Karhunkierros Trail Ultra is a 82km ultra marathon in Ruka, Finland. Distance: 82km. Elevation: 1,600m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 31/100). DNF rate: 12%. Time limit: 16h. Surface: trail. Established 2014.
Karhunkierros Trail Ultra
Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland
"82km through Finnish Lapland on the Bear's Ring trail — river gorges, old-growth forest, and Nordic wilderness."
A wilderness ultra on Finland's legendary Karhunkierros trail through Oulanka National Park — river gorges, ancient forests, and untouched Lapland nature.
The Course
Following the legendary Karhunkierros (Bear's Ring) trail through Oulanka National Park in Finnish Lapland. The course passes through old-growth forests, river gorges, suspension bridges, and the spectacular Kiutaköngäs rapids. True Nordic wilderness.
rolling
point-to-point
5
492m
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.
Race Day Weather
14°C
6° – 20°
75%
40%
Finnish Lapland summer. Long daylight hours. Cool forests, potentially warm open sections. Mosquitoes can be fierce.
Stats & Records
2014
200
12:00:00
6:45:12
Juha Jumisko (2023)
8:15:33
Elina Alasentie (2022)
Entry
€90
January
months
Lore & Trivia
Karhunkierros Ultra follows the Bear's Trail (Karhunkierros) through Finnish Lapland's Oulanka National Park — a wilderness of boreal forest, rapids, and the hanging bridges that span Oulanka's dramatic gorges. The autumn timing means the birch trees are gold and the first frosts dust the trail. Finland's ultra scene is small but deeply connected to the landscape — running in Lapland is less about competition and more about communion with a wilderness that stretches unbroken to the Arctic Ocean.
- ▸ Karhunkierros means 'Bear's Ring' — bears do inhabit the area, though sightings during the race are rare.
- ▸ Oulanka National Park borders Russian Karelia and is one of Finland's most spectacular wilderness areas.
- ▸ The suspension bridges over deep river gorges are among the most photographed features of the trail.
- ▸ The Kiutaköngäs rapids section is one of Finland's most impressive natural features.
- ▸ Established in 2014.
Karhunkierros means Bear's Trail. Finnish Lapland in autumn — golden birch forest, frozen streams, and silence so deep it hums.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
Karhunkierros Trail Ultra is a 82km (82km) ultra marathon with 1,600m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
Karhunkierros Trail Ultra is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 31/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 12%. Runners have 16 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
Average temperature is 14°C (range 6°C to 20°C) with 75% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. Finnish Lapland summer. Long daylight hours. Cool forests, potentially warm open sections. Mosquitoes can be fierce.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
The men's course record is 6:45:12 set by Juha Jumisko in 2023. The women's course record is 8:15:33 set by Elina Alasentie in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Karhunkierros Trail Ultra? +
The average finish time is 12:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 12%.
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