Helsinki City Marathon

Overview

The Helsinki City Marathon is a marathon event held in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, known as the Baltic Maiden.

One of the charms of this course is that you can feel the sea breeze all over your body and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you run around the seaside of the Baltic Sea, starting and finishing at the Olympic Stadium.

Finland is synonymous with saunas.

Please heal your tired body.

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Course

The Helsinki City Marathon, also known as the Saucony Helsinki City Marathon, boasts a scenic course that highlights the beauty of Helsinki, Finland. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Harbor setting:The course winds its way through the city’s main harbor area, offering stunning views of the water throughout the race . Expect a mix of urban streets and waterfront paths.
Island hopping: The marathon takes runners across some of Helsinki’s inner harbor islands, adding a unique element to the race. This provides a brief change of scenery from the mainland.
Picturesque route:The course is known for being picturesque, showcasing iconic landmarks and historical sites of Helsinki. You might even catch glimpses of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress, as you run.
Start and Finish:The race starts near the statue of Paavo Nurmi, a legendary Finnish runner, and finishes at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium, a historic landmark that hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Terrain: While not entirely flat, the course is generally considered to be medium-difficulty. There might be some rolling hills and bridges to navigate, but it’s not a significantly hilly route.

The charm of the city

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a city that effortlessly blends stunning natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage and urban vibrancy. Here are some of the reasons why Helsinki is a charming city:

Spectacular Waterfront Setting
Helsinki is built on a peninsula jutting out into the Baltic Sea, and water is an integral part of the city’s fabric. The long coastline is dotted with bays, islands, and skerries, offering beautiful harbors and scenic archipelagos for exploration. You can take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a fascinating 18th-century sea fortress, or simply relax at one of the many waterfront promenades, soaking up the sea views.
Architectural Gems
Helsinki boasts a unique architectural landscape, showcasing a blend of neoclassical styles, jugend (Finnish Art Nouveau), and functionalist buildings. Highlights include the white-domed Helsinki Cathedral, a national landmark, and the iconic yellow Senate Square. Don’t miss the stunning Temppeliaukio Rock Church, a church carved directly into solid rock with a skylight dome.
Thriving Cultural Scene
Helsinki is a hub of culture and creativity. The city has over 80 museums covering a wide range of interests, from Finnish history and design to contemporary art. Catch a world-class performance at the Helsinki Music Hall or the Finnish National Opera House.
Green Oasis
Despite being a city, Helsinki has a strong connection to nature. There are numerous parks and green spaces scattered throughout the city, perfect for escaping the urban buzz and enjoying some fresh air. Relax in the sprawling Helsinki Central Park or explore the Sibelius Park, a tribute to Finland’s famous composer Jean Sibelius.
Foodie Paradise
Helsinki’s food scene offers a delightful mix of fresh seafood, traditional Finnish fare, and international cuisine. Sample local specialties like salmon soup (lohikeitto), reindeer meat (poronhovi), and Karelian pasties (karjalanpiirakka). For a quintessential Finnish experience, grab a cinnamon bun (korvapuusti) from a local bakery.
Lively Events
Throughout the year, Helsinki comes alive with various events and festivals. Catch the Helsinki City Marathon for a sporty experience, or immerse yourself in the Helsinki Festival, a celebration of arts and culture. During the winter, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets and festive illuminations.