The Raate Marathon is run on the Raate road, known from the legendary Winter War battles, from the border zone to Suomussalmi municipal center. The historic marathon route includes several Winter War battlefields and monuments. The purpose of the Raate Marathon is to honor the generation of veterans who fought for independent Finland in the battles of Raate Road and to cherish the history of Raate Road. Suomussalmen Rasti, Suomussalmi Municipality and Kainuun Liikunta ry are responsible for organising the event.

The 25th Raate march will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, the same day as the Raate marathon.
The main organizers of the event are Suomussalmi Rasti triathlon division and Suomussalmi municipality.

The march is meant to be an event for the whole family. By organizing the march, we want to honor the work and sacrifices of veterans to preserve our country’s independence. This is also how we want to cherish and preserve the legacy of veterans. The purpose of the march is not to idealize war, but to tell about its insanity. The length of the march is 18 km on the Raate road, on a low-traffic gravel road, and there are service points along the route. The march can be completed by running, jogging, walking or cycling.

Gathering at Raatteen Portti, from where transport at 10:30 (also bikes) to the Guard Museum. The march leaves from the yard of the Guard Museum at 11 a.m. and ends at Raatteen Portti. Registration by August 28 is 28 euros or on the morning of the march 40 euros.

Follow the Raate Marathon and march on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram

Distances and competition categories

Marathon 42,2 km, start at 11.00 am
Half marathon 21,1 km, start at 12.30
10 km, start at 13:00
Kids´mile at 11.00 am

Categories Men, women, M/W 40, 50 and 60
10 km: Men, women and under 16 years old

The top three from each category will be rewarded (except for the children’s mile). A memorial award for each participant in the children’s mile.

Refreshment points

There are refreshment stations located at approximately every 4 to 5 km on the course. Water, sports drink, non carbonated cola (last 2 stations) and raisins and are served at the stations.

Venue facilities

There is a transport from the finish area to the marathon start. In the start area there are toilets, and a chance to wait for the race start indoors. In the Spa Kiannon Kuohut there are changing facilities, and after the race runners can relax in the spa. Personal belongings will be transported to the finish by the organizers.