Helsinki Marathon

HelsinkiUusimaaFinland

Next race

Saturday, 8 May 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 73 m gain

73 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Helsinki Marathon draws approximately 6,000 finishers on an urban road in Helsinki, Finland. The course starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium. The route passes Senate Square, Suomenlinna ferry views, and the waterfront boulevard. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.

Helsinki Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 6,000 finishers

Weather: Cool and humid spring
5–9°C · humidity 60–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:12:47 — Martín Fiz (1993)Women: 2:36:14 — Albina Galimova (1991)

Course & terrain

Helsinki Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Helsinki Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium and passes Senate Square, the harbour boulevard, and waterfront views toward Suomenlinna. The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, and spectators gather at the stadium finish and along the waterfront and Senate Square.

Helsinki Marathon route map

Registration

Helsinki Marathon entry requirements

For the Helsinki Marathon, the Helsinki City Marathon is typically held on the second Saturday of May each year. May marks the start of Finland's long, light summer — a wonderful time to race in Helsinki. Check helsinkicityrun.fi/en/helsinkicitymarathon for exact dates and registration.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Helsinki Marathon elevation profile?: The Helsinki Marathon has 73 metres of total climbing and 73 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Helsinki Marathon route map?: This page includes a Helsinki Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Senate Square, Suomenlinna ferry views, and the waterfront boulevard.
How long is the Helsinki Marathon?: The Helsinki Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Olympic Stadium.
What time does the Helsinki Marathon start?: The 2027 Helsinki Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Saturday, 8 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What does the Helsinki City Marathon course look like?: The Helsinki City Marathon hugs the Baltic coastline as it winds through Finland's compact and beautiful capital. The route passes key landmarks including Senate Square, the Helsinki Cathedral, Sibelius Park, and the seafront promenades along the Gulf of Finland, offering runners a tour of the 'Daughter of the Baltic'.
When is the Helsinki City Marathon held?: The Helsinki City Marathon is typically held on the second Saturday of May each year. May marks the start of Finland's long, light summer — a wonderful time to race in Helsinki.
Is the Helsinki Marathon course flat?: Yes. Helsinki's mostly flat granite bedrock makes for a gentle course with minimal elevation change. The seafront sections along the Gulf of Finland are especially level, making this a solid course for runners targeting a fast time.
What is the weather like at the Helsinki City Marathon in May?: May in Helsinki offers pleasant spring conditions, typically 8–16 °C, with long daylight hours. Rain is possible but humidity is generally low. The cool air and sea breeze off the Baltic create comfortable marathon running conditions.
Is the Helsinki Marathon part of a larger running event?: Yes. The marathon forms part of the Helsinki City Run event series, which also includes shorter race distances, giving the weekend a festive atmosphere on the waterfront. The event is organised by the Finnish Athletics Federation.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

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HelsinkiUusimaaFinland· 0 km away

Helsinki City Marathon

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.

Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

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Next race: Sunday, 12 September 2027

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StockholmStockholm CountySweden· 396 km away

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Next race: Saturday, 29 May 2027

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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.

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