Route Description 2026

The start and finish of the event are located in the Matkus Shopping Center area, which serves as the event hub, including the race office and main event area.

The route is designed to be clear and safe, primarily following pedestrian and cycling paths.

Route Structure

The event features two main routes:

Half Marathon (21.1 km) participants:

  • Marathon

  • Half Marathon

Approximately 5 km route participants:

  • 10 km Run (two laps)

  • 10 km Youth Run (under 17)

  • 5 km Run

  • Marathon Relay 4×10 km (two laps)

  • Marathon Relay 8×5 km

  • ENJOY and ENJOY Kids

All distances start and finish at the Matkus area.

Start

The start takes place in the immediate vicinity of Matkus Shopping Center. The initial section runs along wide, clear roads, allowing a smooth start and safe running, even with a large number of participants.

Route Description

The route showcases the southern areas of Kuopio, alternating between urban areas, forested sections, and more open views.

Aid Stations

Aid stations are located along the route, and the lap structure ensures easy access multiple times during the race. Details on water stations will be announced later.

The route is clearly marked with signs, kilometer markers, and traffic guidance.

The half marathon course has five (5) aid stations.

Marathon runners have access to a total of 11 aid stations, including the regular aid stations and the lap aid station.

The 5K course has one (1) aid station.

The 10K course has three (3) aid stations.

Aid stations are located approximately every 3.5–4 km (at 3.5 km, 7 km, 10.5 km, 14.5 km, and 18.5 km). In addition, refreshments are available at the finish area.

Aid station locations:

  • Highway 5 / ABC underpass (sport drink and water)

  • Rauhalahdentie / Sonepar Kuopio (sport drink and water)

  • Lippumäki / Fressi (sport drink and water)

  • Highway 5 / ABC underpass (opposite side) (sport drink and water)

  • Hiltulanlahti / pedestrian underpass (sport drink and water)

  • Matkuksentie / Lap Aid Station (sport drink and water)

Personal aid station (if you want bring own drinks)

A personal aid station is available at the lap aid station. Before the race starts, you may leave your own water bottle or nutrition products at the station.

Please clearly label all personal aid items with your name and race bib number so they can be easily identified during the race.

Dexal Light Lemon-Grapefruit Sports Drink

Lemon and grapefruit flavoured sports drink concentrate designed to help maintain fluid balance and muscle energy levels.

This carbohydrate-electrolyte solution helps maintain endurance performance during prolonged exercise. It helps replace fluids and electrolytes lost through physical activity and enhances water absorption. Contains a sweetener.

Nutritional Information (per 100 ml prepared drink):

  • Energy: 63 kJ / 15 kcal

  • Fat: 0 g

    • of which saturates: 0 g

  • Carbohydrates: 3.72 g

    • of which sugars: 3.66 g

  • Protein: 0 g

  • Salt: 0.11 g

Ingredients:
Invert sugar syrup, water, acidity regulator (citric acid), potassium citrate, sodium citrate, maltodextrin, salt, magnesium carbonate, preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate), sweetener (acesulfame K), potassium chloride, natural flavourings (lemon, grapefruit). Gluten-free.

Finish

The finish is located in the Matkus Shopping Center area, near the start. The finish area includes event services, results services, and recovery facilities.

General Route Characteristics

  • Paved roads and pedestrian/cycle paths

  • Clear lap structure

  • Good access to aid stations and spectator support