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Helsinki Marathon

August 28, 2027 · 8:45 AMHelsinki, Finland

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Race snapshot

Race Day

63°F

54–70°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

295ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +20 ft

Participants

4,500

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

5/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Helsinki Marathon is an established August classic that has drawn international runners since the early 1980s, showcasing Finland's capital city in late-summer light. Currently sponsored by Björn Borg (title sponsor), the race retains its reputation as a well-organized urban marathon. The event attracts a mix of local clubs, recreational runners and international visitors seeking a scenic, fast course and a relaxed Nordic race experience. The organizers emphasize sustainability and runner services, with plentiful aid stations, pacers and post-race festivities that celebrate Helsinki's outdoor café culture.

The course threads together Helsinki's most photogenic waterfronts and green spaces, offering sustained views of the Baltic shoreline, the tree-lined Esplanadi and the calm waters of Töölönlahti. Runners pass notable landmarks and cultural sites, enjoy long, runnable stretches on flat city boulevards, and take in seaside promenades and parkland that provide shade and refreshing breezes. The route is spectator-friendly, with lively fan zones, local bands and community support that create an upbeat, encouraging atmosphere from start to finish. Typical late-August temperatures are cool to mild, helping many runners target personal bests.

The Helsinki Marathon is run on an AIMS-certified course and is accepted as a Boston Marathon qualifying event, making it appealing to those chasing qualifying times as well as first-time marathoners. The race weekend also includes a Half Marathon, 10K, Marathon Relay (4 x 10.55 km), and a Kids Run.

Course Highlights: 01Helsinki Olympic Stadium – Iconic finish/landmark near the race route, Finland's main sports stadium from the 1952 Olympics
02Töölönlahti (Töölö Bay) – Scenic waterfront stretch with parkland alongside the bay, popular with runners and spectators
03Sibelius Monument – Famous abstract sculpture and park dedicated to composer Jean Sibelius, a common photo stop on the course
04Market Square (Kauppatori) – Busy waterfront market by the Baltic Sea where runners pass near stalls and ferries
05Senate Square & Helsinki Cathedral – Historic neoclassical heart of the city with the imposing cathedral overlooking the route
06Esplanadi Park – Tree-lined central promenade and green space in downtown Helsinki, often lined with cheering crowds
07Kaivopuisto Park – Coastal seaside park offering open views of the Baltic and a scenic section of the marathon route
Also on this race weekend: 10K · Half marathon
Time Limit: 06:10
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 15 years
Entry Methods: Online Registration
Charity Entry
Tour Operator
Elite Invitation
Eligibility: Minimum age 15 for marathon/half marathon
Required Documents: QR code for bib pickup
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds after registration is completed
Bib transfers to another registered runner allowed until 31 July 2026 with a €10 administration fee
Deferral to the 2027 race allowed until 31 July 2026 for a €10 deferral fee
If the race is cancelled by organisers for reasons within their control, entrants will be offered a full deferral to the next edition or a partial refund (typically 50%) depending on circumstances
If the race is cancelled due to force majeure (e.g., government restrictions, extreme weather), entrants will be offered a deferral to the next edition; refunds are at organiser discretion

01: The Helsinki Marathon course is a largely flat, fast single-loop that showcases Helsinki landmarks including Töölönlahti bay, the Sibelius Monument, Helsinki Cathedral and the Esplanadi parkways.
02: Finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt, and there is a post-race recovery area with food and drinks plus a festival atmosphere near the finish line.
03: Race weekend includes an expo with bib pickup and vendors, a pre-race pasta party option, and a Kids Run event to involve families.
04: Aid stations are positioned roughly every 4–5 kilometers offering water and sports drink, and the race is well served by public transport—arrive early and use trams or buses to avoid limited parking and enjoy spectator-friendly viewing points along the waterfront.
05: The race offers four distances: Marathon (42.2 km), Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10K, and Marathon Relay (4 x 10.55 km). Current title sponsor: Björn Borg (Swedish sportswear brand).

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer295ft gain, 63°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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