The competition days in Lahti are August 23–24. The Lahti Sports Centre will serve as the event centre for the competitions, with the start and finish lines located there. The event will bring approximately 4 000 participants from 44 different countries to Lahti.
The Spartan obstacle course race is known for its challenging running distances, which combine physical endurance, obstacle crossing, and diverse use of nature. The obstacles include javelin throwing, monkey bars, carrying sandbags, and a water obstacle in Lake Vesijärvi. The landing area of the normal hill (HS100) ski jump serves as a climbing obstacle.
Three distances will be competed in Lahti, as well as a children’s event:
- SPRINT: 5 km, 20 obstacles
- SUPER: 10 km, 25 obstacles
- BEAST: 21 km, 30 obstacles (European Championship competition)
- Children: 1–3 km and age-appropriate obstacles
The best places to watch the competition
The competitions start on Saturday and continue on Sunday. The public can watch the competition up close, and admission to the event area is free. The routes inside the fence are reserved for competitors. The routes run from the Lahti Sports Centre through Pikku-Vesijärvi, Lanu Park, the harbour, and the Salpausselkä trails. Excellent viewing spots include:
- Pikku-Vesijärvi Park and lakeside trail (the route goes down the scenic steps from Lanu Park)
- The area around Restaurant Nosturi in Teivaa Harbour
- The Sports Centre parking lot and Karpalo field (several obstacles)
- Ski trail behind the ski jumps
- Likolampi
- Old trotting track and first snow track area
- Dog park
- Ski jump mounds
Opening ceremony and Nations Parade
The event weekend begins on Friday, August 22, with the opening ceremony at Lahti Market Square. The early evening program includes a media event at 4.15 p.m. and the opening ceremony and participant information at 6.00 p.m. The events will be held on the market square stage. The program continues with music and the Nations Parade, which will introduce the teams from all countries. After the parade, accordionist and singer Netta Skog will perform on stage. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening ceremony.
There will also be activities at the market square on Thursday, August 21, when the Mielilava charity campaign arrives. The campaign will collect smart devices and scrap metal for recycling. The organisers are Spartan Race and Kuusakoski Oy.
The Spartan Race Festival Area will be set up at the event site at the Lahti Sports Centre, offering food, café products, and shopping opportunities.
More information:
Lahti Spartan Race (spartan.com)
Instagram: @spartanfinland
Route maps:
Race Day Maps