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The Helsinki City Marathon is Finland’s largest and oldest marathon, featuring a scenic route through the capital’s streets and along the Baltic Sea, finishing at the historic Olympic Stadium.
Course Highlights
The Helsinki City Marathon course is renowned for its scenic beauty and variety, taking runners on a grand tour of Finland’s capital. The route begins at Mäntymäentie, near the legendary Paavo Nurmi statue, and quickly transitions to the stunning Helsinki waterfront. Participants enjoy kilometers of running alongside the Baltic Sea, with refreshing sea breezes and views of the archipelago. The course also weaves through lush green parks and past iconic landmarks, offering a mix of urban architecture and natural serenity. The ultimate highlight is the grand finish inside the recently renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium, where runners cross the finish line on the historic track under the cheers of spectators in the stands.
Race Details
As part of the Helsinki City Running Day, the marathon is the crown jewel of a weekend-long celebration of running. The event is AIMS-certified, ensuring a world-class experience with accurate timing and high-quality refreshment stations every few kilometers. The race typically starts in the morning, with the first wave departing at 09:30. A time limit of 6 hours makes the event accessible to a wide range of runners, while the marathon relay option allows teams of four to share the distance. Participants receive a comprehensive entry package, including a technical t-shirt, a finisher medal, and free entry to the Helsinki Swimming Stadium for a post-race recovery session.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to the Helsinki City Marathon for its exceptional atmosphere and the unique opportunity to finish in one of the world’s most historic sports venues. The “Helsinki City Double” challenge, which allows the most ambitious athletes to run both the half marathon and the full marathon on the same day, is a major draw for endurance enthusiasts. Beyond the race itself, the event is organized by Finnish Athletics, with profits supporting youth sports across the country. The international field, featuring runners from over 80 nations, creates a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the spirit of running in the heart of the “World’s Happiest Country.”
At a Glance
- Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa — Finland
- Next Date: 2026-05-16
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Helsinki City 5 (5 km), Helsinki City 5 Walk, Minimarathon, Helsinki City Double
- Start Time: 09:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://helsinkicityrunningday.fi/en/
The Helsinki City Marathon is Finland’s largest and oldest marathon, featuring a scenic route through the capital’s streets and along the Baltic Sea, finishing at the historic Olympic Stadium.
Course Highlights
The Helsinki City Marathon course is renowned for its scenic beauty and variety, taking runners on a grand tour of Finland’s capital. The route begins at Mäntymäentie, near the legendary Paavo Nurmi statue, and quickly transitions to the stunning Helsinki waterfront. Participants enjoy kilometers of running alongside the Baltic Sea, with refreshing sea breezes and views of the archipelago. The course also weaves through lush green parks and past iconic landmarks, offering a mix of urban architecture and natural serenity. The ultimate highlight is the grand finish inside the recently renovated Helsinki Olympic Stadium, where runners cross the finish line on the historic track under the cheers of spectators in the stands.
Race Details
As part of the Helsinki City Running Day, the marathon is the crown jewel of a weekend-long celebration of running. The event is AIMS-certified, ensuring a world-class experience with accurate timing and high-quality refreshment stations every few kilometers. The race typically starts in the morning, with the first wave departing at 09:30. A time limit of 6 hours makes the event accessible to a wide range of runners, while the marathon relay option allows teams of four to share the distance. Participants receive a comprehensive entry package, including a technical t-shirt, a finisher medal, and free entry to the Helsinki Swimming Stadium for a post-race recovery session.
Why Runners Love It
Runners are drawn to the Helsinki City Marathon for its exceptional atmosphere and the unique opportunity to finish in one of the world’s most historic sports venues. The “Helsinki City Double” challenge, which allows the most ambitious athletes to run both the half marathon and the full marathon on the same day, is a major draw for endurance enthusiasts. Beyond the race itself, the event is organized by Finnish Athletics, with profits supporting youth sports across the country. The international field, featuring runners from over 80 nations, creates a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the spirit of running in the heart of the “World’s Happiest Country.”
At a Glance
- Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa — Finland
- Next Date: 2026-05-16
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, Helsinki City 5 (5 km), Helsinki City 5 Walk, Minimarathon, Helsinki City Double
- Start Time: 09:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://helsinkicityrunningday.fi/en/