NUTS Trail Running / NUTS HEL
NUTS HEL 25 km
Helsinki (Eläintarha Sports Field)
Race guide
Updated 29 June 2026
NUTS HEL 25 km is an urban trail race organised by NUTS Trail Running, starting and finishing at Eläintarha Sports Field in the heart of Helsinki. Covering 25 km with 343 m of total ascent and a high point of just 56 m, this is not a mountain race — it is a fast, rhythmic course that winds through Helsinki's green corridors, parks and forested paths, making it an accessible but genuinely competitive trail running experience. The flat-to-rolling profile means the race is decided by running economy, consistent pacing and the ability to keep moving efficiently over varied urban and semi-natural terrain rather than by climbing prowess. With checkpoints at Hakamäentie (3 km), Pirkkola (8 km) and Paloheinä (13 km) before the return to Eläintarha, the course has a clear structure that rewards runners who plan their effort in distinct sections.
Course & Terrain
The route begins at Eläintarha Sports Field (8 m elevation) and heads out through Helsinki's network of recreational paths, passing through Hakamäentie at 3 km before reaching Pirkkola at 8 km and Paloheinä at 13 km — the race's approximate midpoint and highest checkpoint at 39 m. The terrain is typical of Helsinki's green belt: a mix of compacted gravel paths, rooted forest singletrack and open park sections. Underfoot conditions can vary significantly depending on the season, ranging from firm and fast in dry summer conditions to muddy, slippery or snow-packed in cooler months. With a total elevation gain of only 343 m across 25 km and a maximum height of 56 m, the course never delivers a sustained climb. Instead, expect short, punchy rollers and gentle ramps that keep the legs turning over rather than forcing a hike. The return leg from Paloheinä back to Eläintarha mirrors the outward effort, so the second half of the race is not meaningfully harder in terms of climbing.
Decisive Sections — Where the Race Is Won or Lost
Given the modest elevation profile, this race comes down to pace management and running efficiency rather than big climbs. The approach to Paloheinä at 13 km is the closest thing to a decisive point on the course: it is the highest checkpoint and marks the halfway stage where accumulated fatigue begins to separate runners who went out too hard from those who held back. Runners who arrive at Paloheinä feeling controlled will have a genuine advantage over the final 12 km. The section from Pirkkola (8 km) to Paloheinä (13 km) is the most critical 5 km stretch — it is the middle third of the race, where it is easy to drift into a pace that feels comfortable but is quietly too fast. Any short climbs or technical singletrack in this segment will feel disproportionately harder later in the race if you have not respected this section. From Paloheinä home, the terrain trends back towards the finish and the priority becomes maintaining form and turnover on legs that are beginning to accumulate fatigue.
Pacing & Fuelling Strategy
With a 25 km distance and a finish cut-off of 16:00 on Saturday, most runners will be on course for anywhere between 2 and 3.5 hours depending on fitness and conditions. Start conservatively through the first 8 km to Pirkkola — the early kilometres on fresh legs are where runners most commonly overcook their effort. Treat Pirkkola as a check-in point: if you feel like you could go faster, you are probably pacing it correctly. Fuelling needs are relatively modest for this distance, but do not skip it entirely. Aim to take on some carbohydrate before or at Paloheinä (13 km) to keep energy levels topped up for the back half. Carry at least 500 ml of fluid from the start and assess whether you need more based on conditions. The checkpoints at Hakamäentie, Pirkkola and Paloheinä provide structure for taking on any nutrition or adjusting kit without losing significant time. The race is short enough that a single gel or snack at the halfway mark is usually sufficient for well-trained runners.
Conditions to Expect
Helsinki's climate means conditions can vary dramatically depending on the time of year NUTS HEL is held. If the race falls in late spring or early autumn, expect mild temperatures (5–15°C), potentially wet ground and changeable weather that can shift quickly. Trail surfaces in Helsinki's parks and forests hold moisture well, meaning mud and slippery roots are a genuine possibility after rain. Lightweight trail shoes with reasonable grip are a better choice than road shoes, even on what looks like a gentle urban course. In colder conditions — late autumn or winter editions — paths may carry ice, compacted snow or frost, which changes the race entirely from a pacing exercise to a technical footing challenge. Check recent weather and local conditions in the days before the race. The urban setting means the course is never truly exposed to severe weather, but wind and rain in Helsinki can be sharp, so a light wind layer is worth packing even if you do not expect to need it.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
✓ Course data verified against the official source (2026-07-05) · official source
0 km · 8 m · —
2.9 km · 18 m · —
6.9 km · 45 m · —
10.1 km · 50 m · —
14.7 km · 24 m · —
18.5 km · 14 m · —
22.7 km · 24 m · —
25.9 km · 8 m · Sat 16:00
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