Sylvesterloppet Olofström 2026

Sylvesterloppet Olofström is a New Year’s Eve running race in Olofström, Sweden, organized by UF Contact since 1971. The main race covers 10.549 km, run over two laps. A shorter option of approximately 5.3 km is also available. The event is centered at the Sports Hall, which provides the finish line, changing rooms, food service, and prize ceremony. Kalle Karlsson was instrumental in the race’s development, which originated from a few long-distance events organized by Contact in the late 1960s. The inaugural race had 18 participants, with 17 from the home club and one external runner who secured the win. The women’s category was introduced shortly after, with Karin Backteman of UF Contact achieving the first victory and subsequently winning seven more times. The race later incorporated finisher plaques, a speaker, a wreath maiden, and a five-person team competition, transforming it from a club event into a local year-end gathering for both competitive and recreational runners.