Welcome to the first ÄRJÄ ARCTIC TRAIL RUN trail running event on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM on Ärjänsaari, located on Lake Oulujärvi.
This “low-threshold” trail running experience (approx. 10km) will take place along the sandy beaches of Ärjänsaari and the high cliffs, following the trails near the largest inland water basin in Finland, Ärjänselkä.
While all runners will be timed, we want the event to be more of an experiential journey through the beautiful landscapes of Ärjänsaari than a “blood, sweat, and tears” competitive race. Therefore, both the first and last runner will receive the same ÄRJÄ souvenir award and will participate in product prize draws.
The first 100 people to register for the ÄRJÄ ARCTIC TRAIL RUN event will be accepted. There may be spots available for backup runners if cancellations occur.
Race categories (approx. 10km):
Men, August 17, 2025, 1:00 PM
Women, August 17, 2025, 1:10 PM
15-18 years (with parental consent/participation), August 17, 2025, 1:20 PM
Fitness category, August 17, 2025, 1:30 PM
Equipment:
Running attire with a race number attached using safety pins (provided upon registration)
Running shoes
Optional cap (if the sun is strong)
Optional hydration belt (water station at Mansikkatörmä, about halfway through the route)
Registration:
The first 100 registrants will be accepted for the 2025 event. Registration opens on April 1, 2025, at this link.
Participation fee:
From April 1 to August 13, 2025: €69. Maximum of 100 registrations in 2025.
The participation fee includes:
Round-trip boat transportation from Ruunaniemi to Ärjänsaari (Ruunaniementie 70, Kajaani). The boat ride lasts approximately 10 minutes (once you've paid the entry fee, you will receive a code to book your preferred boat ride in the online shop).
Participation in the trail running event
Timing and online results
Small refreshments at the finish line, with a hydration station halfway through the route
Kupilka ÄRJÄ souvenir award
Participation in product prize draws
Changing facilities and equipment storage in cabins
Sauna access
Medical assistance if necessary
Start:
The starting area will be between the starting flags behind the Säipä summer kiosk, and the race will start in waves according to numbers, with a 10-minute interval between each group, guided by the race official.
Running Route:
The route starts behind the Säippä summer kiosk, runs past the cabins to Hautakaarre, along the forest road to the campsite, then follows the beach path to Vierasniemi. The route then loops around Kirkkosäikkä, follows the eastern side of Ärjänsaari along the beach path, passes Mansikkatörmä, and continues to Karkeapää, and then the western side of the island past Lentohiekka, towards the small swamp boardwalks, and finishes back at Säippä.
The route is mainly forest roads, sandy beaches, and narrow winding forest trails along high sand cliffs. Be cautious of falling from the cliffs.
Finish:
The finish area will be behind the summer kiosk, the same as the start area. Finishers will confirm their race number and name with the timekeeper. Finishing times will be given at the finish line, and overall results will be published online.
Support:
Two cabins near the summer kiosk will serve as changing rooms, where you can leave your belongings during the event. You will receive a numbered plastic bag at registration, where you can place some of your items. Only numbered participants are allowed into the cabins.
After completing the race, there will be an opportunity to sauna in the tent saunas or the log sauna.
Communication and Photography:
The names and home countries of the participants will be published in the starting and results lists. Photos and videos will be taken during the event and may be used in marketing for future events. Participants have the right to use the event's media in their own social media posts.
Insurance:
The organizer does not provide insurance for participants, so it is recommended that each participant has valid accident insurance to cover any potential injuries during the event. Participation is at your own risk.
The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the event schedule and transport arrangements if necessary due to weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration is binding and cannot be canceled after submission, but it can be transferred to another person free of charge or used for the next year’s event. Any transfers must be communicated to the event organizer in advance via email at info@luonnollisesti.fi.
Do Not Litter Along the Route. Let’s Keep Ärjänsaari Clean!
Trash bins are located near the summer kiosk and larger bins are available at Ruunaniemi at the boat departure/arrival point.
Accommodation:
Camping at Säipä on Ärjänsaari is free. For cabin reservations, visit www.luontoon.fi.
For igloo/cabin accommodations, visit:
www.luonnollisesti.fi
www.kokkopellonlomatalot.fi
Due to limited space, camping is not allowed at the Ruunaniemi parking lot.
The nearest canal site is at Kohtauspaikka SFC, located 23 km from Ruunaniemi, at Luomatie 123. More info at www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com, and also at BestPark Kontiomäki, Viitostie 2, 40 km away, www.bestpark.com.
Hotel accommodations are available at Kajaani hotels:
Peera Hotel Kajanus, Koskikatu 3, www.hotelkajanus.fi
Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, Kauppakatu 20, www.sokoshotels.fi
We are also organizing the following events in the summer of 2025:
Sunday, August 3, 2025: ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM CHALLENGE – An adventure swim around Ärjänsaari for experienced open-water swimmers. The swim will be about 10 km, and the first 20 registrants will be accepted.
Saturday, August 9, 2025: ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM – A “low-threshold” open-water swim, even for beginners. The swim will be around 2 km, and the first 100 registrants will be accepted.
Guided Hikes:
Sunday, June 15, Sunday, July 13, Sunday, August 10, 2025:
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE / WEST – A 5 km hike around Karkeapää, €59 including boat transportation.Sunday, June 29, Sunday, July 27, Sunday, August 24, 2025:
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE / EAST – A 5 km hike around Vierasniemi, €59 including boat transportation.Available at a time of your choice, suitable for corporate wellness days.
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE / SHORT – A 2 km hike around Lentohiekka, €49 including boat transportation.
Come and enjoy the incredible outdoor experiences of Ärjänsaari, located on the shores of the largest inland water basin in Finland, Ärjänselkä!
About Ärjänsaari:
Ärjänsaari was a summer retreat for the employees of the UPM paper mill in Kajaani until the mill closed in 2008. In the winter of 2016, Greenpeace activists halted UPM's logging operations on Ärjä, and in June 2017, the island was transferred from UPM’s ownership to the Finnish government, funded by the Ministry of the Environment, with management responsibilities transferred to Metsähallitus’ Nature Services.
Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Oy works as a partner of Metsähallitus in managing the island. Ärjänsaari is also one of Metsähallitus’ sheep herding locations. The island is known for its high sandy cliffs and expansive beaches and is part of a ridge formation stretching across Finland from Lieksa to Hailuoto. In addition to the shepherd's cabin and summer kiosk, there are currently four renovated rental cabins, designed by architect Eino Pitkänen between the 1930s and 1950s. Camping on the island is free. Visitors can reach Ärjänsaari via fast boat connections from Ruunaniemi (about 4 km). The town of Kajaani is about 20 km from Ruunaniemi. In July, the over 100-year-old steamship Kouta offers day trips to Ärjänsaari from Kalkkisillan, near the ruins of Kajaani Castle.
You are also welcome to join an independent trail running adventure on the beautiful forest trails of Ärjänsaari!
The kiosk is open daily from June 1 to August 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to enjoying coffee, soft drinks, and ice cream, you can also rent kayaking equipment, bicycles, and sauna sessions either in the tent sauna or the Vierasniemi sauna.
Event Organizers:
Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Oy
Kajaanin Urheilijat Ry
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