Lejonbragden 2026

Lejonbragden, Sweden's first 100 km ultradistance race, took place in Lund, southern Sweden. It started as a straightforward long-distance challenge organized by LUGI Friidrott, with shoe company Lejon as its primary sponsor and namesake. The initial race concluded when the sponsor withdrew, but it later resumed under the newly established Löparföreningen Lejonbragden. In its renewed format, participants could also compete in a 50 km race, offering a shorter ultra distance alongside the full 100 km. The course specifics are not well-documented, but the race's significance in Swedish running history is clear: Lejonbragden was instrumental in developing ultradistance running in Sweden. Rune Larsson, a prominent Swedish ultrarunner, achieved top results in the early 100 km events and set his personal best there, finishing in under seven hours. Elsie Eriksson was the first recorded women's 100 km champion, Waltraud Reisert secured a German victory, and Sofia Kay later distinguished herself with multiple wins after the race's revival.