Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Helsinki City Marathon is a relaxed spring 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 May, it offers mild Nordic spring conditions with long daylight and generally pleasant weather. Crowds are modest and the atmosphere understated rather than roaring. It suits runners who want a scenic, low-key spring marathon in a clean, easygoing Northern European setting.
Course Insight
Helsinki runs in Nordic spring along the Baltic seafront on a mostly flat course, where the main variable is mild, changeable temperatures rather than terrain. The level profile leaves restraint to you on the open early kilometres. Coastal breeze and May 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 elevation
- 0m
- Start
- Mäntymäentie
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:12:47 — Martin Fiz (Spain), 1993
- Women's
- 2:36:14 — Albina Galimova (Russia), 1991
Race History
The Helsinki City Marathon was first held in 1981 and moved from its original August date to the Nordic spring in 2018, tracing the bays, parks, and Baltic shoreline of the Finnish capital. Its flat course and long daylight give it a relaxed, scenic character. From its founding it became Finland's premier marathon. Held each May, 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.