Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Helsinki City Marathon is a relaxed summer race through the Finnish capital, tracing the Baltic shoreline, the bays, and the green parks that define this seafront city. The course is largely flat with only gentle variation, running past landmarks like the harbor and the city's distinctive architecture on quiet, well-organized roads. Held in August, it offers the unusual prospect of a mild Nordic summer race, with long daylight and generally pleasant conditions. Crowds are modest and the atmosphere understated rather than roaring. It suits runners who want a scenic, low-key summer marathon in a clean, easygoing Northern European setting.
Course Insight
Helsinki runs in late summer along the Baltic seafront on a mostly flat course, where the main variable is warmth rather than terrain. The level profile leaves restraint to you on the open early kilometres. Coastal breeze and August sun are worth managing with steady fluids and a controlled start. Crowds are calm and the setting maritime and pretty. Pace it evenly and the flat seaside route delivers a clean day.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (360m), tough late hills, lots of turns.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 360m
- Elevation loss
- 360m
- Highest point
- 44m
- Lowest point
- 15m
- Net drop
- 0m
- Start
- Mäntymäentie
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
Race History
The Helsinki City Marathon was first held in 1980 and is run unusually in the height of the Nordic summer, tracing the bays, parks, and Baltic shoreline of the Finnish capital. Its flat course and long daylight gave it a relaxed, scenic character distinct from the autumn and spring majors. From its founding it became Finland's premier marathon. Held each August, it draws a steady international field to the easygoing northern city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL)
- Best area to stay
- The city centre at Kluuvi for central hotels near the route, Kamppi for transport-hub convenience, and Kallio for hip, affordable stays.
- Getting to the start
- The start is central near the Olympic Stadium/Töölö; take a tram or the metro to the start area and walk in.