Björn Borg Helsinki Half Marathon 2026

It's nicknamed the white city of the North. With a strong penchant for sustainable design and Art Nouveau 🎨, its elegant silhouette is formed by 330 islands 🏖️, often drawing comparisons to its Russian neighbor, Saint Petersburg. Any guesses? ➡️ It's a big yes for Helsinki! 🇫🇮

Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea 🌊, Finland's vibrant capital masterfully blends urban life 🏙️ with nature 🏞️. As the water broadens the horizon, numerous parks create lush green patches and seamlessly merge with the tranquil buildings and wide avenues of the city. Here, every element comes together to present delightful surprises around every corner 😍.

When spring 🌸 lifts the snowy ❄️ veil from the city, and the winter darkness gives way to the summer's midnight sun ☀️, the Helsinki Half Marathon (Björn Borg Helsinki Half Marathon in its full name) awakens from its long slumber 😴. Taking place in June, in the Töölö district, the Finnish capital comes alive each year with runners challenging themselves over 21.0975 km 🏃‍♀️. The race route paints a faithful picture of Helsinki: a land of contrasts truly living in harmony with its surrounding nature. Through the city, along the seaside 🌊, at the heart of public parks 🌳, all enhanced by vibrant cheering points 🥳. That's what the Helsinki Half is all about! 🏁

Let's dive into the details of what you'll see during your race 👀. Rest assured, step by step, the different southern districts of the capital will reveal their secrets to you 😉. In Kluuvi, the Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum and the neoclassical style Finnish Parliament will mark the start 😌. A few kilometers later, the ports along Hietalahdenranta Bay 🚤 will take over, adding some blue balm to your heart 💙. Next, the Merikatu Street with its traditional colorful houses will leave you breathless 🌈. The Katajanokka district and its stunning Uspenski Cathedral ⛪ will be a sight to behold between breaths. Finally, to give a touch of adventure to your 21.095 km, you'll circle around Tervasaari Island 🏝️, much like a modern-day Robinson Crusoe. As you've gathered, surprises await at every turn along this delightful loop in the southern part of the Finnish capital. And for those with smaller appetites 🤏, fear not, organizers have you covered: a 5 km run is also part of this exceptional sporting event 🤩.

Because there's no such thing as fatigue, after you've indulged (perhaps a bit too much 😋) at the Pasta Party, your endurance will (again) be tested to keep pace with the late-night hours of Finland's long summer evenings ⏰. Indeed, in the bright season when nature generously offers nearly 20 hours of daylight from June to July to this part of the world, the capital's philosophy can be summed up in a few words: forget about going to bed, head out and make the most of the fleeting joys of the midnight sun! 😎 So, the choice is yours: set sail for the Suomenlinna islands 🚣, wander around the market square 🥕 and the small harbor, marvel at buildings adorned with Finnish flora and fauna motifs, or unwind in a local sauna 🔥.

As you can see, a sleepless night guaranteed in Helsinki! 🌙