Race recap: Morwabe’s victorious return in Lidingöloppet
The 2025 edition of Lidingöloppet delivered a dramatic rematch, with Morwabe returning to the scene ten years after his first triumph in 2015. The Danish-Kenyan runner seized control in the race’s signature stretch up Karin’s Backe, shaking off rivals and crossing the finish line in a decisive solo effort. His time, 1:37:15, crowned a memorable comeback and a testament to his longevity in the sport. In SVT’s post-race interview, Morwabe said, “I don’t know how I should celebrate, I’m just happy. It’s a fantastic race. I’ve never run a race like this.”
Men’s race: a controlled climb to glory
From the opening kilometers, Morwabe showed his seasoned approach, weaving through the forest trails and asserting himself on the demanding course. The climb up Karin’s Backe proved pivotal, with Morwabe managing the steep sections and the rolling terrain as if it were a familiar path. As the field began to fade behind him, Morwabe extended his lead and maintained composure through the final kilometers, sealing the victory with a confident finish and a time that underscored the race’s stiff competition in a year that drew runners from across the region.
Runner-up and notable Swedish performances
Chasing Morwabe throughout most of the race was Ebba Tulu Chala of Hässelby SK, the previous year’s runner-up. Chala pushed hard and stayed in contention well into the later stages, ultimately finishing 11 seconds back and earning the honor of best Swedish finisher for the day. In third place, Simon Sundström from Djurgårdens IF delivered another strong performance, illustrating the depth of Swedish talent in the field. The event also featured cross-country skier Jens Burman, who made a notable appearance by finishing 21st in the elite standings.
Women’s race: Carolina Johnson shatters the course record
On the women’s side, Carolina Johnson produced a dominant performance, finishing in 1:49:19 to claim her second Lidingöloppet title (her previous triumph came in 2023). Johnson broke the long-standing course record by more than two minutes, a remarkable feat that highlighted her early pace and sustained effort through the course’s varied terrain. “I enjoyed it. It’s a wonderful feeling to pull it off,” Johnson said after the finish, capturing the elation of a record-setting day.
What this win means for Lidingöloppet
The 2025 edition underscored Lidingöloppet’s enduring appeal—a race that blends rugged forest trails, strategic climbs, and a diverse mix of athletes from track, road, and winter sports backgrounds. Morwabe’s victory adds a compelling chapter to his career, while Johnson’s course-record performance reinforces the event’s reputation for producing memorable, fast-running moments. SVT and other outlets continued to shine a spotlight on the race, drawing spectators across Sweden and neighboring countries to witness the drama unfold along the winding Swedish forests.
Looking ahead
With Morwabe and Johnson setting fast marks, the sport can anticipate renewed competition in future editions. Runners like Chala, Sundström, and Burman demonstrated depth in the field, suggesting that next year’s Lidingöloppet will bring fresh challenges and more compelling duels on the course around Karin’s Backe. Fans and athletes alike will be eager to see who rises to this year’s challenges and who challenges the current champions in the seasons to come.
