Commonly referred to as the White City of the North, it has a keen taste for sustainable design and Art Nouveau 🎨, consists of 330 islands that shape its elegant profile 🏖, and many find it reminiscent of its Russian neighbor, Saint Petersburg. So, any guesses ? ➡️ It’s a big yes for Helsinki! 🇫🇮
Perched by the Baltic Sea 🌊, the vibrant Finnish capital beautifully blends urbanism 🏙 with nature 🏞. As the water expands the horizon, numerous parks dot the cityscape with patches of green, seamlessly integrating among the calm buildings and wide avenues of the city. Here, all elements harmonize to surprise you at every turn 😍.
And when spring 🌸 sheds the city's snowy coat ❄️, and the dark winter days give way to the midnight sun of summer ☀️, the Björn Borg Helsinki Half Marathon awakens from its long hibernation 😴. In June, in the Töölö district, the Finnish capital comes alive each year with the footsteps of runners challenging themselves over 21.0975 km 🏃♀️. The race's course paints a faithful portrait of Helsinki: a land of contrasts living in true harmony with the nature surrounding it. Whether in the city, by the seaside, or in the heart of public parks, all amidst an electrifying atmosphere with several cheering stations. That's the Helsinki Half Marathon for you 🏁!
Let's dive a bit deeper into what you'll see along your journey 👀. Promised, step by step the various southern districts of the capital will open up to you, revealing their little secrets 😉. In Kluuvi, the Kiasma Contemporary Art Museum and the neoclassical styled Finnish Parliament will kick things off. A few kilometers down, the ports along the Hietalahdenranta bay will take over, soothing your soul with their blue aura 💙. Then, the Merikatu street and its traditional colored houses will take your breath away 🌈. The Katajanokka district and its stunning Uspenski Cathedral will be admired between breaths. Lastly, to add a touch of adventure to your 21.095 km, you'll explore, much like Robinson Crusoe, the Island of Tervasaari. Indeed, surprises await you throughout this beautiful loop in the southern part of the Finnish capital. And for the little ones 🐥, worry not, the organizers have everything planned: two races of 500 m and 1000 m are scheduled for this exceptional sporting event.
Because fatigue is no excuse, after indulging fully heartily in the Pasta Party 😋, your stamina will (still) be tested to keep up with the hourly pace of the long Finnish summer nights ⏰. Indeed, in the summer season, when nature generously bestows nearly 20 hours of daylight from June to July on this part of the world, the capital's philosophy can be summed up in a few words: don't bother going to bed, go out and fully enjoy the fleeting joys of the midnight sun ! The choice is yours: you can venture out to the Suomenlinna islands 🚣, wander around the market square 🥕 and the small port, marvel at the buildings decorated with Finnish fauna and flora motifs, or even relax in a seaside sauna 🔥. Guaranteed, Helsinki promises a night like no other ! 🌙
Starting from Kaivopuisto Park 🌳, you'll set off towards the Katajanokka district. You'll follow the coastline towards the Kalasatama area, and then head west into the bustling city of Helsinki! Near the train station, you'll follow the railway tracks 🚃. Once you pass around the waterfront, you'll spot the Kamppi district and then Punavuori 🏙️, both guiding you back towards the coast! From there, it's a straight path to the finish line, right where you started 😝.
Starting from Kaivopuisto Park 🌳, right by the waterfront 🌊, you'll embark on a scenic 5 km loop around the park and along the harbor! ⛵
Half-Marathon: 8:30 AM
5 km: 8:45 AM
You can collect your race bib at Meripuisto (intersection of Merisatamanranta and Neitsytpolku):
Friday, June 6, 2025, from 1 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, June 7, 2025, between 6 AM and 7:30 AM
For the Half-Marathon: 3 hours 10 minutes
For the 5 km: 1 hour 5 minutes
For the Half-Marathon:
€55 until January 31, 2025
€60 from February 1 to February 29, 2025
€65 from March 1 to March 31, 2025
€70 from April 1 to May 2, 2025
€75 from May 3 to June 1, 2025
€80 after this date
For the 5 km:
€33 until January 31, 2025
€35 from February 1 to February 29, 2025
€35 from March 1 to March 31, 2025
€37 from April 1 to May 2, 2025
€40 from May 3 to June 1, 2025
€50 after this date
Five hydration stations are planned along the Half-Marathon route:
4.5 km at Laivastokuja, Katajanokka: NOSHT sports drink + water
8 km at Vilhovuorenkatu, Suvilahti: NOSHT sports drink + water
11.5 km at Dallapénpuisto Park: NOSHT sports drink + water + NOSHT Jollos energy candies
15 km at Töölönlahti (north): NOSHT sports drink + water
18 km at Baana (south): NOSHT sports drink + water
At the finish line, hydrating drinks and other snacks will also be available.
In June in Helsinki, average temperatures range between 10°C and 15°C. Although the sun usually shines at this time of year, a few rain showers might surprise you during your run!
In Helsinki, there is a 1-hour time difference ahead of France.
You can easily pay in Euros, which is the official currency of Finland.
At the finish line, all half-marathon finishers will receive the exclusive HHM medal.
The minimum age to participate in these events is 18 years.
You can find your results directly on the Helsinki Half Marathon website on the "Results" page.
After your race, take advantage of your visit to Helsinki by exploring the National Museum of Finland, the Temppeliaukio Church, the Suomenlinna Fortress, the Hakaniemi Market, the Design Museum, or the stunning Lutheran Cathedral of the city.
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