Pogostan Ultra Trail
Pogostan Ultra Trail 50 km
Ilomantsi
Race guide
Updated 2 August 2026
Pogostan Ultra Trail 50 km is a loop from Ilomantsi into the North Karelian wilderness near Finland's eastern border, run almost entirely on trail. Of the 50 kilometres, 48.5 are path: root-covered pine heath and boardwalk over open mires. Total ascent is 816 m from countless small rises, even though the high point stays under 200 m — a low but surprisingly wearing first ultra, or a fast day on the trails. The start is Saturday 29 August at 10:00 and the time limit is 12 hours, so the finish closes at 22:00. There is one aid station at roughly halfway (about 25 km), and it closes at 18:00. You do need to keep moving, but the emphasis is on even pacing and saving your legs on technical ground.
Course & terrain
The route leaves Ilomantsi and circles the trail network of the surrounding country. From the start it is genuine path underfoot: narrow, root-covered and stony in places, with boardwalk across the mires. The terrain is low but rarely flat — continuous small climbs and descents, plus a wet and slippery surface, keep the pace honest and demand concentration the whole way. The halfway aid station at about 25 kilometres splits the loop in two. The second half repeats the same theme: technical trail, where tired legs and damp ground are the main brake. Toward the finish, expect that the pace will not come free from the terrain.
Where time is lost
Although the elevation differences are small, 50 km of technical trail wears the legs surprisingly hard. Time is rarely lost on the climbs and often on the wet, rooty, boardwalked sections where every step has to be placed. An opening that is too hard shows up in exactly those places later on, when concentration slips and the feet stop clearing the roots. The only cut-off is at the halfway aid station (18:00). That is generous for anyone moving well, but not a formality if the start is too cautious or the ground is especially wet. Hold an even pace so that you reach the aid station with a clear margin.
Pacing & fuelling
Start calmly — 50 kilometres of technical trail punishes a hard opening in the closing stages. Walk the steep and rooty sections briskly, but do not force yourself to run them; the time difference is small and the muscular cost is large. The longest stretch without support is about 25 km, so leave both the start and the halfway aid station with enough fluid and energy. Refuel properly at the halfway station: salty food alongside the gels, and enough fluid for the run home. In August heat, hydration becomes the priority; in cool and wet conditions it is managing your feet and staying warm instead.
Conditions
Late August in North Karelia can bring anything from a warm day to cold rain. The ground is often wet: mire, boardwalk and roots are slippery, and your feet will almost certainly get wet. Grip and good shoes matter more than light kit. Although 50 km is the shortest ultra distance at the event, it runs through remote country. Carry enough fluid and energy for the legs between support, a layer appropriate to the weather, and spare socks if needed — wet feet over 50 kilometres are a real source of blisters.
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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 · 163 m · —
25 km · 157 m · Sat 18:00
50 km · 165 m · Sat 22:00
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Course data researched from public sources — verify against the official roadbook.