages that trigger automatically at the kilometer of their choice. You receive their encouragement in real time, exactly when you need it.

Is the race suitable for beginners?

Yes. The course is accessible to runners attempting their first half marathon, with a manageable rolling profile and a very supportive atmosphere through Stockholm's streets.

Late-summer Stockholm brings soft Nordic light, the islands that compose the city, and that unique atmosphere between history and modernity. The adidas Stockholm Half Marathon gives you all of that in 21 km. An urban, fast, well-organized race where the scenery is part of the performance.