Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon
23 August 2025 Helsinki, Finland 10km, 21km, 42km Road runningThe Helsinki Marathon: Blending Urban Charm with Scandinavian Vibes.
Established in 1981, the Helsinki Marathon is the oldest marathon in Scandinavia and is renowned as the most eco-friendly in the world! This event attracts nearly 6,000 runners and around 50,000 spectators from 50 different countries each August. The Nordic capital warmly welcomes athletes from all over the globe to experience its unique culture.
The race kicks off in the Mäntymäentie district, under the watchful eye of the legendary statue of Paavo Nurmi, Finland’s most decorated athlete and a national hero. Runners then journey along the prestigious Mannerheimintie Avenue, passing landmarks like the Parliament and the contemporary art museum Kiasma, before crossing the finish line at the Olympic Stadium. Helsinki, known as the “White City of the North,” perfectly embodies the blend of tradition and modernity, captivating thousands of participants eager to tackle the 42.195 km challenge.
However, Finland’s climate is a crucial factor to consider. Unlike the warm summer temperatures of central Europe, August conditions in Helsinki can be unpredictable. Humidity, cold winds, and showers are part of the package, with temperatures often struggling to exceed 20°C in summer. Another highlight: Helsinki’s famous “white nights,” where the sun barely sets past midnight, can throw off runners unaccustomed to such a schedule.
Since its inception in 1981, the Helsinki Marathon has evolved significantly. Beyond its stunning backdrop, what sets it apart today is the warm atmosphere it exudes. The Finns, committed to protecting their environment, have made this event exemplary in ecological standards. Refreshment stations feature recyclable cups and plastic-free systems, and the city’s public transportation promotes green travel throughout the competition. This makes the BMW Helsinki Marathon the most eco-friendly marathon in Europe!
Despite their reputation for being reserved, the Finnish people have shown their hospitality to be genuine and welcoming. The residents of Helsinki, or “Helsinkiläiset” in Finnish, even offer a moment of relaxation for participants: after the exertion, tradition has it that everyone gathers in public saunas to share a well-deserved moment of camaraderie!
KEY POINTS
- At the Helsinki Marathon, it’s common to find pickles at the refreshment points. They’re great for preventing cramps!
- The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s important to prepare several outfits to adjust on race day.
- Czech athlete Emil Zatopek made history at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. He emerged victorious in the marathon with a time of 2 h 23’03”, finishing over two minutes ahead of the runner-up. In the previous days, he had already won the 5,000 m and 10,000 m races. Emil Zatopek entered the history books that day with his never-repeated triple victory.
