Stockholm Marathon (2026)

"Running on Water" — The Official Finisher Artwork for Adidas Stockholm Marathon 2026 Stockholm is a city in constant dialogue with water. Built across islands, bridges, waterways, and open skies, the Swedish capital creates the rare feeling that movement itself flows through the landscape. During Stockholm Marathon, runners move between historic streets, waterfronts, harbours, and green spaces in a rhythm that makes the city feel almost suspended between land and sea. “Running on Water” captures that sensation. Inspired by Scandinavian mid-century illustration, vintage travel posters, and the glowing optimism of Stockholm’s old neon era, the artwork blends iconic landmarks with playful symbolism and fragments of city life. The composition moves like the marathon itself — winding through waterways, summer light, and stories hidden within the city. Throughout the piece are references to Stockholm’s unique urban wildlife. Foxes, seabirds, hares, and the now-famous Slussen otter reflect the unusual relationship between nature and city life that defines the Swedish capital. In Stockholm, wildlife is never far away — even in the very center of the city. The daisies and vivid summer palette draw inspiration from Swedish midsummer traditions and the Nordic light that transforms Stockholm in late May. At the same time, details inspired by the city’s historic neon signs and waterfront nightlife pay tribute to the bold visual identity of mid-century Stockholm — a period when the capital became known for its glowing signs, cinemas, cafés, ferries, and maritime energy. Rather than portraying the marathon as a competition, “Running on Water” portrays the experience of moving through Stockholm itself — where every bridge, shoreline, and island becomes part of the journey. A celebration of movement, summer, water, and the city that lives between them.