Sweden’s west coast is set to welcome a new edition of Kullamannen by UTMB® from 30 to 31 October 2026, bringing together more than 2,750 runners from nearly 60 countries across four different race distances.

The 2026 edition reflects the event’s growing international reach, with 45% of participants travelling from outside Sweden. It will also introduce a fully nighttime start for the 22 km
North Shore race and welcome more than 50 elite athletes, representing a 67% increase in elite registrations compared with 2025.

“Kullamannen is not meant to be just another trail race. We want runners to feel that they are entering another world, shaped by darkness, the sea, the landscape and the legend itself. Seeing athletes from nearly 60 countries travel here to experience that is incredibly special,” says Kitt Grandvide, Race Director of Kullamannen by UTMB.

A TRULY INTERNATIONAL RACE WEEKEND

Runners from nearly 60 countries are expected on the start lines. With 45% of participants travelling from outside Sweden, with particularly strong representation from Denmark, Norway, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the event continues to strengthen its position on the international trail running calendar.

This UTMB World Series event combines autumn conditions, technical coastal trails, rocky viewpoints, windswept beaches, forest paths and long hours of darkness. This distinctive setting is closely connected to the centuries-old local legend of Kullamannen, the mysterious “Lord of the Mountain”, whose presence remains central to the event’s identity.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR NORTH SHORE

For the first time, North Shore, the 22 km race, will start after sunset, transforming it into a fully nighttime experience. What has traditionally been a fast and accessible introduction to

Kullamannen will now immerse runners in the darkness that has become central to the event’s identity. Equipped with headlamps and guided only by the trail ahead, participants will experience the Swedish coastline in a completely new way. The change brings North Shore closer than ever to the spirit of Kullamannen, where mystery, endurance and the unknown are all part of the adventure.

ELITE FIELD CONTINUES TO GROW

The elite competition at Kullamannen by UTMB continues to grow in both depth and international reach. Compared to the 2025 edition, the event has seen a 67% increase in elite athlete registrations, underlining its growing status on the international trail running calendar.

Among the athletes set to line up this year is Alexandre BOUCHEIX (FRA), who returns to Kullamannen after finishing second in the men’s Ultra 100 Miles in 2025, and will be one of the key contenders in the same race distance this year.

Eevi BENGS (FIN) finished third in the women’s Ultra 100 Miles in 2025 and returns this year with the highest UTMB Index of the registered runners in her category.

The 2026 edition will also welcome Juuso SIMPANEN (FIN) and William ENGLUND (SE), two of the standout names to compete in the Ultra 100 Miles.

In the Sprint Ultra 100 km, the Team HOKA athlete Gemma HILLIER MOSES (UK) and Joseph TURNER (UK) are among the notable names on the start list. Meanwhile, Jacob ADKIN (UK) and Kirsty Skye DICKSON (UK) are set to compete in the Seventh Seal.

With more than 50 elite athletes already confirmed across the four races, spectators can expect some of the most competitive racing in the event’s history.

FOUR RACES, ONE LEGENDARY WEEKEND

This year’s edition will once again welcome athletes across four race formats:

• Ultra 100 Miles (173 km | UTMB Index: 100M | 4 Running Stones)
• Sprint Ultra 100K (108 km | UTMB Index: 100K | 3 Running Stones)
• Seventh Seal (53 km | UTMB Index: 50K | 2 Running Stones)
• North Shore (22 km | UTMB Index: 20K | 1 Running Stone)

The schedule also includes a Kids Race in Höganäs on 30 October, a Kids Race in Båstad on 31 October, and the Legacy Run on 24 October, a charity event celebrating the original spirit of Kullamannen.

Together, these courses showcase the full character of the region, from technical coastal trails and rocky viewpoints to windswept beaches and forest paths. Athletes will experience the unique challenge of the Swedish coastline in late autumn, where changing weather conditions, sea winds and long hours of darkness add an extra dimension to the race experience.

CONNECTING THE TRAIL RUNNING COMMUNITY

As part of the 2026 event programme, Kullamannen by UTMB will host a networking meetup in partnership with Minds in Motion. The gathering will take place at Hotel Skansen in Båstad on 30 October at 12:30, bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations working across sport, health and training. It aims to encourage meaningful conversations, share experiences and strengthen connections across the sector.