Record-BreakingFinlandiaMarathon
More Participants Than Ever
Registration advanced at record speed this year, and the final number of participants rose to over 8,000 runners –about 500 more than in 2024
On Friday, the Youth Marathon gathered around 4,500 schoolchildren. In addition, more than 3,500 runners took part in Finlandia Five (5K), Valon Kymppi (10K), the half marathon, the marathon, the Masters European Championship Marathon, and the marathon relay.
Two Days of Running Joy
The event offered distances for everyone: Friday featured the Youth Marathon, the relay, Finlandia Five, and the illuminated Valon Kymppi. On Saturday, the stage was reserved for the
The Power of Community
More than 250 volunteers ensured that the weekend ran safely and in a cheerful spirit. The Rantaraitti route, the Finlandia Hymn before each start, and the encouragement from the crowds created a unique atmosphere where every runner could enjoy a personal experience.
This year also brought an international touch, as the Masters European Championship Marathon was run as part of the weekend (read more in a separate article)
�� Jyväskylä’s Rantaraitti & Paviljonki
�� Over 8,000 participants
�� Distances: Finlandia Five (5K), Valon Kymppi (10K), Half Marathon, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Youth Marathon
�� Masters European Championship Marathon: 290 runners, 24 countries
�� Representing 35 nationalities
�� Over 250 volunteers
❤ Countless moments of achievement, success, and unforgettable experiences
�� See the 2025 photo gallery here
Course and atmosphere
The championship marathon started at 11:00 from Lutakonaukio together with the Finlandia Marathon The course circled Lake Jyväsjärvi four times, offering a flat route and beautiful scenery Supporters from many countries lined the route, creating a unique and truly international atmosphere
International age groups and awards
Both men ’ s and women ’ s competitions were divided into five-year age groups, ranging from 35 up to 95 years. The top three in each category were awarded medals
Pictured are the overall winners of the Masters European Championship Marathon: Tanya Dimitrova (2:51:45, Bulgaria) and Alexander Wallace (2:25:29, Ireland). Explore more impressive results from the European Championship races as well as other Finlandia Marathon events in the official results service
The event was organized in cooperation with European Masters Athletics (EMA) and the Finlandia Marathon organizers, KeskiSuomen Liikunta and JKU
Runners’Stories–Experiencesfromthe FinlandiaMarathon
What inspires thousands of people to come to Jyväskylä each September to run? We asked participants what made their experience unforgettable – and why others should join in next year.
Questions:
1 What was your feeling at the start of the event?
2 What was the best moment of the event or the course for you?
3. Why should others join next year?
4 What was your reward after the run?
Ia, 5K and Half Marathon, second time at the event
1 I arrived at the race full of positive energy! Jyväskylä is such an amazing city for sports, and it’s always great to come back – especially since my first experience here was so good.
2. The best part of the half marathon route was definitely the last three kilometers! The whole course is beautiful and enjoyable. The lakeside views combined with the incredible cheering towards the finish made it unforgettable.
3 If you haven’t participated the Finlandia Marathon before, I warmly recommend it! The route is stunning, the atmosphere is full of encouragement, and at the finish line you get both a medal and a goodie bag filled with treats. The organization is excellent too, which makes returning to the race an easy choice.
friends After the half marathon it was amazing to have the chance to get a massage right at the finish line, since my hamstring had tightened up badly. The next day I also kicked off my summer holiday!
4 After the 5 km we went out to eat with
Elli, Marathon Relay 5 km, first time at the event
1 I felt really good! I was super nervous though, because this was my very first sports competition as an adult
2 At the finish, when my teammates cheered me across the line!
3 This is a low-threshold event where you can push your limits together with friends
4 An evening in the sauna with pizza –and our coach had even made a short video about our journey to the marathon relay!
Ville, Marathon Relay 5 km, first time at the event
1. With anticipation! We had a great team, and doing sports together is close to my heart
2. The atmosphere at the start/finish area Everyone was on fire
3. The joy of sports in beautiful surroundings! The event was also very well organized.
4 A well-deserved recovery drink and treats
Pinja, Marathon Relay 5 km, first time at the event
1 I joined with good but excited feelings
2. The best moment was finishing my own leg, handing over, and then being able to cheer on the others.
3 You should join because the event has a supportive atmosphere and gives you the chance to push your limits.
4 Our team’s reward after all the runs was pizza, sauna, and beer.
Konsta, Marathon Relay 5 km, first time at the event
1 With a good and relaxed feeling! Competitive spirit, but with a fun attitude.
2 The sense of togetherness The best part of the course was the illuminated lakeside section!
3 Definitely for the great competitive spirit and the shared atmosphere!
4 Sauna and pizza!
Tony, Marathon Relay 5 km, first time at the event
1 Very curious and energized
2 Definitely the home stretch, with my team and friends cheering me on!
3 It’s a great chance to challenge yourself physically in an easy-access event and enjoy the supportive team spirit
4. Sauna with the team and a cold beer.
Elina, Half Marathon, first time at the event
1 I approached the event with excitement and anticipation. It was the culmination of my training with ASICS, which I had been preparing for all summer together with Ia and Jeremias. I had heard so many good things about the event and was looking forward to the course and the atmosphere
2. I liked that the route was run twice around the same loop The second lap felt mentally easier since I already knew what to expect The best moment of the event, besides crossing the finish line myself, was seeing my running partners push their limits and reach the finish
3 The course is really beautiful and also quite fast for chasing personal records Everything was very well organized, and next time I’m thinking I might run a shorter race the day before and a longer one the following day
4 After the run, my two-week holiday began! Could there be a better reward? :D
Photo: Pena Rekiranta
ThePeopleBehindtheEvent
Organizing the Finlandia Marathon requires the efforts of many people The event would not be possible without a large team of volunteers, dedicated partners, and the organizations responsible for its arrangements. We warmly thank everyone whose work and support made the event a success, bringing the joy of sport and the power of community to thousands of participants and spectators.
Just like in training, the event is developed step by step.
We want to hear about your experience: what worked well, and where can we pick up the pace? Your feedback is valuable to us – share it via this link.
Prizes donated by our partners will be raffled among all participants who provide feedback, so make sure to take part!
NextFinlandiaMarathon:
September11–12,2026–SavetheDate
The Finlandia Marathon will return to Jyväskylä on September 11–12, 2026 Mark your calendar now and get ready to experience the joy of running, a sense of community, and the stunning scenery along the Rantaraitti route!
What is your goal for next autumn? Do you want to run your first marathon or half marathon, or challenge yourself to a faster time? The event offers an unforgettable experience for both first-timers and those who join the annual running celebration –everyone can find their own way to enjoy the sport and the amazing event
