EARLY BIRD 2026
EARLY BIRD -registration is open for Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 22.8.2026! Catch a super affordable registration now - read more here!
Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 22.8.2026 - Event Info
Event info regarding Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon
Event info 2026
General info
Time and location
Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon will be run on 22.8.2026 on the streets of downtown Helsinki.
Preliminary start times:
Friday 21.8.
17.00 Kids Run Helsinki Marathon 500 m
17.15 Kids Run Helsinki Marathon 1000 m
Saturday 22.8.
8.10 Half Marathon, from Meripuisto
8.45 Marathon & Marathon Relay, from Meripuisto
13.45 10 km, from Kaisaniemenranta
Please note that start closes 5 minutes after the start time on each distance.
The event area and race office are located in Meripuisto. The half marathon and marathon distances start in Meripuisto.
The 10 km race starts in Kaisaniemenranta and finishes in Meripuisto.
Registration
Pre-registration for Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 2026 is now open – sign up below and secure your spot!
Distances and series
Distances
10 k
Half Marathon (21,1 km)
Marathon Relay (4 x 10,55k)
Marathon (42,195 km)
Kids Run Helsinki Marathon (500m/1000m)
Series
The marathon, half marathon and 10k series, based on the rules of Finnish Athletics Federation and WA, are: Men General, Women General, and age groups 40, 50, 60 and 70 for both men and women.
Runners are placed in age series automatically according to their birth date. The general series includes all runners. In addition, there is an ‘Other’ series for other genders for all distances. For Marathon Relay the series are: Women and Open.
The minimum age for participating in the marathon or half marathon is 15 years old.
Training
Best help with your training towards Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon you can get from our coaching partner Runner’s High. Read more about our coaching services at www.runhigh.fi
WE RUN HELSINKI RUNNING CLUB
WE RUN HELSINKI RUNNING CLUB offers free monthly training sessions and social runs for everyone who has registered to our events! Read more here (in Finnish).
Event
Race office and bib numbers
The race office is located in Meripuisto (address: intersection of Merisatamanranta and Neitsytpolku). You can pick up your race number and late register for the event at the race office.
Your bib number must be picked up no later than one hour before the start time for your distance.
You will receive an email and a text message before the race office opens, with a QR code, with which you can pick up your bib number. Please be ready to show the QR code to the staff when you arrive at the race office (and if you’re picking up a friend’s bib number, show their document as well). Marathon relay numbers will be given to the whole team at once, along with the relay baton.
We highly recommend picking up your bib number on Friday to avoid queues at the race office on the morning of the race.
Please note that the 10 km start is located in Kaisaniemenranta, some kilometers away from the race office.
Bag storage
The bag storage is free for all runners. It is located in the event area in Meripuisto and is open on race day.
When you pick up your bib number, you will receive a canvas bag and a sticker with your bib number on it. When you leave your belongings at the bag storage, please place them in the bag and attach a sticker on the strap of the bag.
You will collect your belongings from the bag storage by showing us your bib number, so keep it safe if you have bags in the storage.
10 km runners can also leave belongings at the 10 km starting point in Kaisaniemenranta, starting at 12.30 on race day. Belongings must be left in the storage bag you received from the race office with your bib number. The bags will be transported by the organiser to Meripuisto and they can be collected from the bag storage at the event area by showing your bib number.
Timing and timing chip
Chip timing is used at Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon. The chip is attached on the back of your bib number.
The bib number is personal and it must be attached to the front of your shirt and be kept visible during the entire run. The bib number should not be folded.
There is no need to return the chip after the race.
Every runner will receive gross and net times. The net time starts when the runner crosses the starting line. The official results are announced according to the net time. Top three in general series are awarded based on gross time.
Hydration stations and finish line services
There will be hydration stations approximately every 3-4 kilometer on all distances. There is water and sports drink available at all stations, as well as Nosht Jollos energy chews at selected ones.
At the refreshment stations, the serving order in the running direction is: 1. Jollos energy chews (only at selected stations, about 50 m before the drinks), 2. Own drinks (only at selected stations), 3. Sports drink, 4. Water.
There is a hydration station also at the finish serving water and Nosht sports drink, as well as other refreshments from our partners.
Please drop all your rubbish at the drinking stations or bins and not on the streets along the route – let’s keep the city and the route clean together!
There will be hydration stations approximately every 3-4 kilometer on all distances. There is water and sports drink available at all stations, as well as Nosht Jollos energy chews at selected ones. When you arrive at the drinking station, water will be on the first table and sports drink on the second.
10 KM
- 4.7 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 7.8 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
HALF MARATHON
- 4.5 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 7.6 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, NOSHT JOLLOS ENERGY CHEWS
- 11.1 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 15.0 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 18.1 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
MARATHON
- 4.5 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 7.7 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, PERSONAL DRINKS
- 12.1 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, NOSHT JOLLOS ENERGY CHEWS
- 15.0 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, PERSONAL DRINKS
- 18.0 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 22.4 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, NOSHT JOLLOS ENERGY CHEWS, PERSONAL DRINKS
- 26.5 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 29.3 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, NOSHT JOLLOS ENERGY CHEWS, PERSONAL DRINKS
- 32.8 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
- 36.7 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX, PERSONAL DRINKS
- 39.8 KM: WATER, NOSHT ENDURANCE DRINK MIX
There is a hydration station also at the finish serving water and Nosht sports drink, as well as other refreshments from our partners.
We also offer the possibility to bring your own drinks to selected drinking stations. The possibility is for every other drinking station on the marathon and half marathon routes: Kalasatama, Roihupelto, Käpylä, Kaisaniemenpuisto and Jätkäsaari. Own drinks must be dropped off at our stand next to the race office by 4 pm on Friday 22.8. and they must be marked with the drinking station you’d like us to transport them to. We will transport all marked bottles to the drinking stations for race day, and they will be found on the last table at your chosen drinking station.
Please drop all your rubbish at the drinking stations or bins and not on the streets along the route – let’s keep the city and the route clean together!
Pace makers
Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon offers a great range of pacers again in 2025 on all distances.
Pacers will run a stable pace at the event targeting specific finishing times. Pacers will help you to reach your goal or to maintain a steady pace throughout your run.
We preliminarily offer pacers for the following (net) target times:
Marathon: 2.50, 3.00, 3.15, 3.30, 3.45, 4.00, 4.15, 4.30, 4.45, 5.00, 5.15, 5.30, 6.00.
Half marathon: 1.30, 1.35, 1.40, 1.45, 1.50, 1.55, 2.00, 2.15, 2.30, 2.45, 3.00.
10 km: 0:40, 0:45, 0:50, 0:55, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.40.
Pacers aim at net finishing times. Pace makers for marathon and half marathon will run at least 21,1 km.
Are you interested in running as a pacer in our events? Fill in the application form here!
Toilets and showers
Toilets are available at the refreshment stations and in the event area in Meripuisto.
Changing rooms are located in the event area in Meripuisto.
Toilets are available at the refreshment stations and in the event area in Meripuisto.
Changing rooms are located in the event area in Meripuisto.
Showers are available on race day between 10.00-16.00 at Töölön Kisahalli (Paavo Nurmen kuja 1 D, Helsinki) a few kilometers from the event area. You can take a shower free of charge by showing your race number or finisher medal.
Time limit
The maximum running times at Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon are:
Marathon: 6:10 from the race start time
Half marathon: 3:15 from the race start time
10 km: 1:45 from the race start time
If a runner cannot keep the pace needed to reach the finish line within the maximum time, we cannot unfortunately guarantee a time, or service on the route and finish.
Please also note that start closes 5 minutes after the start time on each distance
The maximum running times at Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon are:
Marathon: 6:10 from the race start time
Half marathon: 3:15 from the race start time
10 km: 1:45 from the race start time
If a runner cannot keep the pace needed to reach the finish line within the maximum time, we cannot unfortunately guarantee a time, or service on the route and finish.
Cut-off points (runners who do not reach these points within the given time will not be allowed to continue on the course):
Marathon:
- CUT OFF I: Hakaniemensilta (6,25 km) at 9:47
- CUT OFF II: Oulunkylän asema (21,3 km) at 11:55
- CUT OFF III: Kaisaniemenranta (29,0 km) at 13:10
Half marathon:
- CUT OFF I: Hakaniemensilta (6,25 km) at 9:12
10 km:
- CUT OFF I: Jätkäsaari drinking station (5,0 km) at 14:40
Please also note that start closes 5 minutes after the start time on each distance.
marathon relay exchange points
Each marathon relay team will receive a relay baton containing a timing chip, in addition to individual bib numbers. Split times are recorded with the baton, and the final runner must cross the finish line with it. The baton will be returned at the finish.
Exchange points will be marked on the route map as soon as the 2026 route is published.
Please note: Participants must independently make their way to the exchange points to wait for their turn to run. The organizer does not provide transportation.
Each marathon relay team will receive a relay baton containing a timing chip, in addition to individual bib numbers. Split times are recorded with the baton, and the final runner must cross the finish line with it. The baton will be returned at the finish.
Exchange points are marked on the route map.
Please note: Participants must independently make their way to the exchange points to wait for their turn to run. The organizer does not provide transportation.
The first exchange point is located in Kulosaari, on Kulosaaren puistotie near Hopeasalmentie bridge (map link). The first exchange point is reachable by public transport, either via metro to Kulosaari, or bus lines running on Itäväylä – more info and route planner: hsl.fi.
The second exchange point is located in Oulunkylä, on Maaherrantie (map link). The second exchange point can be reached by train, light rail 15 or buses to Oulunkylä station – more info and route planner: hsl.fi.
The third exchange point is located in the intersection of Helsinginkatu and Mannerheimintie next to the National Opera (map link). It is easily reachable by public transport – more info and route planner: hsl.fi.
It is possible to bring small items for the changing leg runner at the exchange points during the event. There is staff present at the exchange points, but storage for valuables is at your own risk. The organizer does not provide transportation for any items. The bag storage located at the Meripuisto event area also serves all runners on race day.
Medals
Finisher medals will be awarded to all runners who reach the finish line.
Top three runners on all distances in general series (M/W) will be awarded, based on gross time. In age groups the winners are awarded.
In marathon relay, the winning team of each series will be awarded.
Elite runners
We offer free participation to the event for elite runners who have run under the following times in 2025-2026:
Men:
5000 m / 5 km: 15.45
10000 m / 10 km: 33.00
Half marathon: 1.12.00
Marathon 2.45.00*
Women:
5000 m / 5 km: 18.15
10000 m / 10 km: 38.15
Half marathon: 1.22.00
Marathon 3.10.00*
*The marathon time limit is only applicable for the marathon distance.
To apply for a free registration as an elite runner, please send us an email to tapahtumat at runhigh.fi with details about your qualifying result (name of event, your time, link to results). The result must be from an official road or track race in 2025-2026.
craft beer helsinki lounge
New in the event area in Meripuisto: Craft Beer Helsinki Lounge, serving a selection of craft beers, along with the delicacies of Penalty Burger food truck.
Come celebrate after your run with a cold beer and a burger, or fuel up on Friday before the race after getting your race number. Non-alcoholic beers also available!
Craft Beer Helsinki Lounge is open in Meripuisto:
Friday 22.8. between 12-21
Saturday 23.8. between 9.30-16
ROUTES 2025
marathon route
See the route map for Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 2025 here.
The marathon will be run in a single loop, with a mix of city streets, scenic waterfronts and fast running lanes in the east and north of the city.
The start and finish line is located in Meripuisto.
The marathon relay will be run on the same route – exchange points are marked on the route map.
You can get a more detailed view of the course on Google Maps below.
HALF marathon route
See the 2025 route map for the half marathon distance here.
The half marathon distance will be run in a single loop along the streets and beautiful waterfronts of central Helsinki.
The start and finish line is located in Meripuisto.
You can get a more detailed view of the course on Google Maps below.
10 km route
See the 2025 route map for the 10 km distance here.
The 10 km race starts off at Kaisaniemenranta, leading runners on a flat and speedy route through the city centre of Helsinki. The finish line is located in Meripuisto.
You can get a more detailed view of the course on Google Maps below.
kids run helsinki marathon 22.8.
Kids Run Helsinki Marathon will be run on Friday 22.8.2025!
Kids Run Helsinki Marathon offers the atmosphere of Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon for children of all ages! Distance options for kids are: 500 m (kids under 7) and 1000 m (older kids).
Start times on Friday 22.8.2025:
- 500 m: at 17.00
- 1000 m: at 17.15
Start: Meripuisto, at the finish line gate of Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon
Route: One or two 500 m loops along the Meripuisto seaside
All little runners will be rewarded with a medal at the finish, as well as some refreshments from our partners.
| Kids Run Helsinki Marathon | 500 / 1000 m |
| Late-registration at the race office | 20 € |
street mile by björn borg 22.8.
Street Mile by Björn Borg – A free one mile race on the Friday evening before Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon!
On Friday evening August 22, Street Mile by Björn Borg presents the classic distance of one mile. Come and see how fast you can cover the mile, 1,609 kilometers – registration is now open!
Street Mile by Björn Borg is free of charge for the runners, but with a very limited number of places. Spots will be filled in the order of registration, so act fast!
Registration includes the official Street Mile by Björn Borg race shirt, with size selection available on the registration form. Entry is guaranteed as long as your selected shirt size is available.
Come chase a new one mile PB or enjoy a more relaxed run to loosen up your legs and soak up the race atmosphere the evening before Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon. The event includes chip timing.
Start and finish: Meripuisto, at the Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon finish arch
Starts:
Heat 1: at 18.00
Heat 2: at 18.10
Heat 3: at 18.20
Heat 4: at 18.35
Heat 5: at 18.50
Route: The mile will be run in three loops at the seaside of Meripuisto – see the route map below
After the event
Results
You’ll find the link to the results on the Results-page.
Every runner will receive gross and net times. The net time starts when the runner crosses the starting line. The official results are announced according to the gross time. You can see your net time by clicking on your name in the results list.
Photos
Photos from the event will be published after the event, and they are free to use for all the participants.
See photos from previous years here.
The event organizer and event partners have the right to freely use photos and videos taken during the event. The material may also be used on social media.
After run
The official Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon After Run – TBA!
The official Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon After Run will be celebrated at Jackie Restaurant!
Show your finisher medal or race number and enjoy a pizza and a draft beverage for a special price of 20 € (non-alcoholic option also available).
The offer is available both on Friday 22.8. and race day Saturday 23.8. between 16-23.
Welcome to Jackie at Iso-Roobertinkatu 21, Helsinki!
Frequently asked questions
An email and a text message with the race number will be sent to all the registered participants before the race office opens. If you haven’t received the message (please check you spam folder as well!), no worries! We will find your bib number at the race office based on your registration, all we need is your name. Just show up to race office to pick up your number, and we will sort things out. 🙂
You’ll find more information about registration and the link to the registration platform by clicking here
More information about the transfer conditions can be found in the end of the Registration-page
You can pick-up your bib-number and race-kit from the race office. You can find more detailed information on the topic at Helsinki Marathon’s event info
Yes, you can! Just choose ‘sport vouchers’ as the payment method after you’ve registered, and follow the instructions.
If you have made your sport voucher payment to Helsinki Marathon Oy, then it should be fine. If there is any problem with your payment, we will contact you before the race. Don’t hesitate to contact us by email (tapahtumat@runhigh.fi) if you have any further questions.