Rovaniemi Marathon @ Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland on 30 June 2012

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The Rovaniemi Marathon is organized by Lapland’s two long-distance running clubs – the Arctic Marathon Club and Rovaniemi Roadrunners. Club members have travelled to marathons throughout the world and would now like to offer other international runners a unique marathon experience on their home turf – Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland.

The race starts out along the scenic banks of the Kemijoki River, Finland’s largest. The finish is in the very centre of the town, at Lordi Square, named after Rovaniemi’s Eurovision winner. The route has water stations every 4 to 5 kilometres.

Both the start and the finish are located a stone’s throw from the hotels – no more than a two-minute walk. At the finish every runner gets a meal and a chance to cool off with a dip in the river or the city pool. Admission to the pool – also no more than a short walk from the finish line – is free for runners. The three best runners in each series will received world-renowned Lappish products: Pentik ceramics and Marttiini knives.

After the marathon, runners are welcome to enjoy the Jutajaiset Folk Music Festival. The wide range of concerts offers something special for marathoners and non-runners alike. On the Saturday, the festival arena will feature hours of dance to the accompaniment of world-class soloists and ensembles – a perfect opportunity for the running mind and running body to relax. Those looking for a more peaceful evening are free to go for a stroll and admire Lapland’s “nightless night”: The sun never sets at marathon time!