Visiting Swedish Lappland

The last weekend of my vacation I went to the North of Sweden. First a stop in Luleå, then Arvidsjaur to finally reach Arjeplog. What this location you might think? I read about a trail race Arctic circle race 3-4 years ago and thought one day I will do it. The years passed and I didn’t do it. In beginning of February this year my booking finger was there and adventure was on. The USP of this race is that they fly you out 17K into the wild in helicopter and you have to run back. 

Race morning

I woke up from rain on my window. Looked out and thought no. But something I learnt from being up here is that weather change fast so still hope. Breakfast served and then one hour drive to the start location at the Polar circle. There a bus took us five kilometers to a helicopter base. It wasn’t very well organized the race and there could have been more pre race information. It was almost non existing but somehow it worked. Initially you had assigned slots to start but while there you could just go. 

Helicopter premiere

One hour after I arrived I was at the start. Finished with my heli premiere. That was a wow experience. Absolutely great and weather cleared up. Views were stunning and so fun to fly and I wanted to go more and more but the ride was around ten minutes only. There were four helicopters transporting runners out and six at a time. At the drop of point you could start run whenever you wished. It was pretty windy so I started fairly quickly. The trail was wonderful.

The race

17K and I could feel it was a while ago I was running these kinds of stony trails. But after some kilometers I got into it. It was not hilly. Little ups and downs. Question was focus on the trail or on the views? 

Six kilometers in the first water stop came. I took it very easy. Embraced the moment. Stopped for photos and sucked it in. I was going to finish when finished. It was not crowded at all. Loads of space and here and there you passed someone or got passed. No need to bring you own water and energy for this 17K race.

It went fast. Soon second energy stop at 12K and there was a full buffet of everything you can think of. Super sweet people there serving eatables and one lady even made the local dish Pite palt. Reenergized I kept on going the last part. Didn’t wanted it to be over.

We got under tree level so a lot of bushes here. It got more wet and the wooden trails through the swamps were slippery. I nearly slipped here a few times but managed to keep the balance. One girl did though not managed so the ambulance helicopter had to come out and get her. Sad. Then it was almost over. Last kilometer on asphalt and then finished. A wooden medal around my neck and another race to the books. A unique one. 

This race you need to add to your books friends. You don’t even need to run. I would say 25% was hiking it. It’s an experience run. Stunning views this year but it could be the opposite also. Fog and rain. In the end everything has its charm. Sounds tempting to sign up for the next edition?

/ Pernilla that love to see the world