The seventh Raate marathon takes place on 15.8.2020, with participants running from the Raate road, scene of one of the Winter War’s most legendary battles, to the town centre of Suomussalmi. The runners will be transported to the start by bus and they will take of at the Raate frontier barrier at 11.00.

”Leave no man behind” is a new form of competition that runs in teams of three. The teams run together according to the theme and even time is taken, it still doesn’t matter. Start is from Raatteen Portti and from there the route follows the same route as the marathon. The distance for the ”Leave no man behind” route is 23,2km.

A half-marathon will take place on the same day. It starts at the guesthouse Karhun Pesä (former Portin Majatalo) inn and ends in the town centre of Suomussalmi. The half-marathon starts at 12:30 and follows the same route as the marathon.

10km event starts in Suomussalmi historical village at 13.00 and the route continue towards to the town centre. There will also be a category for under 16 years old runners.

The kids are free to run in Raate Marathon! The distance is little bit shorter as for them, it is one mile and start will be located near the competition centre. There is no entry fee in kids´mile and each participant will get the participation medal.

The marathon is being arranged to honour the veterans who fought in the battles along the Raate road and Suomussalmi village to defend Finland’s independence. The route of the marathon passes through many wartime battlegrounds and war memorial sites. The length of the route has been officially verified.

The Suomussalmen Rasti athletic association, the municipality of Suomussalmi and Regional Sport Association of Kainuu are jointly organising the marathon.

The participation fee covers transport from Hotel Kiannon Kuohut to the starting lines, a memory medal, “field meal” and spa admission. Every runner is responsible for his/her own insurance cover.

We welcome you to Suomussalmi, come and make running history!

Route Map

Route opens HERE

Route profile opens HERE

Refreshment points

There are refreshment stations located at approximately every 4 to 5 km on the course. Water, sports drink (HIGH5), non carbonated cola (last 2 stations) raisins and pickles 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.

Distances and competition categories

Marathon 42,2 km, start at 11.00 am
Leave no man behind 23,2 km, start at 12.00
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

Prizes

Top runners on each category will be awarded following:

if 1-4 participants – the winner

if 5-10 participants – two best

if over 10 participants – three best

A memorial prize for each participant in the kids´mile

Entry fees