Kainuu Trail Popularity Explodes – Registrations Up Over 52% Compared to Last Year
Published: 04.05.2026
Kainuu Trail Popularity Explodes – Registrations Up Over 52% Compared to Last Year
HOSSA NATIONAL PARK – The Kainuu Trail trail running event, held in the stunning landscapes of Hossa in late June, is set to break records this year. Statistics from the registration tier that ended on April 30th show massive growth: there are already 574 participants signed up, which is more than 52 percent more than at the same time last year.
The latest figures from Kainuu Trail confirm the strong appeal of both trail running and the Hossa region. While there were 377 registrations at the end of April last year, this year the number jumped to nearly six hundred (574). This increased popularity suggests that the event's 700-runner participant limit will be reached by the turn of May and June.
Forecasts Soaring – Participant Cap Ensures Nature Conservation
The participant graph for the years 2021–2026 shows that, at the current growth rate, there would be demand for up to 900 spots. However, the organizers are strictly maintaining the 700-runner limit to ensure the quality of the event and the preservation of the sensitive nature of Hossa National Park.
“Even though the end-of-April statistics forecast up to 900 participants, we have, in cooperation with Metsähallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland), capped the number at 700. This is a conscious choice to protect Hossa’s unique pine-needle trails and to guarantee every runner the peace of the wilderness without overcrowding,” says Race Director Jukka Liuha.
“After the April registration tier closed, only 126 spots remain. It appears that at the current registration pace, the final spots will be booked around the turn of May and June,” Liuha speculates on the upcoming weeks.
The Nature of Kainuu and Hossa Attracts Runners Worldwide
Kainuu Trail has established itself as an international trail running event. This year, runners from as many as 13 different countries have already signed up for the Hossa trails. In addition to Finns, participants from countries such as the USA, Taiwan, the UK, France, and Central Europe will be seen on the trails of Kainuu.
International interest reflects the attractiveness of Kainuu and Hossa as travel destinations. Runners arrive to enjoy the midsummer light, pure nature, and the magical atmosphere of the silent wilderness.
Current Participating Countries: Finland, USA, Taiwan, UK, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Challenges for All Skill Levels – Final Spots Now Available
The event will take place on June 27, 2026. Five different distances are available (10, 21, 38, 55, and 78 km), offering challenges for trail runners of all levels. All distances feature a general category for those aged 18 and over, and the 10 km distance also includes separate categories for girls and boys aged 12–17.
The next registration tier for Kainuu Trail closes in mid-June, on June 15th. However, if the participant limit is reached before then, the organizers are prepared to close registration earlier.
