FIM 2026 race info

Event information will be updated as needed. Registered participants will be sent information by email on Thursday 19.2.2026 of the race week.

Starting list: click here

Finland Ice Marathon 21 February 2026 – Race Day Course Update

By clickin pictures, you can see pictures bigger

We’re looking forward to skating in beautiful winter conditions! 

The event will take place on a 7.5 km course.

The cold winter with little snowfall has provided excellent conditions for building the course 

However, prolonged freezing temperatures have caused natural cracks and fissures in the ice, and minor surface fractures may also be present.

On race day, the course will be groomed with large machines to make it as smooth as possible. Apart from the natural cracks, the surface quality will be even better than a traditional artificial ice rink.

⚠️ Important Safety Tips

👀 Keep your eyes 10–20 meters ahead to spot cracks in time.
⛸ Cross cracks smoothly – slightly lighten your weight and keep your skates straight.
↔️ Maintain a safe distance to the skater in front of you.
🔄 When overtaking, always ensure a safe skating line.

Cracks are a natural characteristic of lake ice and a normal part of an event like this. With awareness and anticipation, the course remains safe and fast.

We wish all participants a successful and unforgettable race day! 

COURSE LENGTH

The race is skated on a 7.5 km course. The course map is shown below:

Due to extreme cold, cracks may appear on the ice.

On the event day, the course will be smoothed with large machines, making it of better quality than a frozen skating rink—except for the cracks.

The organizers reserve the right to modify the route or competition distances if conditions require.

RACE OFFICE AND RACE NUMBER PICK UP

Race number and timing chip are collected from the race office by showing the QR code (see your email, including junk mail!) or by name.

Race office is located in Minna C 1-2 rooms (ground floor of the Scandic Kuopio hotel), address: Satamakatu 1, 70100 Kuopio.

Race office opening hours:

Friday, February 20, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM (15.00-20.00)

Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM (7.00-12.30)

Collect your number at least 30 minutes before your own start.

If a participant is late for their own start, their start time will still be the start time for that series.

The race number is personal and cannot be transferred to another person. You cannot participate in the event without a race number.

For emergency situations: write the name and phone number of a close relative behind the race number, who can be contacted if necessary during the race.

TIMING

We use the high-quality Ultimate Sport Service timing system.

You will receive your race number and timing chip from the race office. Collect your number and timing chip at least 30 minutes before your own start. The timing chip is attached to the ankle and must be visible. The timing chip must be returned immediately after the race. A fine of €50 will be charged for an unreturned chip. The race number is attached to the back of the outermost clothing and must be visible throughout the race. The race number does not need to be returned.

ARRIVAL AND PARKING AT THE EVENT

See How to get to Kuopio

The area does not have a designated / reserved parking area. There is  We recommend parking your car, e.g. under Kuopio market "Toriparkki". Read more here

GEAR STORAGE (in big white changing tent)

Gear storage is in the changing tent on the ice. Participants must attach a Gear Storage sticker (detachable part of the race number) to their backpack or bag. Items are only released to the applicant upon presentation of the race number. The organizer is not responsible for lost or damaged items, so pack your gear carefully. Gear storage is supervised between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM

CLOTHING CHANGE

You can change clothes in the Scandic Kuopio facilities or in the changing tent located on the ice. The changing tent (cold space) has benches and coat racks.

This is an outdoor event held on natural ice. Wind significantly increases the effect of cold, making the temperature feel much colder, as it removes heat and moisture from the skin, increasing heat loss. Even if the air temperature remains the same, windy conditions feel much colder on the skin than calm weather.

Please bring warm spare clothes to the changing tent so you can put them on after your performance.

TOILETS

Toilets are located behind the changing tent and in front of the start. You can also use hotel Scandic toilets.

SHOWER, SAUNA

Participants have access to sauna and shower facilities at Scandic Kuopio (Sauna 3). The mixed sauna is open on Saturday, February 21st from 10:00 to 19:00. No ice swimming.

Please bring a swimsuit and a towel. Towels can also be rented from the hotel reception for €6 per person.

FIRST AID

First aid is available at the start and finish. First aid is also available along the route if needed.

SAFETY

Helmets are mandatory in all categories. We recommend the use of elbow and knee pads for safety.

WITHDRAWAL DURING RACE

If you need to withdraw for any reason, please inform the officials. Transportation from the track to the finish/start area can be arranged if necessary.

HOT JUICE STATIONS

The aid station is located near the starting point along the route, approximately 200 meters from the start. At the service point, hot juice, raisins and salted crackers are offered.

OWN SUPPORT / PERSONAL SUPPORT TEAMS

Participants’ own support and support staff must be positioned behind the service tent. Please be considerate of other participants and do not block access or interfere with others’ movement or activities.

AFTER RACE SOUP

Trattoria Sorrento Wanha Mylly
📍 Satamakatu 13 B (or find us on Google Maps)

Clock: 11:00 to 17:00

Soup is included in the participation fee.
The meal includes soup, juice, and bread.
A vegetarian option is also available.

Soup is also available for purchase: €7 per portion.

• Salmon soup (L, G)

• Vegetarian option (L, G, VE, M)

USAGE RIGHTS OF EVENT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

The event will be photographed by the organizer. The organizer has the right to freely use photos and video recordings taken during the event. By participating in the event, you accept the terms.

Photos will be published on the event's social media channels and website after the event.

CHANGES, TRANSFERS, AND CANCELLATIONS OF PARTICIPATION

See Changes, Transfers, and Cancellations.

SPECTATOR

There is free entry to the event area. There are also stands next to the Queen R ship.

INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

Each participant takes part in the event at their own risk. Participants are not insured by the event organizer. Each participant is responsible for their own insurance. The event organizer is not responsible for equipment failures.

Organizers have the right to stop the progress of a tired participant. If you need to stop, inform the nearest official.

RESULTS AND LIVE TRACKING

You can download the Ultimate app to your phone, which allows you to follow the results in real-time. 
Google Play page

App Store page

You also can access live tracking through this link.

START AREA – BLUE START FLAGS

The start is located in front of the white changing tent, which will be removed once all starts are completed. All starts are mass starts (“from the gun”). The start is marked with blue START flags.

LAP TIMING

Lap times are recorded under the finish arch.

FOR A NEW LAP – UNDER THE FINISH ARCH

When starting a new lap, follow the inner left edge of the course.

FINISH AREA – RED FINISH FLAGS

Your finish time is recorded when you pass under the finish arch.

Slow down and enter the finish area along the right-hand side. The finish area is marked as a separate zone with red FINISH flags.

FINISH AND TIMING CLOSE AT 16:00

If a participant does not reach the finish before it closes, their final time will be calculated based on the last completed laps.

IF YOU MISS YOUR START

If a participant is late for their start, their official start time will still be the scheduled start time for that category.

By clicking images, you can see pictures bigger!

AWARD CEREMONY

Prizes will be awarded according to the preliminary schedule or as soon as the winners of each category are determined.

• 12:30 – Skating categories

• 15:00 – Skating with poles and kicksled categories

All participants will receive a commemorative medal.

FIM AFTERPARTY (18+)
📍 Teerenpeli
🕖 7:00–9:00 PM
📌 Kauppakatu 41, 70100 Kuopio

The venue is reserved exclusively for FIM event participants and their guests.
Welcome to relax and spend time together!

What’s on offer:

• light snacks

• live music

Light snacks will be available for the first 50 guests.
Guests attending the afterparty will receive a wristband, which gives access to discounted prices at Teerenpeli for the rest of the evening.

The afterparty starts at 19:00 / 7:00 PM.
The venue is reserved until 21:00 / 9:00 PM, after which it will open to other customers. You can continue the evening at the venue after 21:00 / 9:00 PM.

Teerenpeli closes at 03:00 / 3:00 AM.

Food can also be ordered at Teerenpeli.
Check out the menu: TeerenDeli Menu

LAPS/KILOMETERS