NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra
NUTS Karhunkierros 13 km
Ruka (Kuusamo)
Race guide
Updated 28 July 2026
NUTS Karhunkierros 13 km is the event's shortest distance and, for many runners, a first trail race. The start and finish are both in the Ruka pedestrian village, so no transport is needed. The measured course is 13.9 km with 378 m of climbing, a high point of 489 m and a low of 298 m. It goes off as a mass start outside Intersport at 16:00 on Saturday, with no start waves. Minimum age is 12.
The course
A loop through the fell landscape above Ruka: a climb onto Pyhävaara, a traverse towards Valtavaara and a descent back into the village. The footing is genuine trail — roots, rock and some staircases — not gravel path. At 378 m of climbing over 13.9 km, this course carries proportionally more gain than several of the longer distances at the event. It is a short race, but it is not a flat one.
Where the race is decided
For a first-timer, in the opening climb. A mass start always goes off too fast, and the Pyhävaara slope punishes that within minutes. Walk the climbs from the start if that is what your legs want — in trail running that is normal practice, not a failure. For more experienced runners the race is decided on the descents, which are technical enough that seconds only come from committing to your footing.
Pacing and kit
There is no aid station on course, so the whole race is run on what you carry. For an effort under two hours a single bottle or soft flask is enough for most runners; in warm weather two is the safer choice. Grippy trail shoes are the most important item of kit — the roots and rock above Ruka are slick when wet. Start and finish are both in the event centre, so a change of clothes can be left at the start.
Cut-off and atmosphere
The finish closes at 20:00 on Saturday, giving four hours. That is a generous allowance for 13.9 km even at walking pace, so the distance suits a first-timer without time pressure. The Saturday afternoon start also means the event centre is at its busiest, with finishers from the longer distances already in — it is the most atmospheric start of the weekend.
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.