+ Starting shots x 3
No fewer than three starting shots will be fired in the marathon, all to avoid overcrowding. Participants are divided into nine starting groups based on previous qualifications and the starting shots will be fired at 12:00, 12:08 and 12:16.
+ Winners return
The last two men's winners, both from Kenya, Onemus Kiplagat Kiplimo and 2024 winner Fredrick Kibli, are back on the starting line. On the women's side, 2022 winner Tsige Haileslase of Ethiopia is among the starters.
Olympic runner Carolina Wikström, Upsala IF, is back in the marathon after becoming a mother last year. She came fourth and took Swedish Championship gold in her last start in 2024.
+ Olympic gold shine and an odd entry
Three Swedish Olympic gold medalists are changing sports and will be battling it out on the streets of Stockholm - former cross-country skiers Johan Olsson, Marcus Hellner and Anna Haag. Former Welsh football star Aaron Ramsey - who won titles with Arsenal and Juventus - is also taking part. The midfielder can boast three FA Cup titles and a Serie A victory, among other things.
+ Record - again
Stockholm Marathon breaks participant record again. The organizers have accepted 24,722 participants, which is just over a thousand runners more than last year when a record was also broken with 23,618 runners. One in three runners is 30 years old or younger, giving a record young starting field. Four years ago, fewer than one in ten runners was in the 18–30 age group.
+ Unique quartet
Börje Carlsson, Kälvesta, Christer Gidewall, IFK Tumba, Kennet Johansson, Eksjö Garnison, and Stefan Lindberg, Mälarö SOK. This is the unique quartet that has run every Stockholm Marathon since its inception in 1979. Of the four, Börje Carlsson is the oldest, born in 1943.
+ Banana supply in the marathon
Runners who like to refuel with bananas can get their fill in the marathon - the organizer has loaded up with 38,000 bananas.
At 13 fluid stations and 10 energy stations around the course, there are also 23,000 liters of sports drink, 50,000 liters of water, 5,500 liters of coffee, 12,000 buns and 400 kilos of pickles.
3,000 officials are involved in the competition.
+ Flatter course
Some changes have been made to this year's course - which could mean faster times. Above all, this year's course is flatter than before and has fewer elevation gains.
The women's course record is held by legendary Norwegian Grete Waitz, who died of cancer in 2011; her 2:28:24 set in 1988 has stood for 38 years. The men's is more recent, with Nigussie Sahlesilassie of Ethiopia running 2:10:11 in 2019.
