The Spartan Race in Lahti will offer three different distances. Each distance has a different number of obstacles. The distances are Sprint 5 km, Super 10 km and Beast 21 km, which will serve as the European Championship of the sport. The event centre is in the Lahti Sports Centre.
Lahti was chosen as the host city for the European Championships because of its reputation as a sports city, its strong tradition of event organization and the terrain suitable for the event. The terrain and lake scenery of the Salpausselkä region and built sports venues such as ski jumps are all part of the competition route. The courses, winding through nature, are designed to challenge participants in various ways. They include rope climbing, sandbagging, water pools and wall crossings.
The home audience will give a boost
Petra Arvela, a Spartan athlete from Spain who won the World Championship silver medal in the ultra category in 2024 (50 km and 60 hurdles), is looking forward to Lahti.
– Normally, races are held in the mountains. Finland’s nature, lakes and varied terrain make the August event memorable. The setting in Lahti offers an entirely new experience for the competitors, says Arvela, an experienced Spartan competitor.
For Arvela herself, the Lahti race weekend is an extra special treat, as it is the first time he will compete in front of a home crowd.
– The crowd’s encouragement is of great importance, and it gives not only Finnish sisu (guts) but also an extra boost to a demanding competition. I hope that as many people as possible will come to watch – the Spartan Race is also an experience for the spectators, Arvela continues.
The event strengthens Lahti’s vitality and reputation as an international event city
Lahti is expecting 4,000 competitors and a total of 7,000 visitors from more than 23 countries. The event weekend will open on Friday with the National Parade and the opening ceremony. There will be a race course and a Kids Race for children on Saturday and Sunday. Free public access to the events.
The regional economic impact is estimated at around €3 million through tourism, accommodation, food, transport and retail.
Previous Spartan Race European Championships have been held in Kaprun, Austria, London, UK and Barcelona, Spain.
For more information ( Spartan Rece Lahti)