Marathon d'Helsinki
Land of Santa Claus 🎅, the Sami people, and the northern lights, you've guessed it right, we're taking you to Finland 🇫🇮. Nestled between Norway, Sweden, and Russia, the peninsula is neither Slavic nor Scandinavian. Finland is simply Finland, a land of serenity where Mother Nature has unveiled one of her most majestic masterpieces 😍. With its forests 🌲, hills, lakes 🚣, and small islands 🏖, the country might seem wild at first glance, but rest assured, it's easily tamed!
How about taming the beast beauty by going straight to its heart ❤️, its capital? Without further ado, head south to the Finnish peninsula for a charming adventure in Helsinki 💌. Your fates can be intertwined at the famous Helsinki Marathon in August! 🏃♀️
They say love is blind, but the Finnish capital will dazzle you with love at first sight guaranteed 👀! The Baltic Sea that you'll skirt repeatedly 🌊, the Kaivopuisto park you'll loop around 🏞, and the various neighborhoods you'll pass through like Punavuori, Eira, Kamppi, and Hernesaari 🏙, will enchant you effortlessly (or maybe with a tiny bit of effort, okay…). Thanks to the marathon's loop course, Helsinki will reveal itself unashamedly, through its charming marinas ⛵ and architecture marked by Classicism and Art Deco. And for this first date, the organizers have left nothing to chance: plenty of refreshment stations, several cheering points, great DJs, and cheerleaders, everything is planned to boost your morale and give you the courage to finish this race against time love. 🎉
Well, if long-term relationships aren't your thing, no worries, the Helsinki Marathon also offers 4 distances for a successful honeymoon. Besides the legendary 42.195 km (solo or in relay), you can also fall in love with the half-marathon, or take your time with a 10 km. And for those first loves that are always memorable, kids' races are also available with the Kids Run 👶. In short, no doubt everyone will find their happiness with Helsinki ! 😍
⚠️ Beware of the heartbreaking "goodbyes" at this beautiful sporting encounter 😢. But even with weary legs after your grueling run, the Finnish capital will still manage to surprise you! You'll undoubtedly indulge in a little detour to the Market Square to enjoy a lihapiirakka (a Finnish specialty of ground meat and mustard sauce accompanied by pickles) 😋. And to warm your heart, how about relaxing in one of the city's legendary seaside saunas? 🔥
As you can see, Helsinki promises you a story unlike any other...
Heading out to run the Helsinki Marathon? Let us take you through the course! 😎
Starting from Meripuisto, you'll follow the same initial route as the half marathon. But just after 6 km, it's time to change direction! 🧭 Yes, the marathon course will lead you on a scenic 20-kilometer loop through the Finnish landscapes. You'll run through Kulosaari Island before exploring the surroundings of the bustling city of Helsinki 🏙️. You'll be immersed in both the urban and natural settings! 🌿 After this adventure, you will return towards the station to finish your run following the half marathon route. You'll then be able to enjoy a grand finish just steps from Kompassitori Square! 🤩
The route is exactly the same as the marathon! 🤓 The relay zones will be located at:
Heading for the Helsinki Half Marathon? Let's walk you through the course! 😎
Starting from Merispuito, you'll embark on a 21.097 km loop complete with 8 entertainment points to keep your spirits high! Your first few kilometers will be along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of the many cruise and leisure boats 🚤. You'll then dash through the bustling shopping district, showcasing large shopping centers. Continuing by the waterfront, you'll head towards the train station 🚄, make a detour to the Finnish Opera 🎶, and conclude your run along the same path as the 10 km route! 🏁
Are you heading out to run the 10 km at the Helsinki Marathon? Let us guide you through the course! 😎
You'll start in Kaisaniemenranta Park 🌳, make your way across the train station, and head towards the Crusell Bridge. After that, enjoy a scenic run along the docks as you make your way to the vibrant Hernesaari district with its art gallery 🎨. Just a few more kilometers through Ursinin Kallio Park before reaching the finish line, just steps away from Kompassitori Square! 🏁
The little ones also have their own race during the Helsinki Marathon 👶. Indeed, the Kids Run Helsinki Park, taking place in the beautiful Meripuisto Park, welcomes children from 3 years old (and under) up to 15 years old. The event features two distances, 500 meters and 1000 meters, with medals awarded at the finish line 🏅 and refreshments provided 🥛. It's a delightful experience for both kids and parents alike. 😉
You can collect your race bib at Meripuisto, located at the intersection of Merisatamanranta and Neitsytpolku.
Pick-up dates and times:
Friday, August 22: Between 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM (All distances)
Saturday, August 23: Between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM (Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay Marathon) / Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM (10 km) / Between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM (Kids Race)
⚠️ SCHEDULE FOR 2025 COMING SOON
The marathon and relay marathon will start at 8:45 AM from Meripuisto
The half marathon will start at 8:10 AM from Meripuisto
The 10 km race will start at 1:45 PM from Kaisaniemenranta
Schedules for the 2025 Kids Run are to be announced.
The maximum time to complete the marathon is 6 hours, and for the half marathon, it is 3 hours. The 10 km race must be completed within 2 hours.
In August, Helsinki's weather is not as hot as in many parts of France. Average temperatures range from 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F). While the sun still shines during this month, be prepared for the possibility of some rain!
Helsinki is 1 hour ahead of France.
You can conveniently pay with the Euro, the official currency of Finland.
All finishers of the marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, and 10 km will receive the exclusive Helsinki Marathon medal.
The 10 km starts at the train station and runs along the port, finishing at Meripuisto. The half marathon loops through the southern part of Helsinki. The marathon includes a large 20 km loop in the northern part of the city before joining the final stretch shared with the other races.
The minimum age to participate in both the marathon and half marathon is 18 years.
For the Marathon: €55 until January 15, 2025, €60 from January 16 to February 15, 2025, €66 from February 16 to March 31, 2025, €72 from April 1 to May 15, 2025, €78 from May 16 to June 30, 2025, €84 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, €90 from August 1 to August 19, 2025, and €100 for any registration after this date.
For the 4-person Relay Marathon (price per team): €115 until January 15, 2025, €125 from January 16 to February 15, 2025, €135 from February 16 to March 31, 2025, €145 from April 1 to May 15, 2025, €155 from May 16 to June 30, 2025, €165 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, €175 from August 1 to August 19, 2025, and €195 for any registration after this date.
For the Half Marathon: €45 until January 15, 2025, €50 from January 16 to February 15, 2025, €55 from February 16 to March 31, 2025, €60 from April 1 to May 15, 2025, €65 from May 16 to June 30, 2025, €70 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, €75 from August 1 to August 19, 2025, and €80 for any registration after this date.
For the 10 km: €35 until January 15, 2025, €39 from January 16 to February 15, 2025, €39 from February 16 to March 31, 2025, €43 from April 1 to May 15, 2025, €47 from May 16 to June 30, 2025, €51 from July 1 to July 31, 2025, €55 from August 1 to August 19, 2025, and €60 for any registration after this date.
You can find your results directly on the Helsinki Marathon website under the "Results" section.
After your race, take the opportunity to explore Helsinki! Visit the National Museum of Finland, the Temppeliaukio Church, or the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Don't miss the Hakaniemi Market, the Design Museum, and the stunning Lutheran Cathedral.
You can find the race rules here.
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