Icebug Xperience West Coast Trail 5-7 Sep, 2025
Icebug Xperience West Coast Trail 5-7 Sep, 2025
Icebug West Coast Trail – A true adventure!
West Coast Trail takes place in our favourite spot, the picturesque Ramsvik area in Bohuslän on the Swedish west coast. Icebug WCT is a trail running stage race where we cover 77 km of massive cliffs, narrow forest trails, seaside villages and beautiful beaches. The distance is split into three days of running or walking and three different but equally beautiful courses.
As cliché as it may sound, WCT is not your average race - but an experience suited for anyone. Join the walk group if you want some extra time to soak up the beautiful surroundings, the running group if you’re going to challenge yourself with world-class trail running, or the jog group if you want to do a little bit of both and walk some parts and run some.
Starting groups
When registering for WCT, we will ask you to choose a starting group.
If you aim to place yourself in the “top 50 runners” (men/women), you must start all of the stages at the Run group!
You may change starting groups during WCT; just talk to our friendly staff at the Race Village. You can even join the Walk group one day and change to the Jog group the next, depending on how you feel.
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Walk
Enter the Walk group if you plan to spend some extra time on the trails, and please remember that this is for walkers who want to experience the scenery at a relaxed pace. The typical walker needs about 4-6 hours for each stage.
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Run & Walk
Wähle die Run & Walkgruppe aus, um Laufen und Walken zu kombinieren. Diese Gruppe ist beliebt für diejenigen, die mit Freunden, Jugendlichen oder ihrem Hund laufen.
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Run
Die Laufgruppe startet als erste aller Startgruppen und hat an allen drei Tagen eine feste Route vor sich. Wir empfehlen diese Gruppe, wenn du bereits einen Trailrun von 20 km in unter drei Stunden absolviert hast.
Accommodation
Borrow a friend’s summer house, bring a tent or sleep in your sailboat during your stay here. There are many accommodation options in the Ramsvik area, such as hostels and camping grounds. We recommend our official accommodation partner, Ramsvik Stugby & Camping, with its lovely seaside location. This is where you will find our Race Village and the activities we have planned for you after the finish line.
What is included?
Our starting fee includes the following:
Transfer to the race area and back every day.
Lunch is served at the finish line each day.
A fold-a-cup to use at the energy stations during the race.
A WCT race t-shirt.
A wooden medal.
Price & Registration
Please find our price list below. The sooner you sign up, the nicer the price, so talk to your friends and register as quickly as you possibly can!
The Course
Each day you’ll experience a new course. They are all equally beautiful, but with their own personality. The landscape is diverse. You’ll see rocky, quite technical peaks. You’ll run through enchanted forests and along the shores. You will also have the opportunity to see sights such the stunning old stonemasonry and experience the villages in the archipelago.
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Ramsvik Rocks
Ramsvik — Smögen: 25 km. View map
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Woods & Islands
Bohus-Malmön – Kungshamn: 31 km.
View map
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Hunnebo Haute
Smögen – Ramsvik: 22 km.
View map
Welcome to Kids Camp!
Are you travelling with company? For the younger ones, we provide what we call Kids Camp. While you run or walk the stages, the kids can try sailing, fishing and visiting the wildlife park Nordens Ark – all under the supervision of experienced outdoor guides. Our goal is that the kids will leave Bohuslän with an equal amount of excitement that you will feel, and of course, for a company of any age, there are plenty of fun to do and beautiful places to see in the area.
Age restriction: Children enrolled in the Kids Camp should be at least 6 years old at the time of the event.
The Location
The Bohuslän coast runs almost 280 kilometres along Western Sweden, from the city of Gothenburg all the way up to Norway. We love this archipelago, and it offers plenty of perfect stops for sunbathing, swimming, enjoying good food, water sports or relaxation. There are 8 000 islands off the coast, and the coastline is packed with small fishing villages between smooth granite rocks and lovely beaches.
For more information on Bohulän, visit the West Sweden website.
Ramsviks Camping and beach is the heart of the race during West Coast Trail, also called the Race Village. The Race Village is where we meet, eat, relax, chat and hang out while doing different activities. The camping is beautifully located, with it's own beach where you can chill out with your new running friends!
This is also where you:
- Visit our race office to register and collect your starting pack.
- Check out the PopUp Store and stock up on Icebug shoes and apparel or Moonvalley energy.
- Go see our “Go To Guys” at the information desk for any queries, change of starting groups etc.
Our Facebook group "My Icebug Xperience" is an excellent source of information and a community where you can reach us with content and comments before and during WCT.
Search for the group on Facebook or follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/491383734994099?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=WCT%20No%20PM%2C%20partners%20and%20discount%20code&_kx=
There are energy stations roughly every 5-7 km during the course.
The energy stations are stocked with water, sports drinks, organic bananas, cinnamon rolls & bars. We use sports drinks and bars from Moonvalley, which may contain nuts. Ask the staff for gluten, dairy, and nut-free alternative if needed.
NOTE: The location and type of energy that is provided at the energy stations may change.
Stage 1 – Hunnebo Haute 21K
- 6 km Sotekanalen (after the bridge)
- 12 km Stenhuggarmuseet
- 17 km Herrbacka
Stage 2 – Woods & Islands 30K
- 5 km Bredvik
- 10.5 km Stallen Färjeläget (before the ferry)
- 18 km Örn
- 25 km Hovenäset
Stage 3 – Ramsvik Rocks 25K
- 7 km Väjern
- 14 km Sotekanalen (before the bridge)
- 20 km Fykan
Running energy
During all three stages, there will be two running energy stations supported by Moonvalley. Keep your eyes open so you may come across one of them when you need it the most.
There are some things that you need to bring during the race.
- Timing device to be placed around the ankle (will be provided in your starting kit). Return the device immediately after the finish line (if not, a 500 SEK fine will be charged.)
- Map, either on a piece of paper or digitally.
- Liquid for 30 kilometers (min 0.2 l)
- Energy (Energy bar, energy gel, etc. minimum 250 kcal), bring your empty packages to the finish.
- Shell jacket or a safety blanket
- First aid kit (blood stopper/plasters and bandages)
- Whistle
- Fold-a-cup (To use at the water stations, since we’re not using any disposable cups. Will be provided in your starting kit)
- Cell phone
IMPORTANT: We will make random controls, and participants who don’t have all of the above in their pack will get penalty time.
Icebug Xperience West Coast Trail is an event for all your senses. Our mission is to provide you with the best food and beverages you can find in Sweden – and everything is from organic and locally produced ingredients. A food truck is serving delicious vegetarian lunch at the finish line, and the energy stations are stocked with organic bananas and cinnamon rolls from a local stone oven bakery.
RaceID offers Refund Protect as an additional service for customers who purchase tickets to an event on RaceID. Refund Protection allows you as a Participant to claim a full refund of their registration fee (including any extra equipment and additional products purchased at registration) if you as a Participant are unable to attend the Event due to emergency circumstances. The process and refund is covered and managed by Protect Group.
You can read more about Refund Protect here:
It is also fine to sell or give away your registration to the event. This must be done via ix@icebug.se, not later than 10 days before the start or 1 day before registration closes (depending on which comes first). There is no extra charge for this
Travel to West Coast Trail
We would like you to leave the car at home. Good for the environment and with guaranteed good company along the way!
If you did not register and pay for the bus ride, when registering for the event, you can email ix@icebug.se no later than 1 week before the race starts.
The bus departs from Drottningtorget 10, outside Clarion Hotel Post,
Reserve a seat on your departure of choice: 16.00 or 19.30
The trip costs SEK 550, (Round trip)
Return trip is on Sunday after the finish, see below.
The journey between Gothenburg and Ramsvik takes approximately 2 hours.
The return ticket is included in the fee of 550 SEK, but you need to let us know that you want to ride with us back, by emailing us at ix@icebug.se or by contacting our Information Desk in the Race Village in Ramsvik. Which one of our departures that you get a seat on will be finalized after finish, first come first served.
Ramsvik - Gothenburg
15.00 BUS
Ramsvik - Gothenburg
17:00 BUS
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Our partners
Of course, we cannot handle everything ourselves. That's why we have teamed up with the best to create a world-class event.
WEST SWEDEN
Creates a sustainable tourism industry
vastsverige.com
AKTIV UT
Making it possible
C-TIME
Keeping track of time
RAMSVIK CAMPING
Taking care of us
MOONVALLEY
Giving us energy
ZITABÅTARNA
Taking us on a boat ride
EVENT IN MOTION
Safe transportation
PATAGONIA
Repair your outdoor clothes in their repair tent
Shoes for West Coast Trail
FAQ
Common questions and answers
No, registration is only possible for all 3 stages of Icebug Xperience West Coast Trail. You can choose to run one day and walk another – just be sure to change this at the race office before the start of each stage. You can choose not to participate in all stages but will not have a ”total time” unless you complete all 3 stages. Changing starting groups will also result in no total time.
Yes! And out of respect for other runners, you will need to keep it on a leash.
Please see the ”Opening hours and program”
Yes, you can drop a bag before the race begins each day. After your start, we'll take your bag to the finish area where you pick it up again.
You will find bag tags (stickers with your starting number) in your starting kit.
Yes. In the morning, park your car at the finish of the stage. Take the shuttle to the start area and run or walk back to the finish, where your car will be waiting.
On Stage 3 you will park at the start, and there is a shuttle back to the start after finishing. This is due to the limited parking space at Ramsviks Camping.
Day 1: Hunnebo, park south of the south quay. https://goo.gl/maps/zYaUhFSWPv56ij5j7
Day 2: Kungshamn, the sports hall. https://goo.gl/maps/6WBVwT77Dyiz7go89
Day 3: Park at the start in Smögen. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUWQo9NoNA3znYqt5
The WCT aid stations serve goodies such as water, energy drink, energy bars, cinnamon buns, fruit and chips. You won't go hungry! Also, there will be lunch for you at the finish line.
There will be showers and sauna at the finish line in Ramsvik (day 3). There are no showers in Hunnebostrand (day 1) or in Kungshamn (day 2) but the ocean is near if you want to take a refreshing swim.
If you want to be a part of this event but don’t want to run you can apply as a volunteer.
Please fill out the form (in Swedish) that you will find HERE
If you decide not to finish one of the three stages, you may still participate in the following stages of WCT. However, your final time will not be visible in the result list.
No, we don’t have an age restriction. If you think you can manage the distance, you can make a registration. But if you are under 15 you need to participate together with an adult.
The lower age limit for Kids Camp is: 6 years old at the time of the event.
It will be lots of fun! We gather in the mornings before the adults start racing and have three busy days ahead! This is the agenda:
Friday: We go hiking together in Ramsvik.
Saturday: We visit Nordens Ark and greet the animals that live there! In the park, they work to preserve endangered animal species from both Sweden and other countries.
Sunday: We head out on the Sotefjord, and depending on age, the children get to try sailing or riding a motorboat together with skilled instructors. Sunday ends with the "kids' race", which is the children's own race, but with the same finish line as the adults!
Voices from the Trail
Every runner, walker, and adventurer who takes part in our race has their own story. Whether it’s a first-time participant or a returning veteran, a kid tackling their first stage or an adult chasing a personal goal – the experience leaves a mark.
We spoke to a few of them to hear their thoughts, feelings, and favorite moments. Here’s what they had to say.
Daniel Torége, 12 years old from Örebro, is one of the youngest participants ever in the Icebug West Coast Trails, completing the 77-kilometer race in a total of 12 hours.
"It was both tough and hot, and you really need to have trained a lot beforehand," he said after finishing.
Like Simon Hodler, who won all stages of the 2024 event, Daniel is an orienteer.
"I train in some sport almost every day— orienteering, cross-country skiing, or football."
It doesn’t surprise him that orienteers topped the results.
"Orienteers are the best!"
Brothers Ray and Elis Vandyck and their mother, Kathy James, wanted to surprise their father William with something special for his 60th birthday. So, they traveled from Cardiff and London to participate in the West Coast Trail. To make the journey a bigger— and more eco-friendly— adventure, they traveled over land and sea via France and Germany.
"We love trying new things, and we love the outdoors. We read about the West Coast Trail in an article and decided to go— especially since both boys are great runners training for races," said Kathy James.
Kathy and William joined the walking group, while their sons ran.
"It’s so beautiful, well-organized, and friendly! It’s really nice to meet and connect with all these people— both participants and locals around the course. Everyone’s been so kind!"
Dutch runner Fernande van Schelle had bad luck and developed knee issues on the first day. But instead of feeling down, she found a new way to enjoy her time in Bohuslän: by volunteering at a water station.
"I could have felt sorry for myself, but it’s more fun helping others have a good time," said Fernande, serving drinks, bananas, and buns at the station in Hovenäset.
She lives in the UK and read about the West Coast Trail in The Guardian.
"It sounded so amazing, and I brought two friends who also wanted to join. It wasn’t until later that I realized exactly how long the race is!"
Neither the 77 kilometers nor the knee injury could dampen Fernande’s spirits.
"It’s been absolutely incredible! The stunning views and all the friendly, helpful people."
David Tay from Singapore returned to Bohuslän for the fifth time and was visibly pleased after finishing.
"I love the atmosphere, the community, and that it’s such a relaxed and friendly race."
David is likely to return in 2025.
"Yes, definitely— I’ve made a point of coming here and meet friends."
Swiss-born Simon Hodler ran his first West Coast Trail and won every stage with a comfortable margin. He brought his six- and seven-year-old children to Bohuslän.
"It’s a tough race. The heat, in particular, makes it important to focus on recovery between stages. Food, massages, rest, and compression socks help."
Simon runs for IFK Mora OK and heard about the race from Roman Ryapolov, who has been on the Icebug podium several times.
"I’d heard great things about the race, and it really is a fantastic event. Professional, friendly staff, and beautiful nature. Back home, we mostly run in pine forests, but this is something else."
How about the kids— did they enjoy themselves as much as you?
"Yes, Kids Camp is really great— they’ve been crab fishing and had an amazing time!"
West Coast Trail start list 2025:
https://raceid.com/en/races/12658/startlist?currentDistanceId=21693
Results, including intermediate times 2024:
https://my.raceresult.com/306057/
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