Don’t Miss This – Karhunkierros Preview Highlights

This is a machine translation generated by ChatGPT. Original text by Marko Krapu in Finnish.

Finland’s biggest trail running event is just around the corner! Once again we’re in for thrilling head-to-head battles, breathtaking views, and unforgettable vibes.

Whether you’re on-site in Kuusamo or nervously chewing your nails on the couch at home, here’s how to follow the action.

1. Aro vs Höglund – A Classic Clash on the 166K

The 166 km distance, known as the Karhunkierros Hundred Miler, kicks off this year’s Ultra Trail Tour Finland. Finish all three races in the series and you earn the coveted Finisher vest.

This year, fans are in for a long-awaited rematch between 2022 winner Anton Aro and runner-up Casper Höglund.

Two years ago, Aro claimed victory and came within 15 minutes of Juuso Simpanen’s course record (17:29:45). His promising season later came to a halt due to a back injury during the NUTS Ylläs Pallas race.

“I’m not haunted by it. That season ended on a high note anyway with Vaarojen and Vantaa after recovery,” says Aro.

“UTTF isn’t currently on my radar. It’s not because of the disappointment in 2023 – it’s more about wanting to test my limits elsewhere. My main goal this year is the 148 km TDS in August.”

He’s been training in Kuusamo for a week. The trails are mostly clear, with just a few snowy patches left.

“I’m excited. I have a clear goal, but I’ll reveal it closer to race day. The main focus is to stay healthy, improve hydration from 2023, and get electrolytes in better balance,” says Aro, whose coaching relationship with Jason Schlarb ended amicably this year.

“Casper’s had a strong season and ended last year well in Slovenia. I hope we’ll push each other to great results – and maybe have time for a chat during the run,” adds Aro, who had a slight cold during race week.

While Aro’s life revolves around his young daughter, Höglund’s under-eye bags may be thanks to the army. He’s currently an officer cadet at Finland’s Reconnaissance Company, with about 130 days left in service.

“Army life has actually been great. The forest exercises are the best – the worst part is all the waiting. Sometimes it feels like we’re in a rush just to wait longer.”

Asked what the most important lesson has been so far, Höglund offers a response that works for ultrarunners too:

“Change your socks. Drink water.”

Training has been inconsistent due to military life, but the 2023 UTTF champion is still excited for Karhunkierros.

“Anton is a tough opponent. I hope I’m fit enough to challenge him and make the race exciting. My goal is to run steady and gain some confidence ahead of UTMB (170 km) and the trail world champs (82 km) later this summer.”

2. Bengs and Lintala – Chasing Records

In the women’s 100-miler, rising ultra star Eevi Bengs is not keeping her ambitions a secret — she’s going for the course record.

“I’m aiming to break the record and excited to see if I can pull it off.”

The tough mark of 21:22:52 was set by Johanna Antila just last year. Bengs finished second then, only 21.5 minutes behind.

“In many ways, last year went really well — but there’s definitely room to improve. I paced myself smartly and had a solid race. Last time I was running on beginner’s luck. This time, I’m hoping to run with more skill while keeping the same joyful vibe,” says Bengs, who’s already been selected for Team Finland in the Trail World Championships.

Meanwhile, on the 83 km course, Tommi Lintala is also eyeing a spot in the record books.

He’s coming full circle — this was the first trail race of his career in 2018, when he finished in just under 11 hours.

“I had started running only eight months earlier, with no real endurance background. I’d just finished military service and needed a challenge. That race was pure chaos — way too fast at the start, horrible fueling. From Basecamp on, I didn’t run a single step due to cramps. That failure actually hooked me. I kept wondering how Tero Ruokolainen managed to run it in 8 hours back then,” Lintala recalls.

Recently on Instagram, Lintala shared a detailed fueling and pacing plan for this year — and those who solved the math puzzle saw a bold target: a finish time of around 7:25, about 10 minutes under Juuso Simpanen’s course record.

“I’ve felt great all spring — no illness, strong legs. Somehow I even managed to get into sub-32-minute 10K shape, and have added volume on top of that to build resilience.”

“I still lack the kind of certainty needed for such a long effort, so I’ll play it safe at least until Basecamp. The night start could bring challenges. That record is solid — but the sport has evolved a few years since then.”

Earlier this winter, Lintala struggled with motivation and even considered quitting. But spring sunshine brought a spark.

“That’s probably still why I run. That crazy idea — you’ve run nearly 100 km already, and your legs still want to keep going through a national park.”

3. Trail Tour Finland – Second Stop in the Series

The Karhunkierros 55 km is once again part of the national Trail Tour Finland series.

The tour kicked off at Bodom Trail, where Sofia Haajanen and Juho Ylinen took the wins. Neither will be racing in Kuusamo this time.

In the women’s race, attention turns to former track athlete Kristiane Width, who’s brought fresh energy to the sport. Her long, fluid stride and packed schedule have made her a standout recently. Just look at her last three weeks:

• Five marathons in five days in the US to raise funds for MS research
• A jetlagged second place at Bodom Trail (21 km)
• Sub-3-hour marathon as a pacer at Helsinki City Running Day

“Last year I ran the 34K at Karhunkierros, but I honestly felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. I was in my own world, running in old shoes while carrying a pickle I never even ate!”

“I know I’m strong on shorter distances, but I want to see how far my body can go — especially now after all that mileage,” says Width, who also ran for local office in the spring.

The men’s 55K is wide open, but a few names will have fans on alert: Kari Heikura, Eetu Nordman, and Kari Varis swept the podium on the 34K last year.

One to watch is Markku Elo, a 33-year-old orienteer with Angelniemen Ankkurit, who surprised everyone with a podium finish at Bodom Trail.

“I’ve had a rough few years, but I’m finally back in shape. Karhunkierros will be my longest trail race yet, so I’ve had to really focus on fueling. Hopefully my base fitness and race instincts will carry me through the final climbs,” Elo says.

Elo also plans to race at Aulanko Tower Trail and Nuuksio Classic, making him a serious contender for the overall series standings.

4. Will We See a New Participation Record?

A lot has changed since the first Karhunkierros trail event back in 2013, when just seven men and one woman ran the iconic Finnish hiking route end to end.

This year, 3,800 runners have signed up in advance. Last year saw a record 3,117 finishers — and all signs point to that number being broken again.

The event’s growth is also reflected in the number of partners and sponsors. Runners can expect bigger prizes, a larger expo area, and After Run gatherings not only at the main venue, but also in cabins across Ruka.

New for 2025: bib pick-up has been moved right next to the finish area, creating a more compact and lively race atmosphere.

Another important change affects the 34 km race. In previous years, timing started after the suspension bridge — but now, the clock starts right under the starting arch in Juuma.

For the 55 km race, there’s a change in parking. Due to construction near the Oulanka Visitor Centre, personal vehicle parking is limited. A shuttle bus will run from Käylä Korpihovi to the start between 16:00–20:00 on Friday.

We still recommend that 55K runners take the official buses from Ruka — it’s the easiest and most reliable way to get to the start.

Despite all the evolution over the years, one thing remains the same: the juicy satsumas waiting at aid stations for the finishers. 🍊

Text by: Marko Krapu