Pogostan Ultra Trail
Pogostan Ultra Trail 180 km
Ruunaa → Ilomantsi
Race guide
Updated 2 August 2026
Pogostan Ultra Trail 180 km runs from Ruunaa to Ilomantsi, 180 kilometres across the North Karelian wilderness right along Finland's eastern border. The route follows the Karhunpolku and Taitajan Taival trails through the landscapes of Patvinsuo National Park and Petkeljärvi: root-covered forest path, long gravel sections, and boardwalk over open mires. Total ascent is 2,106 m, but the high point stays under 250 m — the challenge is not a mountain, it is the distance, the wet feet and one long night. The start is Friday 28 August at 10:00 and the time limit is 36 hours, so the finish closes on Saturday at 22:00. There are four aid stations and a few water points along the way, and three of the aid stations carry a cut-off. That makes the 180 above all a race of even, disciplined pacing: when the terrain does not force you to walk, it is easy to set off too hard and pay for it in the small hours of the night.
Course & terrain
The route starts from the Ruunaa recreation area and heads south toward Ilomantsi. The first few dozen kilometres are mostly runnable: pine heath, sandy path and gravel road, until the terrain turns more technical near Patvinsuo National Park (aid station at 59 km). After that comes the most remote part of the course, where boardwalk, mire crossings and roots demand constant concentration. The later stages pass through Naarva (89 km) and Raiskio (121 km) toward Möhkö (149 km) beside the eastern border, and from there the final 30 kilometres or so to the Ilomantsi sports centre. Despite a high point under 250 m, repeated small rises add up to more than 2,000 m of ascent — exactly the kind of terrain where the profile looks gentle and the legs tire anyway.
Where the race is decided
The race is rarely decided at the start but often on the night section after Patvinsuo. Between Kaatiinlampi (30 km) and Patvinsuo (59 km) it is easy to move too briskly, because the terrain allows it; the bill arrives between Naarva and Raiskio in the darkest hours, when wet boardwalk and roots slow you down and the temperature falls. The structural pressure comes from the cut-offs. Patvinsuo closes Friday at 21:00 and Raiskio Saturday at 08:00 — the latter is the one many runners reach tired after the night. Pace yourself so that you arrive at Raiskio with a clear margin rather than only just; the rest of the route via Möhkö (16:00) to Ilomantsi still has to be covered after that.
Pacing & fuelling
Split the race into three parts: Ruunaa–Patvinsuo (59 km), Patvinsuo–Raiskio (62 km through the night) and the run-in to Ilomantsi (59 km). Keep the opening deliberately calm — define 'easy' by heart rate or perceived effort, not by the clock. Walk the steep and technical sections, because over 180 kilometres the muscular cost of forcing them is greater than the time gained. The aid stations are Patvinsuo (59 km), Naarva (89 km), Raiskio (121 km) and Möhkö (149 km); water points are at Kaatiinlampi (30 km), Jorho (100 km) and Särkkäjärvi (125 km). The longest carry is about 30 km, so leave every aid station with enough fluid and energy. Appetite disappears easily at night — eat by the clock, not by hunger. Pack salty, real food at the aid stations to balance the gels, and something warm to drink for a cold night.
Conditions
Late August in North Karelia can swing sharply. Daytime temperatures are often 12–18 °C, but nights drop easily toward 5 °C, and rain and morning mist are likely. Wet ground — mire, boardwalk and roots — is slippery, so grip and keeping your feet dry matter more than the temperature. The route is largely remote wilderness and a large part of the night is covered in darkness. Take a reliable head torch with spare batteries, a warm layer for the night and spare socks for the aid stations. The proximity of the eastern border and the long uninhabited stretches make self-sufficiency part of the discipline: always carry a little more than you think you need.
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Checkpoints & cut-offs
⚠ Auto-researched from public sources — aid stations and cut-offs may be incomplete. Confirm against the official roadbook before race day.
0 km · 137 m · —
30 km · 183 m · —
59 km · 156 m · Fri 21:00
89 km · 194 m · —
100 km · 160 m · —
121 km · 183 m · Sat 08:00
125 km · 186 m · —
149 km · 166 m · Sat 16:00
180 km · 159 m · Sat 22:00
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.