Helsinki City Marathon attracts around 5,500 runners
Around 5,500 people took part in the 40 kilometre Helsinki City Marathon on Saturday in sunny conditions. Runners ranged from the young to an 83 year-old. The Helsinki City Marathon was arranged for the thirty second time.
According to the Director of the Helsinki City Marathon Pertti Raunio, the event has become a part of the summer calendar even though it is no longer as popular as some years ago.
“In 2004, around 6,800 people took part but now the annual number of runners is about 5,500, but that’s still quite a lot for a Finnish event,” says Raunio.
Most runners are men with the average age in the event just above 40. For many, the aim is just to reach the finishing line.
Also on Saturday, some 1,400 children took part in a mini-marathon. Each participant ran a one or two kilometre route, receiving a medal at the finishing line.
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