Vaarojen Marathon sells out in under a week as trail running sees shift in Finland

The peak of trail running popularity in Finland has passed. Five to six years ago, the sport was rapidly gaining traction, with events held across the country. While some have endured, others have faded away. The Vaarojen Marathon, held in the Kolilla region during autumn, has remained a staple, achieving a cult status among participants. This year, the event sold out in under a week.

Founded nearly two decades ago with the aim of maximizing challenges, the Vaarojen Marathon stands out due to its difficult course. “It’s the iconic event in Finland, intentionally scheduled at the most challenging time,” recalls Eero Lumme, who organizes several trail running events in Finland through Northern Ultra Trail Service Oy (Nuts). The marathon’s course is notably tough due to its elevation changes, roots, rocks, and slippery conditions, often exacerbated by unpredictable autumn weather.

Participants are required to bring their own snacks and are only provided with water along the route. This year’s event, held on a Friday and Saturday, attracted approximately 1,300 runners, with distances ranging from 7 to 130 kilometers.

Despite a general decline in some trail running events since before the pandemic, certain events have experienced growth. The introduction of shorter distances has lowered barriers for families to participate. Eero Lumme noted an increase in participants this year by 36%, indicating a shift in preference rather than a decline in interest.

However, some events, particularly around the capital, have struggled and lost their festive atmosphere, making it challenging to attract sponsors. Tanja Lindroos, from the organizing committee, emphasized that events need to grow significantly to engage potential sponsors effectively.

Trail running continues to draw active enthusiasts, including many who are semi-professional or former endurance athletes. Nonetheless, the majority remain everyday people seeking adventure and fulfillment in the sport.