Published 30.4.2025
The NUTS Karhunkierros trail run in Oulanka National Park and Ruka, Kuusamo, on May 23–24 has already attracted over 4,000 registrations.
Finland’s largest trail running event welcomes participants ranging from children to nearly 80-year-olds. The oldest registered runner is 78.
— The youngest girls and boys turn 12 this year. One family has as many as five participants, says Jouko Kaarteenaho from Northern Ultra Trail Service – NUTS Ltd., the event organizer.
The most popular distances are the 34-kilometer run and the 55-kilometer course, which is also a part of the national Trail Tour Finland series.
Next in popularity are the 83-kilometer distance and the event’s shortest and fastest route, the 13-kilometer course. On the shortest course, women make up 70% of the registered participants.
For the 166-kilometer race that starts Friday morning, 67 women and 211 men have signed up.
— The 166 km is our crown distance, with a 36-hour time limit. It’s extremely challenging, following the Karhunkierros hiking trail twice, end to end. Last year, over half of those who started didn’t make it to the finish, says Kaarteenaho.
After snowy winters, participants have occasionally found themselves running through snow. Likewise, the timing of the Oulankajoki River’s flood peak has caused suspense nearly every year.
This year, participants won’t need to hold their breath over snow or flooding, according to Kaarteenaho.
— There was less snow this winter, and the flood peak already occurred around Easter. No signs of nature-induced drama so far – though of course, this may change closer to race day.
According to Kaarteenaho, the registration system behaves like an anthill warmed by the spring sun in the final weeks before the event.
— Registration is open until May 12, so more names will likely be added. On the other hand, last-minute cancellations due to illness or overtraining will reduce the final participant count.
INFO: NUTS KARHUNKIERROS TRAIL RUNNING EVENT
Date: May 23–24, 2025
Location: Ruka, Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park
Special: Finland’s largest trail running eventParticipants by Distance (as of April 29, 2025):
* 13 km: 364
* 34 km: 1,524
* 55 km (part of Trail Tour Finland): 1,068
* 83 km: 821
* 166 km: 278Additional info about participants:
Besides Finns, the most represented nationalities are Estonian, Norwegian, Swedish, German, Irish, British, and Dutch. In total, runners from 31 countries have registered, including participants from Hong Kong and South Africa. Within Finland, over a quarter of the registrants are from Uusimaa.More info including routes and schedules: nutskarhunkierros.fi