Morwabe Dominates Lidingöloppet in a Ten-Year Triumph
In a dramatic edition of the storied Lidingöloppet, the Danish-Kenyan runner Morwabe captured victory in the classic Karins backe, breaking away from the field and crossing the finish line in solo fashion. The finishing time was 1:37:15, marking a triumphant return to the top step of the podium a full decade after his first triumph in 2015. Speaking during SVT’s broadcast, the winner summed up the day with characteristic humility: “I don’t know how to celebrate, I’m just happy. It’s a fantastic race. I’ve never run a race like this.”
A Ten-Year Gap Closed in the Fabled Karins Backe
The race is renowned for its demanding Karins backe, a stretch that often decides the outcome in demanding conditions. Morwabe used the climb to shake off challengers and gain a lead he would not relinquish. Behind him, Ebba Tulu Chala of Hässelby SK produced another strong performance, staying within sight for much of the final kilometers but ultimately finishing second, just 11 seconds behind the winner and earning the distinction of the best Swedish finisher. Djurgårdens IF’s Simon Sundström completed the podium in third place, sealing a memorable day for Swedish endurance running. Even cross-country specialist Jens Burman made his mark, finishing 21st and showing his versatility beyond snow-packed tracks.
Women’s Race: Johnson Breaks the Course Record
In the women’s edition, Carolina Johnson delivered a standout performance with a time of 1:49:19, shattering the previous course record by more than two minutes. Johnson, who also claimed victory in 2023, surged to the front early and never allowed the competition to close the gap. “I enjoyed it. It’s a wonderful feeling to pull it off,” she said after the race, cementing her status as one of the event’s all-time greats and underscoring the depth of Swedish talent at Lidingöloppet.
<h3 A Swedish Sweep and a Dane in Close Pursuit
Johnson’s margin of victory stood despite a late challenge from the Danish runner Sylvia Medugu Kiberenge, who crossed the line second, roughly two minutes behind Johnson. Kiberenge’s effort, however, kept the Danish presence strong and highlighted the international field’s competitiveness that makes Lidingöloppet a magnet for elite long-distance runners. The race thus featured a blend of national pride and global competition, with Swedish athletes performing at a high level across both the men’s and women’s races.
<h2 What This Means for Lidingöloppet and Nordic Running
Saturday’s results reinforce Lidingöloppet’s reputation as a benchmark test for endurance runners. Morwabe’s ten-year return to the winner’s circle echoes the event’s history of longevity and resilience, while the Swedish podium finishers signal continued strength in homegrown talent. For Carolina Johnson, the new course record adds another chapter to a remarkable career, highlighting how the event continues to push athletes to set ever-better marks. The presence of versatile runners like Jens Burman and a strong showing by Ebba Tulu Chala demonstrate the race’s appeal to elite athletes from a range of disciplines, including cross-country and long-distance track specialists.
<h2 Looking Ahead
As the Lidingöloppet field gathers again in future editions, organizers will be keen to preserve the course’s challenging profile while continuing to attract international contenders. For fans and aspiring runners, the 2025 edition delivered a compelling blend of strategy, speed, and perseverance—reminding us why Lidingöloppet remains one of the world’s premier cross-country challenges.
