Helsinki now has several marathons and half marathons across the year. They are all fairly flat and all show off the city's seafront, but they have different characters. Here is how to choose. Always confirm dates and details with the official organiser.
At a glance
- April: Helsinki Spring Marathon (marathon, half, 10K, 5K). The season opener, and a smaller, friendly event.
- May: Helsinki City Run (marathon, half, 5K, relay). Finland's biggest running weekend, with the Helsinki City Marathon and Finland's largest half marathon, finishing at the Olympic Stadium.
- June: Helsinki Half Marathon (half, 5K). A seaside start at Kaivopuisto, in the greenest month of the year.
- August: Helsinki Marathon (marathon, half, 10K, relay). Late-summer racing on a single loop through central Helsinki.
Helsinki City Run weekend (May)
If you want atmosphere, this is the one. Tens of thousands of runners take part over the weekend, with a 5K on the Friday and the marathon, half marathon and relay on Saturday. Crossing the finish line inside the 1952 Olympic Stadium is a memorable experience. The Helsinki City Double lets the ambitious run the half marathon and the marathon on the same day.
Early May weather is usually cool and good for racing, but it can be windy, and early starts may be chilly. Accommodation books up, so reserve early.
Helsinki Half Marathon (June)
Starting and finishing by the sea in Kaivopuisto, the June half marathon loops through Katajanokka and Kalasatama, crosses the centre and returns along the southern shore. It starts early in the morning, which helps on warmer days, and its 5K is a good option for friends and family.
Helsinki Marathon (August)
The late-August Helsinki Marathon runs all distances on a single loop through the streets and seafronts of central Helsinki. Late summer means long, light evenings and the warmest sea, but also a chance of warm race-day conditions, so train for heat and hydrate well. The 4 × 10.55 km relay is a great way to bring a team.
Helsinki Spring Marathon (April)
A smaller spring event and a useful early-season target or tune-up for a May or June race. It offers the full range from 5K to marathon, plus kids' races.
Is Helsinki a fast course?
Helsinki is flat by big-city standards, but not pancake-flat. Short climbs, a few sharp turns and, above all, wind on the exposed seafront can cost time. Races along the shoreline are more about rhythm than raw speed. Check the organiser's course map and elevation profile, and our Helsinki Grand Tour route, which covers much of the same shoreline, for a preview run.
Race-weekend tips for visitors
- Stay central. Kamppi, Kluuvi and Töölö put you within walking distance of most start areas, and trams cover the rest.
- Shake out on Töölönlahti. The 3.5 km bay loop is flat, central and full of other runners on race weekend.
- Fuel. Supermarkets (K-Market, S-Market, Lidl) are everywhere and open late. Most races publish which gels and drinks they use.
- Recover properly: sauna and a swim at one of the seaside public saunas.
- Pack for four seasons. Even summer mornings can be cool on the start line.