EuroGames Stockholm Announces World’s First LGBT Ultra Marathon

Photo by Rickard Forsberg

After a two-year hiatus to allow internationl athletes to focus on OutGames Antwerp in 2013, and Gay Games Chicago in 2014, the EuroGames, the European Gay and Lesbian Championships, are set to return to Stockholm this August. The world’s largest pro-LGBT sporting competition, this year will see more than 6,000 athletes compete across 30 events, one of which, the organizers have just announced, will be an exciting first: an ultra marathon.

Arranged in conjunction with the Stockholm Marathon Committee, the 50-kilometer/31-mile event will be the first in the world specifically geared towards LGBT competitors, although all events are open to everybody. Planners also say it will highlight what a great running city the Swedish capital is.

“We are extremely happy that the world’s first ever LGBTQ Ultra Marathon will take place in beautiful Stockholm, home of world famous Stockholm Marathon,” said Jakob Jansson, president EuroGames Stockholm 2015. “This will be a run for human rights, gender and sexual equality where anyone regardless of gender, sexuality and nationality will be able to run ‘the extra mile’ in our male, female or gender neutral class.”

The EuroGames will take place in Stockholm, Sweden from August 5-9, 2015. Register here.