Hello and welcome back for the second installment of our four-part series, ‘Discovering, discussing and reviewing’. In this 4-part series I, an exchange student, will explore the different opportunities for exercise, right here in the wonderful city of Örebro! If going to the gym isn’t really your style, or if you’d rather work on your cardio, running is an excellent way to stay active. Örebro offers multiple great opportunities for both beginners and pros alike. Here I have collected the ones that are internationally friendly, so you can get a running start!
Örebro Parkrun: Community running
Are you someone that needs some peer pressure to run? Or do you like the sense of community? Then the Örebro parkrun might be for you. It is a weekly 5km run, entirely organised by volunteers. Signing up is free, and the parkrun has a couple of cool features, like your own specialised barcode that tracks your run times, so you can easily compar them to earlier attempts. They make it clear on their website that the event is meant for anyone. So, both beginners and absolute pros are welcome. The event is at 9:30 AM every Saturday, which might be too early for some students. However, if you are not put off by the early time slot, you can register right here:
Strava: online running made easy
If you’d rather run on your own schedule, but still want a community aspect, the Strava app might be for you. Strava is an app that can used to track multiple exercise, but has a strong focus on running. On top of tracking your progress, the ‘community’ tab includes groups, in which you can share your progress, organise and join activities, and show off your running routes. There are multiple running groups in Örebro that are on Strava. Some of them include:
The Örebro parkrun (yes, there is a Strava group too!)
Team Nordic Trail Örebro
Epic trail running club
Also! The app is free to use, has both Miles and Kilometre options, and is easy to install. The app can also sync up with some digital watches (like the Apple watch). Be aware though, some of the more advanced features are behind a paywall. However, the free version offers all of the functions stated above, and is sufficient for most runners. I would definitely recommend installing Strava if you like to walk either alone or together, and need a strong sense of community.
Running for mental health
If you’d rather run for a mental boost, I can definitely recommend the ‘run along’ that the Örebro university organises. It is an initiative from the student health centre to link the physical with mental well-being. The activity is a bit more relaxed compared to something like Strava, and focuses more directly on your own improvement. These free, drop-in events require no sign-up—just show up to join in. However, it must be said that these runs are meant to relax, not to compete. If you are a pro that wants to set a new PR, or someone that is really looking to advance their technique, there are more efficient/different options that might fit better with your goals.
Are you interested in joining the run-along? Go over to the link below for more information, and current activites:
Top running locations:
Track field: It’s hard to miss, the track field is an iconic piece of the Örebro campus. However, did you know you ar e free to use the track field? No reservation or subscription needed! Just make sure it isn’t being used for a social event, and you are good to go. You might just spot me if you go in the early hours!
Forest trails: If you’d rather enjoy the crisp Swedish nature, the Hoppbacken forest is a popular running route for young and old. Don’t be surprised if you see enthusiastic fathers jogging with their children in a stroller. These routes are perfect for more intermediate runners, just be aware of the elevation and tree trunks!
Pre-made routes: If you’d rather go on a route that has been a bit more assessed, online there are a ton of great routes that have been made already. Usually there is precise information on the distance, elevation and estimated steps! websites like Pacer, Alltrails and Komoot offer free to use, accessible running routes for all difficulty levels. Strava’s free premium month also provides routes that are definitely worth checking out.
Writer: Hugo Boeve
Photo: Hugo Boeve
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