Helsinki City Marathon

Location: Helsinki
Country: Finland
Website: https://helsinkicityrun.fi/en/helsinkicitymarathon/
2025 Marathon Date: 17/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 16/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:25:17
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Helsinki City Marathon is one of Finland’s most prominent long-distance running events, taking place each May in the country’s capital. The course offers a broad tour of Helsinki’s coastal and urban landscapes, combining seaside breezes, Nordic efficiency, and moderate crowd support into a well-balanced spring challenge.

The route is a two-lap loop that incorporates city boulevards, parks, bridges and coastal roads. It includes long, steady straights and sections along the Baltic shoreline. The terrain is gently undulating, with a few small climbs but nothing especially steep. Roads are wide and smooth, and turns are gradual, making the course suitable for runners aiming to maintain steady effort throughout.

Weather in Helsinki in mid-May tends to be cool and dry, with race starts timed to avoid warmer afternoon conditions. Wind is the main variable - particularly along exposed waterfront segments - but temperatures are generally favourable for marathon performance.

The atmosphere at the Helsinki City Marathon is low-key but friendly. Support is strongest near the city centre and at key crossing points, with quieter stretches along the coast and parkland. The field includes a mix of Finnish club runners and international participants, with a decent number of sub-3-level athletes offering pacing company.

Organisation is reliable, with efficient bib collection, frequent hydration stations, and good signage. The loop format is well-marked, and while mentally challenging at times, it allows runners to learn from the first lap and adjust strategy on the second.

For sub-3 hopefuls, the Helsinki City Marathon is a quiet but credible option - particularly for those drawn to cooler climates and well-managed race experiences. The field size and pacing environment make it a solid PB opportunity, provided runners are prepared for some exposure and moderate elevation changes.