It will be a minimal Swedish Championship in the half marathon 2020. In normal cases, the Swedish Championships will be decided in front of thousands of spectators during the Gothenburg lap, but this year that competition was canceled.

- It has been difficult to get a police permit for street races, but here it is easier. We do not need a police permit and it is a closed arena, says competition leader Ulf Friberg from Hälle IF in Ljungskile who usually participates in arranging the Gothenburg lap.

No spectators are allowed in

The Swedish Championships are decided in two classes, men senior and women senior. A maximum of 40 people may participate by meeting the qualification limits.

Usually the Swedish Championship runners have thousands of spectators cheering them on during the Gothenburg lap, but this year they have to fight for the Swedish Championship gold on an empty motorway and with a few officials as spectators.

- It is strange because it is a very important element, especially in the street races so it is very strange that no one stands and cheers. Only a few coaches and officials are the only ones we let in here. But at the same time we are starting to get a little used to it now, says from Ulf Friberg, competition leader for the half marathon-SM 2020.

Local sports club contributes

The sports club Hälle IF from Ljungskile has been commissioned by the Swedish Athletics Association to arrange the Swedish Championships, together with the local club Villstad GIF from Smålandsstenar which contributes with officials to be able to carry out the championship.

- It feels positive, especially a year like this when all other activities are down and all other competitions are canceled. It feels like this brings the association together a little, says Anders Andersson, chairman of Villstad GIF.