Kainuu Trail 2025 – Tips for First-Timers – Save These Tips!

Published: 25.04.2025

Kainuu Trail is one of Finland’s most stunning trail running events, offering participants the opportunity to experience the best sights, nature, and challenging routes of Hossa National Park in the heart of Kainuu.

Hossa’s scenic trails, breathtaking landscapes, and tranquil wilderness atmosphere make this event an unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will cover the essential things you need to know about the Kainuu Trail.

Arrival and Schedules

When you arrive at Hossa National Park, you will find the event centre and all event arrangements in one convenient location. The event centre is situated at the Hossa Visitor Centre, address: Jatkonsalmentie 6, 89920 Suomussalmi.

In addition to arriving by car, it is easy to reach Hossa by public transportation. There are free bus transfers from Kajaani to Vuokatti (with schedules suitable for the 10 km, 21 km, 38 km, and 55 km runners) and a paid bus from Ruka-Kuusamo (with schedules suitable for 10 km, 21 km, and 38 km runners). If you are flying in from abroad or another part of Finland, the best connections are via Helsinki to Kajaani. From Kajaani, you can catch the above-mentioned buses to the event.

The event centre is located at the Hossa Visitor Centre (Photo: Kainuu Trail / Hannu Huttu)

The key times and arrival instructions are as follows:

Friday, June 27, 2025

Race packet pick-up and registration: 15:00–22:00 (Hossa Visitor Centre)
Event information session: 20:00 (Hossa Visitor Centre)
Event dinner buffet: 18:00–21:00 (GL/L/Vegetarian, €18)

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Breakfast: 05:00–10:00 (GL/L, €14)
Lunch: 10:30–14:00 (GL/L/Vegetarian, €14)
Race starts:
- 78 km: 06:00
- 55 km: 08:00
- 38 km: 09:00
- 21 km: 10:00
- 10 km: 10:30
Dinner: 17:00–21:00 (GL/L/Vegetarian, €18)
Finish line soup: 10:30–22:30 (included in the registration for 21–78 km runners, 10 km runners can buy a soup meal for €10 in advance or €12 on-site)

Bus Transfers

If you are coming to the event by bus, you have the option to use the free bus transfers. There are three free buses from Kajaani → Hossa, and one from Ruka → Hossa. Tickets for the free transfers will be available for purchase in the online store during April-May, so be sure to secure your spot in advance. This is a convenient and responsible way to get to the event.

Read more about the bus transportation in our website article: “Free race buses to Kainuu Trail on Saturday, 28 June 2025!”

Race packet (competition material) Pick-Up and Registration

Race packet pick-up is typically the first thing you should do when you arrive at the event. On Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Hossa Visitor Centre, you can collect your race packet from 15:00–22:00. The competition material will include race instructions, route maps, your race bib with safety pins, timing chip, GPS tracking device (for 55 km and 78 km runners), any pre-purchased meal tickets, event merchandise, and a commemorative gift, which this year will be an eco-friendly, travel-sized folding mug (kuksa). Don’t forget to bring your phone number, as it may be used to contact you during the race.

During the race packet pick-up, you will also find the gear storage area, where you can leave any extra items (one bag or backpack) for the duration of the race. Be sure to pack your bag clearly and label it with your name so it can be easily identified. Note that gear storage space is limited, and if the area fills up, we may not be able to accept additional items, so be sure to pick up your race packet early.

During packet pick-up, you can also purchase event merchandise, such as race shirts, t-shirts, neck gaiters, gym bags, and other souvenirs. These products are also available for purchase on our online store.

Changing and Shower Facilities, WC, and Sauna

Changing and shower facilities, WC, and sauna are available at the Karhunkainalo camping area’s service building at the Hossa Visitor Centre. In addition, there are public restrooms available for both men and women at the event center, and additional portable toilets are located on the event grounds.

Mandatory Equipment & Gear and Safety

During the race, you must carry mandatory gear, such as a first aid kit, weather-appropriate clothing, and spare energy snacks. Gear checks may be performed at various aid stations, and missing items could result in a time penalty (60 minutes). Please also note that all participants must keep their phone on and inform the organizers of their ICE (In Case of Emergency) number for safety reasons. Be sure to carefully review both the mandatory and recommended gear.

Read more about the equipment and gear in the article on our website: "The Right Trail Running Gear Has Your Back – No Matter the Weather"

The mandatory running gear is carried in a backpack during the run (Photo: Kainuu Trail / Hannu Huttu)

Race Distances and Aid Stations

Kainuu Trail offers several race distances, so every runner can choose the challenge that suits them best. The event includes the following distances: 10 km, 21 km, 38 km, 55 km, and 78 km. Aid stations are located along the route to support the runners, providing water, sports drinks, bananas, grapes, raisins, chips, pickles, and Biokian organic dried blueberries. The Kokalmus aid station will also offer chocolate, green candy, gluten-free bread, and salami.

Please note that aid stations do not provide disposable cups, so make sure to bring your own cup (distributed at race packet pick-up) for drinks. The aid stations provide crucial support and energy for long-distance runners.

The Kokalmus aid station offers a relaxed atmosphere and the most diverse fueling snacks (Photo: Kainuu Trail / Hannu Huttu)

Finisher Lounge – Recovery and Support for Fellow Runners!

Once you cross the finish line at Hossa Visitor Centre, you’ll find the perfect place to recover – the Finisher Lounge! Here, you can relax and enjoy refreshing beverages, including non-alcoholic sparkling wine, CRISP beer, and Crisp Radler’s new flavors (Citrus and Mango-Passion). Coca-Cola, Karjalanpiirakka (traditional Finnish rice pies), candy, green candy, chips, raisins, grapes, bananas, pickles, and Biokian organic dried blueberries will also be available.

The Finisher Lounge provides a comfortable environment to sit back in lounge chairs, relax, and cheer on other runners as you enjoy the offerings and the overall experience. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

After crossing the finish line, you can relax and refuel in the Finisher Lounge while cheering on other finishers (Photo: Kainuu Trail)

Split Times and GPS Tracking

All 55 km and 78 km runners will receive a GPS tracking device to monitor their progress in real-time. The device will be available for pick-up with your race packet and is waterproof. Split times will be published in real-time on the results page of our website (kainuutrail.fi), and family, friends, and spectators can track your progress at key points along the route, such as Iso-Valkeainen, Julma-Ölkky, and Kokalmus.

Awards

The top three runners in each category will be awarded gift cards and/or prizes.

Insurance

Participants must have their own insurance to cover the risks of trail running. The event organizers (Kainuun Rastiviikko ry) have liability insurance to cover any damage caused by the organizers, but participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage.

Contact Information

Race Office: kainuutrail@rastiviikko.fi
Race Director: Jukka Liuha, jukka.liuha@rastiviikko.fi, +358 44 7679 533

Welcome to Kainuu Trail!

Kainuu Trail is the perfect event for both seasoned runners and first-timers. Prepare for the challenge, enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, and push yourself to the limits. Hossa National Park’s trails and the summer landscapes will provide unforgettable experiences, so don’t miss out on this amazing adventure!

Next entry step at the lower participation fees closes on April 30, 2025, at 23:59.

The canyon-like landscape of Julma-Ölkky is a visual delight for runners on the 55 km and 78 km courses (Photo: Kainuu Trail / Hannu Huttu)

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