Next spring Helsinki City Running Day offers participants a unique opportunity to run through the heart of Helsinki along the newly renovated Mannerheimintie. This stunning addition to the running routes connects Helsinki’s most iconic landmarks, creating an experience you don’t encounter every day – the chance to race along the city’s main thoroughfare!
The routes for the marathon (Saucony Helsinki City Marathon), half marathon (OP Uusimaa Helsinki City Run), and 5K street run (Helsinki City 5 and Helsinki City 5 Walk) all start at Mäntymäentie. From there, runners head west along Helsinginkatu. At the Opera House corner, the route turns south onto Mannerheimintie, taking participants along its wide lanes all the way to Parliament House. Along this iconic avenue, runners will pass numerous landmarks, including Hesperia Park, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, the Helsinki Music Centre, and Parliament House.
The wide streets at the start of the course provide extra space as the participant numbers grow, offering spectacular views of the city’s landmarks.
We’ve also listened to participant feedback and wishes for less crowded starts and fewer gravel paths. By shifting the route’s beginning from Töölönlahti to Mannerheimintie, we’re addressing both of these concerns. Now sports, culture, and the vibrant urban atmosphere come together better than ever in Finland’s largest running event, Helsinki City Running Day!
Photo: Hanne Salonen/Eduskunta