Unforgettable Experience : The Journey through Sweden’s High Coast

 

Day 3 was a much-needed break during this already unforgettable experience—31 km of mostly runnable terrain, with smooth roads, easy trails, and a touch of fun through Nordingra. After the intense days behind us, this felt like luxury. The road running was especially welcome, winding along the coastline for most of the route. The final stretch was my favorite, where we hit the sun-dappled coastal trails for the last few kilometers. Even though the trails were boggy from the rain, there was something joyful about bouncing along, weaving through the path.

 

It was a nice contrast to the previous two days, and it felt great to pass through small Swedish coastal villages. The sun was out, the temperature was perfect, and the elevation was much gentler at 600 meters.

 

By the time we arrived at our campsite in Lappudden, I had time to relax, enjoy an early lunch, and prepare for the 5 a.m. start the next day. The campsite had a small shop with snacks, a huge hit for satisfying chocolate cravings. Many took the chance to swim in the lake or unwind in the saunas. That evening, we were joined by the founder of Ella’s, a safe house for survivors of trafficking supported by Run for Love. We heard a moving message that was written from a survivor who had been inspired by the runners the previous year. Sitting around the campfire, it was a poignant reminder of why we were all here.

 

“Freedom is a journey and is something we have to fight hard to keep everyday”

 

31km

600m elevation of climbing

 

Day 4 didn’t start well. At 3:30 a.m., I woke to find my tent soaked. Rain had leaked through the matting, leaving all my gear wet. It set the tone for the day, but I stayed positive and pressed on. Tired bodies and minds set off into the dark, rain falling steadily as we trudged through streams and woodlands with our headlamps cutting through the night.

 

As dawn broke, I broke away from the group, enjoying a few kilometers of descent on pebbled trails and taking in the views of the beautiful woodlands. A fellow runner caught up to me, blasting heavy metal on a speaker, and it was a welcome distraction as we ran side by side. Soon, I found myself running solo again, and after a while, I reached a road where I was beyond grateful to find volunteer who had made me a huge wrap which I quickly devoured! But the real challenge was still ahead. At the 54 km mark, we hit Skuleberget—one of the toughest sections of the course. Climbing up involved using a ladder and a rope, and the views were breathtaking, even though they quickly disappeared during the descent.

 

At the next checkpoint, the crew had a bonfire ready by the lake, but I knew there was still one last tough section: Skuleskogen National Park. We couldn’t go alone here, so we waited for others before tackling the rocky, technical climbs. This section was brutal. If it had been dark, it would’ve been impossible. The climb itself wasn’t too bad, but the final stretches were demanding. Scrambling around crevices, one wrong move could have been fatal. At the top, the views were stunning—when the fog allowed it. We could glimpse forests, lakes, and the sea, a rare spot where mountains, forests, and coastline all come together.

 

By the time we reached the campsite in Naske, we had conquered the hardest challenge of the trip, but there was still more to come.

 

60km

2300m elevation of climbing

 

 

 

The final 36 km arrived with surprisingly fresh legs, especially after everything we’d gone through. The 800 m of elevation felt like a breeze compared to previous days. The first part of the day mirrored Day 3—lots of road running, which was a welcome change. It was an easier start, and my legs felt grateful for it.

 

After the first pit stop, the course veered into tougher terrain through the forest. The challenge didn’t last long before the city appeared on the horizon. I kept my eyes peeled for the familiar blue and yellow finish line markers. There was some initial confusion when I entered Onskoldsvik center, but once I spotted the hotel, I knew I was close. Crossing the finish line at the harbor felt surreal. After five days of tough terrain, unpredictable weather, and unexpected challenges, it was finally over. Part of me was elated, and part of me wasn’t ready for it to end.

 

We celebrated together, sharing stories of our incredible journey. While some rushed to enjoy “real food” in the hotel, I asked the staff to prepare my final dehydrated meal with a cold beer—it was surprisingly delicious and was beautifully presented gourmet style! After a long, refreshing, and much needed shower, we spent the evening recapping the journey during an after party and celebrating an experience no one shall forget.

 

36km

800m elevation of climb

 

I finished with a total distance of 230.11km in 29 hours and 3 minutes, with an elevation gain of 8767m. While my body may have been tired and bruised, my heart was full. Run for Love was about more than just running; it was about supporting a cause bigger than all of us, experiencing the beauty of Sweden, and meeting incredible people along the way. It’s a journey I’ll never forget. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.