Raate Marathon

Raatteen Maraton is a marathon event organized on the historical Raate Road, the scene of the Battle of Raate Road during the Winter War between Finland and Soviet Union. There are several memorials and battle fields by the course, giving runners a chance to relive the famous historical events.The Raate marathon takes place with participants running from the Raate road, scene of one of the Winter War’s most legendary battles, to the town centre of Suomussalmi. The runners will take off at the Raate frontier zone boom at 11.00.A half-marathon will take place on the same day. It starts at the Portin Majatalo inn and ends in the town centre of Suomussalmi. The half-marathon starts at 12:30 and follows the same route as the marathon.Therefore it is possible to run 10 km from Suomussalmi historical village to the town center. It starts in Suomussalmi village at 13.15. There will be also a category for under 16 years old runners.As a new event, the kids are free to run in Raate Marathon! The distance is little bit shorter as for them, it is one mile and start will be located near the competition centre. There is no entry fee in kids´mile and each participant will get the participation medal.The marathon is being arranged to honour the veterans who fought in the battles along the Raate road and Suomussalmi village to defend Finland’s independence. The route of the marathon passes through many wartime battlegrounds and war memorial sites. The length of the route has been officially verified.The Suomussalmen Rasti athletic association, the municipality of Suomussalmi and Kainuun Liikunta ry are jointly organising the marathon.