The sea, the cliffs, the beech forests, and the sweeping views across the Kattegat. Few places in Sweden offer such spectacular running as the Bjärehalvön – and every spring, runners from across the country gather to experience it up close. One clear example is the trail race HOKA Torekov–Båstad, where participants run through some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, finishing on the beach by Hotel Skansen in Båstad.
HOKA Torekov–Båstad takes place on March 28–29, 2026, and is organized by Trailrunning Sweden. The event attracts both elite runners and recreational participants throughout the weekend. Day one features a 21-kilometer course between Torekov and Båstad, while Sunday offers a nature-focused 28-kilometer experience through the Bjärehalvön. Along the route, runners encounter coastal trails, rolling hills, and beech forests, as well as local tasting stations showcasing the very best of the region – from artisanal cheese and kombucha to apple cake and non-alcoholic sparkling wine. And best of all: the race offers sea views almost the entire way.
– Bjärehalvön is one of the most beautiful places in Sweden to run. You run along the sea, through beech forests, and across open hills – often with views of the Kattegat the whole way. It makes every run a true nature experience, says Marina Olmarker, Hotel Manager at Hotel Skansen Båstad.
Running packages for a complete experience
In connection with the race, Hotel Skansen also offers special running packages where participants and visitors can combine the competition with accommodation, spa access, and dining experiences.
– We want to make it easy to combine the race with a complete experience. With our running package, guests can focus on the running while also enjoying comfortable accommodation, great food, and recovery in our spa, says Marina Olmarker.
On Saturday, an after-run event will also be held in the Gallerian at Hotel Skansen, featuring live music and entertainment to celebrate the finish line experience.
Running meets lifestyle and enjoyment on the Bjärehalvön
What makes running in Båstad unique is the combination of nature, the sea, and local gastronomy. During the longer race distance, runners encounter tasting stations along the course featuring local produce from Bjärehalvön – an experience that shows trail running here is just as much about nature and enjoyment as it is about performance.
For Hotel Skansen, the connection to an active lifestyle is a natural fit. Located right by the sea, the hotel serves as both a gathering point and the finish arena for the race, where runners complete the final stretch down to the beach in front of the hotel.
– When the runners arrive in Båstad and finish down on the beach outside Hotel Skansen, it’s an incredible feeling. We love being part of that experience and welcoming runners to the Bjärehalvön, says Marina Olmarker.
With nature literally on the doorstep, coastal trails, and dramatic views across the Kattegat, Båstad has become a natural destination for runners year-round – and during HOKA Torekov–Båstad, even more people will discover why.
About HOKA Torekov–Båstad:
HOKA Torekov–Båstad is a trail race on Bjärehalvön where runners travel between the picturesque coastal villages of Torekov and Båstad. The course passes through varied terrain along the sea, across cliffs, and through forests and rolling hills.