Overview: A dramatic reprise at Lidingöloppet
In another dramatic edition of Lidingöloppet, the Danish-Kenyan runner Morwabe surged through Karins backe to clinch victory in 1:37:15—a triumph that marks a full decade since his first win in 2015. The race, staged on Sweden’s famed forest course near Stockholm, delivered the kind of drama fans have come to expect from the classic cross-country challenge. In a post-race interview broadcast by SVT, Morwabe expressed a sense of disbelief and gratitude: I don’t know how I should celebrate, I’m just happy, the winner said, underscoring the emotional weight of the triumph. He added that the race is unlike anything he has run before, highlighting the unique grip the course provides on race day.
Lidingöloppet once again tested athletes with its hilly segments, tight trails, and sprint-friendly finishes. Morwabe’s solo surge through the decisive sections underlined his strength and tactical patience, as he distanced an able chaser pack to cross the line clearly ahead of the field. The atmosphere, fueled by a crisp autumn day and a cheering crowd, reflected the event’s enduring appeal as a proving ground for endurance specialists from around the region.
Men’s race: Morwabe’s solo victory in Karins backe
The Danish-Kenyan runner took command in Karins backe, the race’s emblematic climb, and never relinquished the lead. His time was a telling statement about form and consistency after years of competing at the highest level on this course. Behind him, former women’s pace-setter turned rivaling contender Ebba Tulu Chala from Hässelby SK put in a strong effort and stayed in the chase for much of the second half. Chala finished second, eleven seconds behind the winner, securing the best Swedish result of the day.
Further back in the field, Simon Sundström of Djurgårdens IF delivered a solid performance to claim an impressive podium spot with third place—adding another name to the growing list of top domestic threats at Lidingöloppet. Cross-country veteran Jens Burman also made waves by finishing 21st, reminding observers that the race serves as a stage for a broad cross-section of Nordic talent, not just the elite.
Women’s race: Carolina Johnson smashes the course record
On the women’s side, Carolina Johnson delivered a performance for the ages, clocking 1:49:19 to win and, in the process, shattering the course record by more than two minutes. The Swedish favorite surged to the front early and maintained a relentless pace that no one managed to match. Johnson’s triumph marks her second Lidingöloppet victory, the first having come in 2023, and underscored her continued ascent in the sport. “I enjoyed it,” she said after the finish. “It’s a wonderful feeling to pull it off.”
Denmark’s Sylvia Medugu Kiberenge produced a valiant effort to chase down the record-breaking pace and secured second place, reducing the old benchmark but falling just short of catching Johnson—almost two minutes behind the runaway winner. The duel between Johnson and Kiberenge added a compelling subplot to a day already rich with drama and historical significance for the Swedish circuit.
What this means for the season
Morwabe’s victory, achieved ten years after his first Lidingöloppet win, reinforces his longevity and adaptability across courses and conditions. It also signals continued strength in Nordic endurance racing, where tactical acumen and course knowledge often swing races in the favor of those who can read Karins backe in real time. For the Swedish contingent, Chala’s runner-up finish and Sundström’s podium appearance will be remembered as benchmarks of progress and a reminder that Lidingöloppet remains a platform for emerging talents to challenge established stars.
Conclusion
As the sun set on the forest trail, Morwabe stood alone in triumph, a testament to years of dedication and the enduring appeal of Lidingöloppet as a proving ground for long-distance runners. The day offered a compelling mix of triumph, record-breaking prowess, and a compelling reminder that history often repeats itself—in this case, with a modern twist on the same legendary course.
