Ölands Kyrkstafett

The Ölands Kyrkstafett is a historic and highly celebrated relay race scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, on the scenic island of Öland, Sweden. Organized by Högby IF and the Öland Sports District, this event is entering its 47th year, making it one of the most established long-distance relays in the region. The race starts and finishes at the harbor in Färjestaden, taking teams through a spring landscape defined by historic churches and coastal views. Participants can choose between the "Long Course" (67.8 km) featuring eleven stages or the "Short Course" (23.5 km) with six stages, ensuring there are distances suitable for everyone from elite club runners to casual workplace teams.

Öland is the second largest island in Sweden, located in the Baltic Sea and connected to the mainland via the Öland Bridge from Kalmar. The island has a permanent population of approximately 26,000 residents, which increases dramatically during the tourism season. The demographic profile is predominantly Swedish, and the island's economy is heavily supported by tourism, agriculture, and local handicrafts. The median household income in the Mörbylånga municipality (where Färjestaden is located) is approximately 312,000 SEK. The race route passes through the unique agricultural landscape of Southern Öland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, providing runners with a backdrop of windmills and medieval church towers.

The race begins at 10:00 AM with a collective warm-up hosted by Wellness Studio at the Färjestaden harbor. The organizers provide comprehensive timing services, including individual stage times and team totals, with a live speaker following the lead battle from a loudspeaker car. All participants receive a special commemorative medal at the finish line, followed by a celebratory barbecue provided by local sponsors. Registration fees are 1,600 SEK for the long course and 1,000 SEK for the short course if booked by April 30. For teams requiring accommodation, local partners such as Ekerum Resort and Best Western Plus in Kalmar offer specialized packages for the race weekend. For technical inquiries, race organizers Calle Nilsson and Jonne Svensson can be contacted via Högby IF.