“I Never Give Up. Not Once. Not Yet.” How Captains Carry Teams for 24 Hours

Fanny Ahlfors: Thank you so much, I’m incredibly excited to be back. Red Bull 24 Hours was one of the absolute highlights of last year. It was unbelievably fun, like a 24-hour party on a running track. The energy, the joy, and the team spirit made it an experience I'm so happy to be back!

The biggest lesson is how important team energy is. Good vibes, laughter, and joy can make a huge difference. I also learned that teams can have very different strategies but still end up running almost the same total distance.

First and foremost, to have an incredible time together and experience true running joy. I want everyone to feel like a valued part of the team and that we’re doing this together. If it’s fun, performance usually follows. That said, we also want to run farther than last year and of course, win.

I will definitely make some changes, but I think it’s important to get input from the team to really complete and optimize the strategy.

To give my team an unforgettable experience. Having fun is the main focus.

Elajjaz: Truth be told I am very nervous but of course very excited about it! I have never done anything like this before, let alone served as captain over ten incredible athletes, some of whom have much more running experience than I do.

I'm definitely very stubborn and when I put my mind to something I will get it done!

I have never done something like this before, but I'm no stranger to grinding the same thing for hours. I've spent countless hours speedrunning different video games trying to finish them faster than anyone else has done. When speedrunning you need to optimise everything and even seconds saved can be the difference between a win and a loss.

I've also finished the Swedish Classic twice. The Swedish Classic consists of long endurance exercises like biking for 15+ hours and 90km cross country skiing in Vasaloppet for example.

Whatever my team needs, I'll be there. I believe in running 20-30 minute intervals but at a bit higher pace because with 10 people we will hopefully stay fresh enough to keep going.

What I'm looking for in my teammates is not the most athletic or the one with the most experience, but the people who are determined to see this through no matter what, while also having a good time together.

The goal for me in this competition is to simply never give up while also taking in the whole experience. Like I mentioned before, this is something I've never done before, and I want to make sure that we all have a good experience with fun memories that we can look back on.

Magnus Svinhufvud: It feels super fun. Twenty-four hours on the same treadmill might sound mental, but getting to do it together with a group of friends turns it into an adventure I’m really looking forward to. Same treadmill, same surroundings, highs and lows, six teams going head-to-head. I love it.

I believe I’m good at making people feel safe, seen, and motivated - and at keeping spirits high even when things start to drag. I know when it’s time to make decisions, when the energy needs to be lifted, and when it’s best to step back and let the team do their thing.

That’s when I crack a Red Bull and step into the DJ booth! The volume goes up, I play the best tracks, and hype everyone by reminding them that 75% is already done. Let’s gooo!

To listen to the team. We are 11 different individuals with different strengths, personalities, and qualities. It’s my job to bring those out, assign the right roles, and make everyone believe in themselves and our shared goal.

Run smart, run strategically - and run the furthest!

Joanna Swica: It’s an absolute adrenaline rush! I’m so hyped to lead the team through 24 hours of grit and glory. It is exactly the kind of challenge I live for. I’m honoured to lead this crew and can’t wait to see what we can achieve when the pressure is on.

My superpowers are a mix of tactical structure and “never give up" mentality. I’m a professional running coach, so I know how to analyse the technical side of the race, but my real strength lies in reading people, knowing exactly when to push someone and when to offer a laugh to break the tension. And I also want to have fun, and that is important, to be central part of that kind of energy to the group.

I have done a desert marathon that really tested my grit. I have done charity run on a track for 12h and also 18h on a cross-trainer at Musikhjälpen. While every 24-hour race is its own beast, this is a new exciting challenge. I’m no stranger to sleep deprivation and pushing physical limits. I thrive in the 'pain cave' and know how to navigate the mental highs and lows that come with long-distance challenges.

That’s when the real race starts! My strategy is all about 'micro-wins.' We stop looking at the 24-hour mark and start focusing on the next lap, the next snack, or the next sunrise. I keep the vibes high with a killer playlist, dark humour, and reminding everyone why we signed up for this madness in the first place. LET’S GO TEAM!

Communication and recovery. My strategy is to ensure no one goes 'into the red' too early. I’ll be monitoring everyone’s effort levels like a hawk to make sure we rotate efficiently! It’s about managing the collective engine to keep the pace sustainable, so we have a 'fifth gear' left for the final hours.

I’m looking for mental toughness with a mixed of endurance runners and speedy fast ones. I need people who are 'team-first' players, who can stay positive when they’re shivering at 3 AM, and who have a 'no-ego' approach to the task. A sense of humour is a mandatory requirement!

Christian Andersson: It feels incredible and truly energizing! Leading a team in such a unique endurance challenge is both an honour and an opportunity to bring out the best in everyone. I love the idea of steering the ship, setting the tone, and creating an atmosphere where every team member feels motivated and supported. For me, being captain isn’t just about strategy - it’s about inspiring confidence, building unity, and making sure we enjoy every moment of this adventure together.

My superpowers are energy, empathy, and resilience. I know how to keep the team motivated, even when fatigue kicks in. I’m great at creating a positive atmosphere, reading the room, and lifting people up when they need it most. I combine mental toughness with encouragement, making sure everyone feels supported and ready to push beyond their limits.

I’ve never done a 24-hour treadmill challenge, not even close. To be honest, the longest I’ve run on a treadmill before this is 5km. But I’ve competed in endurance events and know what it takes to keep going when things get tough. I train regularly, love pushing boundaries, and thrive in situations that require both physical and mental strength. This challenge excites me because it’s about teamwork and perseverance, two things I value deeply.

I’ll keep the energy alive with positivity, humour, and constant encouragement. Music, small rituals, and celebrating every milestone will help us stay focused. I believe in breaking the challenge into smaller wins and reminding everyone why we’re doing this: for a great cause and to prove what’s possible when we work together. I’ll lead by example and make sure no one feels alone in the struggle.

I look for positivity, grit, and a team-first attitude. It’s not about being the fastest runner, it’s about resilience, energy, and the ability to lift others up. People who can laugh through the tough moments, stay focused on the goal, and bring good vibes to the group are the ones who make a dream team.

My goal is to create an unforgettable experience for the team while pushing our limits for a great cause. Of course, I want us to perform at our best, but more importantly, I want us to finish proud, knowing we gave everything and supported each other every step of the way.