Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Hossa Part 2/10: Kainuu Trail - what can you expect?
Published: 31.08.2023
Hey there! Good to see you again. I just wanted to introduce myself a little bit more. You already know that my name is Jesse. Though you do not know that I come from a little village in Kainuu. I grew up surrounded by beautiful nature and with kind and relaxed people, some of them are also passionate about running like me. I can’t wait to participate in the Kainuu Trail in July! Are you as excited as I am?
Running has been my passion since I learned to walk. I started running with my dad when I was a child and have not stopped since. During my childhood my family and I used to hike a lot in several Finnish national parks. When I got older I just wanted to combine these two hobbies of mine and tried trail running. I fell in love with it instantly and have been doing it ever since.
To have the Kainuu Trail this year in Hossa National Park is very exciting for me. I grew up with these views and trails. In fact, it was the first national park I ever visited with my family (During those days the park was only a hiking area and not yet a national park). So I can not wait to participate and for everyone else to experience this peaceful and beautiful place in Kainuu!
Why do I run? Of course, simply, because it is fun :)
Additionally, running helps me to keep a healthy cardiovascular system, it increases my bone density and gives me some extra energy. For me, trail running has been especially beneficial, not only physically for my body, but also for my mental health. I also have experienced that running in trails and paths is more diverse and healthier for your knees than running on concrete. Of course, being outside in the woods is very peaceful and I can give my thoughts and myself some room to breathe, forests have a magical and healing effect.
If you are still thinking about whether you should try running and/or maybe participate in Kainuu Trail you should!
- Starting to run is quite easy; all you need is running shoes, clothes and a bottle of water. Then you are ready to go and I can say that it is a lot of fun!
- If you are interested in participating in the Kainuu Trail I recommend you to check out the Kainuu Trail equipment and gear, Kainuu Trail aid stations, Kainuu Trail distances, routes and maps and in may 2021 you can find the official Kainuu Trail race instructions from the event’s webpage.
If you would like to come with me to the Kainuu Trail you can choose between a diverse range of accommodation possibilities, where you would stay during the event. For example Hossa Visitor Centre, Camping Hossan Lumo and Hossan Lomakeskus are the places where you can find lots of accommodation possibilities, restaurants and cafes, other things to do and some additional information and knowledge of Hossa’s nature and its history. You could stay in holiday cottages or cosy logger’s huts. Also, if you have a caravan you could stay with me at one of the Hossa’s campsites; Hossa Visitor Centre’s Karhunkainalo camping area for example. I promise you that it will be a great time wherever you would like to stay.
I would say that Kainuu Trail is one of the most diverse trail running events in Finland. You can choose from a wide variety of trails and distances if you want to participate. Kainuu Trail’s Julma-Ölkky is the longest trail with 78 km with a total elevation of 2730 meters: this toughest and finest trail offers for runners all the perfect trail running trails, terrains, sceneries, and sightseeings of Hossa National Park´s area - and all these experiences during the one day. Other distances are Värikallio 55 km, Kokalmus 38 km, Jatkonvaara 21 km and Huosius 10 km. In all trails and distances the start and finish area are at the Kainuu Trail event centre which is located in Hossa Visitor Centre. In the Event Centre you can find the restaurant and cafe, toilets, showers and sauna (if the current coronavirus situation allows). The race routes differ mainly in their length, total elevation meters and degree of difficulty: these specific information are available in Kainuu Trail distances, routes and maps webpage.
I would say that Kainuu Trail offers something for everyone! There are trails for already very experienced trail runners and for those who mainly enjoy moving in nature and want to give it a try! And maybe more importantly - all runners will enjoy the trail runners paradise in Hossa’s perfect running trails and paths - watch for this scenery for instance :)
Photo: Suomussalmi.fi / Hossa National Park, Hakokoski river, trail
I hope you got more excited by now, because I am looking forward to seeing you at the event!
And hey! The next cheaper Kainuu Trail registration and entry step is closing on 30.4.2021 so entry now if you are interested to experience these views and paths :)
Go to Kainuu Trail entry/registration page
10 facts about the Kainuu Trail:
- The 1st Kainuu Trail event will take place on the 3rd of July of 2021
- Kainuu Trail is the 1st official trail running race held in Hossa National Park
- Kainuu Trail’s distances vary between 78 km, 55 km, 38 km, 21 km and 10 km
- In all Kainuu Trail distances open categories for men/women (18-year-olds and over)
- In Kainuu Trail 10 km distance additionally categories for youth 12-17-year-olds
- Plenty of accommodation available in Hossa’s area for Kainuu Trail runners
- The Kainuu Trail event centre is in the Hossa Visitor Centre
- Kainuu Trail race instructions will be published in May 2021
- Next (the 2nd) Kainuu Trail registration and entry step is closing on 30.4.2021
- The last and 3rd Kainuu Trail registration and entry step will be between 1.5.-21.6.2021
