You are organizing Tjejmilen on the 5th of September 2015 in Stockholm, Sweden. Can you tell us where your event is located and how runners are able to travel there easily?
Tjejmilen will be organized on the 5th of September 2015, with the start and finish located at Gärdet/Djurgården in Stockholm. You can reach Stockholm by taking a flight to Arlanda airport, a train to Stockholm Central Station or a boat from Finland to either of the ports Värtahamnen (Silja) or Stadsgårdskajen (Viking). In Stockholm you can get to the race area by taking the subway (Karlaplan or Gärdet station) or with local buses.
Are there different distances in your event?
No, the distance for everyone is 10 km, which participants can run, jog or walk.
Tell us something about the history of your event. Why was it created in the first place and how has it changed over the years?
Tjejmilen had its debut in 1984. In those days, running competitions for women only had been organized in Denmark with great success. Traditional running competitions had mostly male runners and many women did not feel comfortable in the tough, competitive environment.
The event was promoted with the slogan “10 km without fuss or stress” and attracted almost 2,000 participants in its first year. Already in its second year the number rose to 8,000.
The event has evolved a lot: there is a three-day expo and there are more and bigger sponsor activities in the race area. Today you can choose between being timed and the so-called Fun Run (without timing). About 65 % of runners choose timing.
Describe your route a bit. How’s the scenery? Is the route beginner friendly? Can runners expect PB’s?
The route goes through Djurdgården, which is a national city park very close to the central parts of Stockholm. The route is very beautiful and for the most part run by water. It is also quite easy, so there will surely be a number of personal bests made in the upcoming race. Still, the route could more be described as beautiful than as extremely fast. A new course record, 32.40, was made this year by Meraf Bahta, European champion in 5000 meters in Zürich 2014.
How many runners do you expect to have in your event?
We are expecting 33,000-34,000 participants. There have been slightly over 33,000 participants in the last two editions.
What kind of weather conditions can runners prepare to face in your event?
We have been lucky in the last two years since the weather has been 20 degrees Celsius and sunny, which is quite warm for the time of year. Normally the temperature is between 17-18 degrees Celsius.
What else runners should do in the city after/before the race? Any suggestions to newcomers?
Stockholm is a wonderful city with many things to do for a tourist. Here are some suggestions: Visit Vasamuséet or the Royal Palace, take a walk in the old town, a boat tour in the archipelago or a guided tour around Stockholm, to name a few examples. You will find good information about things to do on Visit Stockholm’s website.
How would you describe your event to people who haven’t yet participated in it? What makes your event unique?
Tjejmilen is a fantastic event with 33,000 women full of positive energy and happiness. For many, Tjejmilen is the one running event of the year that motivates them to practice and stay in good condition.
Among the participants, there are many who travel to Stockholm to have a good time and to have a “girls’ vacation” with their friends. If you are planning to go out to eat in a restaurant after the race, it’s advisable to reserve a table in advance because it can be difficult to get one otherwise.
