Next race
Sunday, 2 May 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban and waterfront road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Helsinki City Marathon draws approximately 3,000 finishers each May on an urban and waterfront road in Helsinki, Finland. It is a separate event identity from the older Helsinki Marathon and uses the big-city running festival format. The route passes Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and parks along the Finnish capital's shoreline. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Helsinki City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 3,000 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:12:47 — Martín Fiz (1993)Women: 2:36:14 — Albina Galimova (1991)
Course & terrain
Helsinki City Marathon course
Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.
Starts and finishes at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium area. The route passes Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and parks along the Finnish capital's shoreline. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Helsinki City Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 26 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Helsinki City Marathon entry requirements
The Helsinki City Marathon uses open online registration at helsinkicityrun.fi/ with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Helsinki City Marathon travel
Airports closest to Helsinki for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Helsinki (Vantaa) (HEL)
Helsinki Vantaa Airport
17 km / 10 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Helsinki City Marathon elevation profile?
- The Helsinki City Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Helsinki City Marathon?
- The Helsinki City Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Urban and waterfront road starting and finishing at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium area.
- What time does the Helsinki City Marathon start?
- The 2027 Helsinki City Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Helsinki City Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium area. Updated each year.
- When is the Helsinki City Marathon and how do I register?
- Helsinki City Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Helsinki City Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Helsinki City Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Helsinki City Marathon pass?
- The route passes Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and parks along the Finnish capital's shoreline.
- What weather should runners expect at Helsinki City Marathon?
- Usually cool, breezy, and bright with typical Nordic spring conditions.
Official resources
Helsinki City Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Helsinki.
StockholmStockholm CountySweden· 396 km away
Stockholm Marathon
The Stockholm Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 12k finishers on an urban road in Stockholm, Sweden. The course starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. The route crosses several islands via bridges, passing the Royal Palace, City Hall, and Djurgården. Very flat with short climbs on bridge approaches.
Next race: Saturday, 29 May 2027
UppsalaUppsala CountySweden· 407 km away
Uppsala Marathon
The Uppsala Marathon attracts about 2,500 finishers each September through Sweden's historic university city north of Stockholm. The course passes the Uppsala Cathedral (Scandinavia's largest), the Gustavianum museum, and the Fyris River. September crisp Swedish autumn and flat Uppsala terrain make it a popular regional marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.