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. Töölö Bay, seaside roads, and shoreline parks carry May's big-city running festival along the Finnish capital's waterfront on a largely level route.
Helsinki City Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Helsinki City Marathon 2027 race day
The next Helsinki City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Helsinki City Marathon course route
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.
Helsinki City Marathon elevation profile
The Helsinki City Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
Entry requirements
The Helsinki City Marathon uses open online registration at helsinkicityrunningday.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.
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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, 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 on helsinkicityrunningday.fi/en/helsinki-city-marathon/ 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 course maps are published at https://helsinkicityrunningday.fi/en/helsinki-city-marathon/ each year.
- When is the Helsinki City Marathon and how do I register?
- Helsinki City Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://helsinkicityrunningday.fi/en/helsinki-city-marathon/ and 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Helsinki.
Tallinn, Harju County, Estonia· 82 km away
Tallinna Maraton
The Tallinna Maraton (Tallinn Marathon) attracts about 6,500 finishers each September through Estonia's medieval capital. The course passes the UNESCO-listed old town walls, Toompea Castle, and the Baltic Sea waterfront. September crisp weather and flat coastal terrain make it the Baltic region's largest marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden· 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, 5 June 2027
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