The biggest Nordic ultra race of all time – here are the changes for Ultravasan 90, 2026

The previous registration record has been broken. More than 2,000 runners are currently registered, making Ultravasan 90 on Saturday, August 15, 2026 the largest ultra race ever held in the Nordic region. Several changes are being introduced for this summer’s race, which also carries Swedish Championship status, including updates to both the start and the course.

At present, 2,087 participants are registered to run the 92 kilometres between Sälen and Mora. The previous record, set in 2025, was 1,916 registered runners. The maximum number of registered participants is 2,500.

“It is great to see Ultravasan's continued growth and that so many people are ready to lace up their running shoes and tackle the classic 90-kilometre route through the Vasaloppet Arena. Ahead of this year’s race, we have focused on improving the participant experience both before the start and throughout the race,” says Daniel Mäkinen, Events Director at Vasaloppet.

The start of Ultravasan 90 takes place at 05:00 in Berga by, Sälen. For this year’s edition, the start area has been enhanced to give participants better opportunities to stay warm, and the number of toilets has been increased. The logistics around baggage handling and the option to leave a drop bag of clothing for collection at the Evertsberg checkpoint, halfway through the race.
“Because the start is so early, it is especially important to give participants a safe and positive start to the day. These measures, together with a new structure in the start pens, will help strengthen that experience,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

In previous years, all participants except the elite runners started in the same pen. To create a smoother flow, this year will have five separate entry groups based on ambition level and estimated finishing time:

• Elite and Swedish Championship Elite
• Swedish Championship Class
• Under 10 hours
• 10–12 hours
• Over 12 hours

“The first start pens are reserved for elite runners and those registered for the Swedish Championship class. Among the remaining three, participants choose the pen that suits them best. This will reduce congestion at the start and give each runner better conditions to find their own pace,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

As for the course itself, one particular section has received special attention. Around 2.5 kilometres after the first climb and the highest point of the Vasaloppet course, bottlenecks have occurred in previous years. Ahead of this summer’s race, Vasaloppet has therefore implemented several measures, building a new crossing over a ditch and widening the trail.
“This will improve the flow of the race without compromising the technical and nature-based trail experience, which we know is a popular and distinctive part of the course. We now look forward to welcoming a record number of ultra runners to the Vasaloppet Arena in August and giving them an inspiring and memorable experience,” says Daniel Mäkinen.

International Participation
Ultravasan 90 has always attracted international elite runners. This year’s women’s race includes Dominika Stelmach of Poland, winner of Ultravasan 90 in 2025, while the men’s field features Sébastien Spehler of France, winner of Ultravasan 90 in 2021. Read more about Vasaloppet’s six running races in August 2026

Read more about Vasaloppet’s six running races in August 2026 >

Note: “Ultra” and “Trail”
Ultra is the name of races longer than the marathon distance of 42,195 metres, and "trail" or "cross-country" means that most of the race is not on asphalt. Ultravasan 90 consists of approximately 60 km of forest roads, 6 km gravel, 18 km trails and 6 km asphalt. The total distance is 92 km. The course features 867 metres of ascent. The first part of the route is moderately undulating, while the final 19 kilometres are comparatively flat.

Upcoming events in the Vasaloppet Arena:

Vasaloppet's Summer Week 2026 – biking and running
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 30, start Oxberg, 32 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan Öppet Spår, start Sälen, 92 km
Friday, August 7, Cykelvasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 8, Cykelvasan 90, start Sälen, 92 km
Friday, August 14, Funkisvasan, start Mora, 4 km
Friday, August 14, Trailvasan 10, start Mora, 10 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 90, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Vasastafetten, running relay, ten legs, start Sälen, 92 km
Saturday, August 15, Ultravasan 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Saturday, August 15, Trailvasan 30, start Oxberg, 30 km

Vasaloppet’s Winter Week 2027 and the 103rd Vasaloppet – cross country skiing
Friday, February 26, Vasaloppet 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Saturday, February 27, Tjejvasan, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 28, Öppet Spår Sunday, start Sälen, 90 km
Sunday, February 28, Vasaloppet Pro Race 30, start Oxberg, 30 km
Sunday, February 28, Ungdomsvasan, start Eldris, 9 km, start Hökberg, 19 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 90, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 45, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Monday, March 1, Öppet Spår Monday 30, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Tuesday, March 2, Vasaloppet 45, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Stafettvasan, ski relay, five sections, start Sälen, 90 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 30, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 30 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 45, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Oxberg, 45 km
Friday, March 5, Nattvasan 90, individually or two-person teams, freestyle, start Sälen, 90 km
Saturday, March 6, Vasaloppet 10, freestyle, start Eldris, 9 km
Sunday, March 7, The 103rd Vasaloppet, start Sälen, 90 km

Vasaloppstrippeln – ski, bike and run, all in one year
Vasaloppstrippeln is a challenge where you complete three races – skiing, cycling and running – during one and the same calendar year. Choose between 30, 45 or 90 kilometres.

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For more information
Camilla Sandy Swarén. Press Manager Vasaloppet
+46 (0)70-384 95 00
camilla.sandy@vasaloppet.se

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