Ölands Marathon is an intimate early-August marathon organised by Högby IF in the village of Löttorp in northern Öland, doubling as the island championship. It starts on Löttorp's square, and the distance is made up of alternating loops: a short 2.1 km circuit of the village and a longer 11.2 km loop through the countryside. The course is entirely asphalt, flat and easy-running, with views of the mysterious granite island of Blå Jungfrun in the Kalmar Strait and three aid stations per lap serving cola and sports drink. It has a village-race spirit, and you can even sign up on race day. Öland is an island of windmills, the ruins of Borgholm Castle, the royal summer residence of Solliden, endless beaches and the UNESCO-listed limestone steppe of Stora Alvaret.