Kainuu Trail 2026 – Instructions for runners and first-timers – catch these tips!
Published: 24.04.2026
Kainuu Trail is one of Finland’s most magnificent trail running events. It offers runners the chance to experience the best pine needle paths of Hossa National Park, the finest sights, the beauty of nature, and the silence of the wilderness in the heart of Kainuu.
In this article, we cover the most important things you need to know about Kainuu Trail: how to arrive in Hossa, how to operate at the competition center, what kind of maintenance services are available on the routes, and other essential event information.
Arrival and Race Buses
The competition centre is located at the Hossa Visitor Centre (Hossan luontokeskus) at: Jatkonsalmentie 6, 89920 Suomussalmi.
It is easy to arrive in Hossa by car or by utilizing the Kainuu Trail race buses provided by the organizer—an ecological and stress-free way to reach the starting line.
Race bus schedules for Saturday, June 27, 2026:
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Kajaani–Suomussalmi–Hossa: Departure from Kajaani Travel Centre (Matkakeskus) at 05:45. Arrival at the Hossa competition center at 08:30. Return trip from the competition centre at 17:30. This schedule is suitable for runners starting the 10, 21, and 38 km distances.
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Ruka–Kuusamo–Hossa: Departure from Ruka (Rukanriutta 7) at 06:40. Arrival at the Hossa competition centre at 08:20. Return trip from the competition centre at 17:30. This schedule is suitable for runners starting the 10, 21, and 38 km distances.
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Book your seat: Remember to book your ticket from the online store during April–May. More detailed information can be found in the "Arriving" section of our website.
By plane or train: There are extensive connections from Southern Finland (e.g., Helsinki) to Oulu and Kajaani. From Kajaani, the journey continues via the race bus mentioned above or by public transport on weekdays (Mon–Fri) and Sundays.
Schedules and Key Times
Friday, June 26, 2026
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15:00–22:00: Pickup of competition materials and registration (Hossa Visitor Centre)
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18:00–21:00: Event dinner (buffet €18, Hossa Visitor Centre)
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20:00: Event briefing/info (Hossa Visitor Centre)
Saturday, June 27, 2026
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05:00–10:00: Breakfast (€14, Hossa Visitor Centre)
Mass start times for different distances:
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06:00: 78 km
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08:00: 55 km
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09:00: 38 km
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10:00: 21 km
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10:30: 10 km
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10:30–22:30: Post-race soup meal, Hossa Visitor Centre (included in the entry fee for 21–78 km)
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17:00–21:00: Dinner/Supper (€18, Hossa Visitor Centre)
Check the full event program and timetable on our website.
Competition Materials and Equipment Storage
When picking up your materials on Friday, you will receive your bib number, timing chip, route map, race instructions, and a finisher prize (Kainuu Trail Finisher medal, Kolo Design).
GPS Tracking (Mandatory for 55 km and 78 km distances): GPS devices will be distributed to runners on Saturday morning, June 27, at the competition office as follows:
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05:00–06:00: 78 km runners
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06:00–08:00: 55 km runners
Tip: There is equipment storage at the Visitor Centre, but space is limited. Mark your bag with your name and arrive early!
Mandatory Equipment and Gear – Safety First
Last year, we published a comprehensive article on mandatory and recommended trail running gear. We suggest reading it for great tips on preparing for Kainuu Trail. Below are the most critical points.
Every runner must carry:
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Bib number and route map
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GPS device (for all 55 km and 78 km runners)
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Running pack / waist bag or similar for carrying gear
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A functional smartphone that is on at all times (112 Suomi app installed on the home screen, battery charged, and the organizer's ICE number saved)
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First aid kit
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Water bottle and/or hydration bladder/pack
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Space blanket (emergency blanket)
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Own cup: There are no disposable cups at the aid stations!
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Weather-appropriate clothing (including a change of clothes regardless of the forecast) and spare energy.
Check the exact distance-specific mandatory and recommended equipment lists on our website. Note! Gear may be checked along the route. Missing items will result in a 60-minute time penalty.
Routes and Aid Stations
There are five distances to choose from: 10, 21, 38, 55, and 78 km. All distances have general categories for women and men (18+). The 10 km distance also has categories for 12–17-year-old girls and boys.
Check out the race distances, routes, and maps on our website. You will also find detailed verbal route descriptions with map and photo examples.
Aid stations offer Nosht sports drinks, bananas, chips, raisins, pickles, etc. The "luxury station" at Kokalmus also serves bread, gluten-free bread, mettwurst, green marmalade candies, and chocolate.
Finisher Lounge – A lounge chair, rest, and bubbly that you’ve earned
After crossing the finish line, head straight to the Finisher Lounge! We offer:
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Non-alcoholic sparkling wine and cold CRISP beer
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Karelian pasties, candy, and salty snacks
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Lounge chairs for recovery and cheering spots along the final stretch
Showers and Maintenance
Dressing and washing facilities, including a sauna, are located in the Karhunkainalo camping area service building, approximately a 400-meter walk (northeast) from the competition centre. The competition centre (Hossa Visitor Centre) and the route have standard National Park toilets, and there are additional portable toilets (bajamaja) in the competition centre area.
The post-race soup meal is included in the entry fee for all 21–78 km runners at the Hossa Visitor Centre restaurant. 10 km runners may have purchased the meal in advance, or it can be bought on-site.
Results and GPS Tracking
The 55 km and 78 km distances can be followed in real-time via GPS tracking. Split times for all distances are updated directly at kainuutrail.fi -> Results.
Welcome to the paths of Hossa!
The early-bird registration period ends on April 30, 2026, at 23:59.
Contact Information:
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Race Office: kainuutrail@rastiviikko.fi
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Race Director: Jukka Liuha, jukka.liuha(at)rastiviikko.fi, +358 44 767 9533
See you at the starting line!
