Lidingoloppet China, June 26, 2010

Background
Lidingoloppet is an annual Swedish cross country running race that takes place in Lidingo island situated 10km from the city center in Stockholm. The race is considered as the largest cross country running race in the world with its 30K track in tough terrain. Lidingoloppet has more than 40 year’s of history as the first race was held in 1965, and by that time Lidingoloppet attracted as many as 644 runners. Today, as many as 30 000 runners from 25 different countries line up at the starting line in Lidingo every autumn.

Lidingoloppet China 
Lidingoloppet China is the "Chinese version" of Lidingoloppet in Sweden. Nordic Ways cooperates with the Swedish Lidingoloppet organizers, for instance by letting the winners of the Chinese Lidingoloppet get a free ticket to Lidingoloppet in Sweden, the Swedish Lidingoloppet  send its winners to run in China in return. Apart from this, representatives from the Swedish Lidingoloppet committe visits Changchun each year together with Swedish amateur runners taking part in the event while also doing some sightseeing in China.

The Race
Lidingoloppet China is held in beautiful Jingyuetan Park outside the 7 million City Changchun in Jilin Province. Just as in Sweden, the main race is a tough 30km cross country running race which goes around Jingyue Lake inside the park. Both elite and amateur runners can take part in any distance of the race. Apart from the 30km race, there are shorter running distances available so that people of all fitness levels and ages can take part: 16km, 7.5km or 2.5km with a Children's race for the youngest kids!

You can read more comprehensive race information by clicking on the link "General Info" on the left

Part of "the Chinese Challenge" 
Lidingoloppet China is part of a concept called "the Chinese Challenge" which binds together four events organized by Nordic Ways and Changchun Municipal Government in Jingyuetan Park. After having finished one race category in each of the four events during the course of one year, participants will receive an exclusive medal and diploma to mark their accomplishment. Events included are: Lidingoloppet China, Vasa Bike festival, Vasa Swim Festival and Vasaloppet China. (It does not matter which race you begin with as long as you fulfill the contests within one year). 

Seeding race for Lidingoloppet in Sweden
Participants in Lidingoloppet China will from 2009 have the right to use their finishing result time in Lidingoloppet China as a seeding time for Lidingoloppet in Sweden. This means that participants can use their finishing results as an official seeding time to obtain a better start position in Lidingoloppet Sweden. Lidingoloppet Sweden is held in Lidingo, outside Stockholm on the 25th of September 2010.  

Midsummer
It is an excellent opportunity for families to take part in Lidingoloppet China on their vacation since this event takes place on June 26th - about a week after the Swedish Midsummer Festival. The  purpose of  the Midsummer tradition in Sweden is to celebrate the lightest night of the year - the summer solstice. It is a great festivity when people gather with friends and family for good laughs, singing and dancing around the midsummer pole, and eating a lot of traditional Swedish delicacies. In Changchun we will combine Lidingoloppet with traditional Midsummer traditions like midsummer pole, Swedish food, drinks, singing and dancing.