On Saturday it will be impossible to miss the thousands and thousand of runners invading Göteborg. The Göteborg half marathon is the next biggest half marathon in the world, after the BUPA Great North Run in Newcastle. This is more than just a race though. Over the years The Göteborg Half Marathon has grown to be one great folk fest. And we sure love a good folk fest in Göteborg. This year will be no exception. 45.000 runners have signed up, almost 200.000 people will be there cheering and watching and orchestras and Dj's will be playing along the track. So gather up people because here comes the Monthly
" How to experience the Göteborg Half Marathon" guide.

Slottsskogen
The start of the race is in Slottsskogen. Just follow the crowd. You can't miss it. The runners that got the best time last year will be starting first. The first group will be ready to start their run at two a clock. Each of the following groups will start at a 2-6 minutes interval. To watch the race at the starting mark is quite exiting. Here the runners are truly tagged, feeling fresh and ready to run for their life. If you are there at two a clock you will definitely catch the true athletes. Slottsskogen is overall a good place to watch the race. Bring your picnic blanket a bottle of Rosé and follow the runners from start to finish.

Majorna
To see the runners pass through the neighbourhood Majorna is quite a contrast. The picturesque scenery versus thousands of sweaty runners. The first waterhole is at Ostindiegatan after 4,3 km. This is where you should encourage the thirsty athletes. They have a loooong way to go. A good thing to shout is: Heja Heja Heja.

The Älvsborg bridge
This is great spot if you like heights. The runners are heading for their first 5-6km and the Älvsborg bridge is something of a trial of strength. It is uphill and windy like hell. Hold on to rail and enjoy a beverage at 418m over the sea. If it is a clear day you can see all the way to the Vinga lighthouse.

Eriksberg
On the other side of the bridge, lies the Eriksberg area. Here you will find allot of good terraces to grab a bite as the runners swish by.

Lindholmen
Situated 10km from the starting point you may here see the firs drop outs or pass outs. This is were it gets though and rough. Something you shouldn't shout here would be: It is more than half left! Volvo will be serving liquids and one of the many orchestras will try to boost the poor runners.

The Aveny
We don't normally recommend going to the Aveny on a Saturday but for the Göteborg half Marathon this is a great place to be. People are wild here, cheering like it was no tomorrow. At Götaplatsen there will be a big screen, music and face painting. Upon the stairs of the Art museum you will have fantastic view down on the runners. On the Aveny itself there are plenty of outdoor terraces to choose from.

Slottsskogsvallen/ Slottsskogen
The Goal! Runners will be throwing themselves over the finishing line, one after another. Watch them do this between 15-19. If they are not really slow that is... You can either sit at the balconies of the Slottsskogsvallen arena, in the grass or hang out at one of the many refreshment stands.

We hope you will enjoy the great Marathon of Göteborg! Who said running was only for the athletes.