Running Across Two Countries

June 13, 2025

Written by: Jonas Ståleker

This Sunday, I’m running the Bridge Run 2025 — a 21 km (half marathon) race that stretches between Denmark and Sweden across the Öresund Bridge. I actually walked across that same bridge when it first opened about 25 years ago (back when it was allowed for pedestrians during the inauguration). There were plans to make the run an annual event, but I guess shutting down one of the busiest bridges in northern Europe for a whole day turned out to be a bit too costly. So finally, this year, they’re doing it again!

I’ve been a runner throughout my adult life, and while this isn’t the furthest I’ve ever run (that would be 30 km at Lidingöloppet in 2018), it’s a big deal to me personally. After gaining a lot of weight and losing my fitness after having kids, I’ve worked hard to get back into shape — and this run feels like a great way to celebrate that progress.

I’ll update this post with my final time and maybe a picture or two after Sunday, so check back if you’re curious. I’m aiming to complete the run in approximately two hours. Who knows — maybe next time I’ll tackle a full marathon?

Update: My time was 1:57:10!

I am also incredibly proud of my wife who also finished despite being sick a lot this spring and barely having any time to train.