Helsinki, Finnland 22.08.2026
Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 22.8.2026
When?
Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon will be run 22.8.2026
Where?
The route will take runners around the streets and seafronts of central Helsinki.
Distance?
Distances at Helsinki Marathon are 10k, 1/2-marathon, marathon and marathon relay (4 x 10,55k)
To whom?
Anyone from beginners to pros can participate in Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon!
The Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon 2026 takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Helsinki, Finland. It stands as one of the country’s primary road-running festivals, attracting thousands of international and local runners each summer.
Key Event Details
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Start/Finish Hub: Meripuisto Park (Merikatu / Merisatamanranta, Ullanlinna, Helsinki)
- Course Design: A single-loop layout featuring coastal paths along the Baltic Sea, central urban landmarks, and park greenways.
Race Distances & Categories
| Event | Distance | Description |
| Marathon | 42.195 km | The full single-loop city-and-coastal course. |
| Half Marathon | 21.0975 km | Single-loop course sharing key waterfront sections. |
| Marathon Relay | 4 × 10.55 km | Team distance split evenly among 4 runners. |
| 10K & Youth Runs | 10 km / Kids’ distances | Individual 10K road race alongside short kids’ events. |
Results
History
The Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon (and its companion event, the Helsinki Half Marathon) represents one of Finland’s premier modern road-running events. Organised by Helsinki Marathon Oy / Run High, the festival blends scenic coastal views with central urban routes.
Key Historical Milestones
- 2014 — Origin of the Running Festival: The event organizers initially launched the Helsinki Half Marathon (HHM) in June 2014 to introduce an internationally focused, runner-first race to the Finnish capital. The inaugural half marathon drew approximately 1,500 runners.
- 2018 — Introduction of the Full Marathon: Building on the half marathon’s rapid growth, organizers established the full Helsinki Marathon (held in August) to complement the summer racing schedule with a fast, single-loop marathon course.
- Commercial Sponsorship (Björn Borg Partnership): The activewear and lifestyle brand Björn Borg stepped in as the primary title sponsor, rebranding the festival events into the Björn Borg Helsinki Marathon and Björn Borg Helsinki Half Marathon.
- Modern Single-Loop Course: Designed to highlight southern Helsinki’s architecture and Baltic coastline, the course features key city landmarks, including Meripuisto Park, Kaivopuisto, and scenic seafront districts.
Event Overview & Distances
| Event Category | Key Details |
| Full Marathon (42.195 km) | A single-loop course traversing urban districts and coastal paths. |
| Half Marathon (21.0975 km) | One of Finland’s largest half marathons, running along coastal roads. |
| Marathon Relay (4 x 10.55 km) | Teams of four divide the full marathon distance into equal legs. |
| 10K & Kids’ Runs | Includes an individual 10 km street race and short distance options (500m / 1000m) for younger participants. |
