Event Guide - NUTS Karhunkierros -polkujuoksu

Starting the route

The team releases participants onto the route in smaller groups according to conditions at the start area and the route’s capacity. Your broad period selected at registration is not an assigned start group. Timing begins when you actually start.
At registration, choose a broad period in which you intend to start the route. In spring, choose a bus departure from Ruka if travelling by bus, or an arrival time at the start area if travelling independently. Neither choice is an exact start time on the route.
The 13 km and 166 km start areas are in Ruka; no bus from Ruka to the start is needed for these distances. The exact release rhythm will be confirmed separately.

Registering

At registration, choose your broad start period. Instructions for choosing a bus departure or an arrival time at the start area will be published before the spring choices open.
🤝 If you want to arrive at the start area with a friend, choose a suitable broad period together and, in spring, compatible bus departures or arrival times where available. The team releases participants according to conditions at the start area; an exact shared start moment cannot be promised.

📍 GPS Tracking & Devices

You can rent a GPS tracking device through us for long distances, such as the Karhunkierros and Ylläs–Pallas ultra distances.
⚠️ GPS tracking rental opens approximately 2 weeks before the event.

ℹ️ GPS tracking is a rental device that shows your location in real time online. Your friends and supporters can follow your progress on a map, cheer you on from home, or more easily find you along the route. Availability of GPS tracking depends on the resources of the service provider. Primarily, the tracking device should be reserved through your participant information page. However, a few devices may become available even after the event has started. If you would still like to rent a GPS device during the event, you can ask NUTS staff about available devices at the bib number distribution point.

GPS tracking becomes active when the event starts. You can find the GPS tracking link on the event website and on NUTS social media channels.

How does GPS tracking work?
💚 You will receive guidance on using the GPS device when you pick it up along with your race bib.

1. Press the button on top for about 5 seconds. When you release it, the lights will blink
➡️ the device is ready to use.

2. Before the start, check via the GPS tracking link that your device is visible on the map. You can find the GPS link on the event website and social media.

⚠️ Do not cover the GPS device with a space blanket or a water bottle (this will block the signal).

🚌 Bus to the start from Ruka

A paid bus from Ruka to the start area is available for 34, 55 and 83 km. Bus passengers choose a bus departure from Ruka in spring; participants travelling independently choose an arrival time at the start area. Roads near the start are narrow and parking may be limited.
The 13 km and 166 km start areas are in Ruka, so no bus from Ruka to the start is needed for these distances.

ℹ️🚌Details about the bus transportation

Bus departures and practical journey details will be published before the spring choice opens.
When you arrive at the start area follow the instructions given by the announcers and other persons of the staff.
At the start area, use the facilities and prepare. Move to the start when ready and follow the team’s instructions. A bus departure is not an assigned start group on the route.

By purchasing the participation right for your chosen distance, you not only get to compete with fantastic competitors but also:
📝 Your race bib with timing chip & safety pins
⛺️Receive drink and energy supplies at the aid stations.
🏁❌If you cannot complete the race, we will transport you from the aid stations to the finish line.
🍽️At the finish line, you can chat with fellow competitors while enjoying a bowl of soup, and day visitors have access to shower facilities.
🚩 Naturally, trail marking for you runners is included!
🥇The entry fee also includes a small keepsake from the race: you’ll receive a medal around your neck when you cross the finish line!

DROP BAG TRANSPORT
🧳For participants in the 166 km distance, we transport a “drop bag” from Ruka to the Oulanka Visitor Centre and the turnaround point at Hautajärvi.
🧳For the 83 km distance, the transport is from Ruka to the Oulanka Visitor Centre.

Participants in other distances can leave their extra warm-up clothes at the starting points to be returned at the finish.

Prices include a 10% VAT.

Race Instructions

💚Pay attention to instructions and rules💚

The event has a minimum safety equipment list that should be carried by the contestant, the event organisers have the right to request that the contestant makes themselves available for random equipment checks.
⚠️The contestant will have a limited time prior to race start to rectify any short falls or be disqualified from the competition.

The detailed Karhunkierros 2027 event timetable and bib pickup hours will be confirmed separately. At registration, choose a broad period in which you intend to start the route. In spring, choose a bus departure from Ruka or an arrival time at the start area if travelling independently. The team releases participants onto the route according to conditions at the start area.

Event Centre

Event Centre, Ruka Village
📍Address: Rukankyläntie 6, 93830 Kuusamo

👏 EVENT SERVICES AT THE RACE CENTRE

Bib Pickup
- Thursday 17:00 – 21:00 / All distances
- Friday 7:00 – 7:45 / 166km
- Friday 12:00 – 21:00 / All distances
- Saturday 8:00 – 15:45 / 34km & 13km
The 166 km start on Friday at 8:00
Finish line
The prize ceremony
Expo

Bib Pickup

You will get bib number and safety pins.
🧳Additionally 83 km and 166 km will also get drop bags and aid station stickers.

➕🧳For runners in the 83 km, 55 km, and 34 km races, an additional bag and a personalized sticker will also be provided. Use this bag if you need extra warm clothing at the start. Clothes left in this bag at the start will be returned to the finish area.

Drop bags of 166 km and 83 km runners are to be left for the organisers;
👉The 2027 drop bag handover deadlines will be confirmed separately.
👉Please mark your bags with aid station -specific sticker where you want your drop bag taken to.
👉The 2027 return time for drop bags will be confirmed separately.

NOTE! Poles must NOT be placed in or left in the drop bags!

ℹ️In case of any questions do not hesitate to contact us at info@nuts.fi or call to +358 40 6605 280 / Eppu.

Parking in Ruka

⚠️During the event, parking in Ruka Village will be limited, and spaces will likely be fully occupied by Friday. We recommend exploring parking options in the Ruka area, using public transportation, .and traveling to the event area via transportation services provided by Pohjolan Matka.

👉 Explore more here!

If you are traveling by private car, please try to favor carpooling due to limited parking opportunities. Remember that there is other traffic besides event-related vehicles, so please do not block the roads with your parking!

🚌 Bus Transport from Ruka to the Start

For 34, 55 and 83 km, a paid bus from Ruka to the start area is available. In spring, bus passengers choose a bus departure from Ruka; participants travelling independently choose an arrival time at the start area.
⚠️ Please note that the roads are narrow and parking on-site can be challenging, so we strongly recommend using the organized transport.
The 13 km and 166 km start areas are in Ruka, so no bus from Ruka to the start is needed.

ℹ️🚌 Information about Bus Transport

Bus departures and practical journey details will be published before the spring choice opens.
Follow the instructions given by announcers and officials upon arrival.
Prepare at the start area, move to the start when ready and follow the team’s instructions. A bus departure is not an assigned start group; timing begins when you actually start.

🚗 Arriving at the Start by Private Car

Ruka Village (13 km)
When arriving at Ruka Village, parking is available at the Stadion parking lot
Google Maps >

Juuma (34 km) & Basecamp Service Point
There is plenty of parking space in Juuma, and it is easily accessible by car. However, the road to Basecamp is closed to runners’ support crews and spectators.

Oulanka (55 km)
If you plan to arrive at Oulanka by your own transport, parking is arranged at Käylän Korpihovi. Details and operating hours of any local shuttle to the start area in 2027 will be confirmed separately. This helps avoid congestion and unnecessary driving on narrow roads. Parking space in Oulanka is very limited. We strongly recommend that 55 km participants use the departure buses from Ruka. This parking instruction also applies to the support crews of 166 km participants moving in the Oulanka area on Friday evening.

Napapiiri / Hautajärvi (83 km & 166 km turnaround point)
Due to the limited parking area, we hope that runners arrive at the start via the departure buses. There is very limited parking at Napapiiri.

🚗 It is advisable to avoid traveling by private car on routes leading to the Karhunkierros trail, as parking spaces are scarce. The event organizer recommends utilizing the free spectator buses.

Trail follows well marked hiking path of the Karhunkierros trail and is marked with “Karhunkierros” and kilometer signs. Race organisation will add some 3000 extra markings on the trail.
The markers are:
🚩 Karhunkierros signs
🚩 Kilometer posts
🚩 Orange or yellow dots on trees

🚩 The route is marked by the organizers using orange flag sticks, blue-and-white instruction signs, and NUTS tape.

More information:

Karhunkierros trail details available at Luontoon.fi
You can find links to downloadable route files for your watch in the description of each race distance under the Distances & Routes section.

Tapahtuman reittimerkit näyttävät tältä. | Course signs by NUTS Ⓒ Niina Matturi

Metsähallituksen merkit reitillä kertovat kilometrit. | Kilometer signs by The official Karhunkierros route Ⓒ Niina Matturi

Mandatory equipment must be carried from start to finish. Event staff may check the mandatory equipment through spot checks at the start or during the run.

Please turn your phone to landscape mode to see the equipment required for each route.

mandatory advisable	166 km	83 km	55 km	34 km	13 km
MOBILE PHONE Protect from getting wet and save the event emergency number: +358 40 6605 281.
ELASTIC ADHESIVE BANDAGE Elastic support bandage – waterproof packed (min. 6 cm x 100 cm).
CUP We do not litter the national park with disposable cups. Aid stations do not provide disposable cups.
SPOON Bring a spoon so you have something to scoop up your soup. Aid stations do not provide disposable spoons.
WATER BOTTLE OR HYDRATION BLADDER Water bottle or hydration bladder.	Min 1 l	Min 1 l	Min 1 l	Min 1 l	Min 0,5 l
SPACE BLANKET For warmth in emergencies.
SIGNAL WHISTLE Included in many backpacks.
EMERGENCY ENERGY Emergency energy for critical situations, minimum 250 kcal.
HEADLAMP OR EMERGENCY LIGHT Enough light to keep moving, but in an emergency, a lamp makes it easier to locate an exhausted runner in the dark forest.
WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET WITH HOOD Water column rating minimum 10,000 mm.
GLOVES Nights are cold.
RUNNING POLES If you use poles, you must carry them for the entire race. Poles cannot be left at aid stations, picked up along the route, or sent to an aid station in a drop bag.
POWER BANK Ensure your phone battery lasts until the finish line.

	Väli seuraavalle Distance to next (km)	166 km	83 km	55 km	34 km
Napapiiri \| Arctic Circle	27,6	↑↓ 84,3	0
Oulangan luontokeskus	31,8	↑ 56,8 ↓ 111,9	27,6	0
Juuman kylä Vain 34 km lähtö \| Only 34 km Start	–	–	–	–	0
Basecamp	17,7	↑ 25,0 ↓ 143,7	59,4	31,8	10,5
Konttainen	7,3	↑ 7,3 ↓161,4	77,1	49,5	28,2
Ruka		↑ 0 ↓ 168,7	84,4	56,8	35,5

🕒Aid Station & finish Cut-Offs

34 km – Start to Finish: 10 h
34 km – Start to Konttainen (Cut-Off): 7 h
55 km – Start to Finish: 14 h
83 km – Start to Finish: 18 h
83 km – Start to Oulanka (Cut-Off): 5 h
83 km – Start to Konttainen (Cut-Off): 15 h
166 km – Start to Finish: 36 h
166 km – Start to Napapiiri (Cut-Off): 16 h
166 km – Start to Oulanka (Cut-Off): 22 h
166 km – Start to Konttainen (Cut-Off): 33 h

ℹ️Services at Start Areas

The gear you leave at the start will be transported back to Ruka. Please remember to label your start-returns bag with the detachable tag found at the bottom of your race bib, which includes your name and race number. Loose jackets and gear may get dirty, so make sure to close the bag properly.
Portable toilets available at the start areas.
The aid station for other distances located in the start area is not available for runners preparing for their start. There are no separate water stations at the 34km, 55km, and 83km start lines, so please fill your water bottles/hydration packs before arriving at the start.
Trash belongs in the bin – littering in the national park will result in disqualification.

ℹ️Services at Aid Stations

⛺ JUHANNUSKALLIO (13km)	💧🍋 Water & NOSHT Lemon sports drink 🍟🍫 Chips, Chocolate, Marmalade 🍌🍊 Sliced cucumber, Banana & Mandarin
⛺ KONTTAINEN (34km, 55km, 83km & 166km)	💧🍋 Water & NOSHT Lemon sports drink 🍟🍫 Chips, Chocolate, Marmalade 🍌🍊 Sliced cucumber, Banana & Mandarin
⛺ BASECAMP (34km, 55km, 83km & 166km) 🔥 Warmth and recovery at this station by: Contura	💧🍋 Water & NOSHT Lemon sports drink 🍟🍫 Chips, Chocolate, Marmalade 🍌🍊 Sliced cucumber, Banana & Mandarin
⛺ OULANKA (83km & 166km) 🔥 Warmth and recovery at this station by: Contura	💧🍋 Water & NOSHT Lemon sports drink 🍟🍫 Chips, Chocolate, Marmalade 🍌🍊 Sliced cucumber, Banana & Mandarin 🥤 Coca-Cola, Coffee & Tea 🥣 Soup / Spoon food (Lentil soup, Game soup & Rice porridge)
⛺ ARCTIC CIRCLE / HAUTAJÄRVI (166km)	💧🍋 Water & NOSHT Lemon sports drink 🍟🍫 Chips, Chocolate, Marmalade 🍌🍊 Sliced cucumber, Banana & Mandarin 🍕 Pizza (Veggie, Cheese & Gluten-free) 🥤 Coca-Cola, Coffee & Tea 🥣 Soup / Spoon food (Lentil soup, Game soup & Rice porridge) 🍯 Jam 🍺 Non-alcoholic KOFF Crisp Beer

We have considered at least celiacs, vegans, and those with chocolate allergies at the aid stations.
Portable toilets available at aid stations.
166 km and 83 km runners have the option to leave a personal drop bag at the event center for delivery to Hautajärvi (Napapiiri aid station) and Oulanka Visitor Center. The bags will be returned to the race center by the organizer by early Saturday evening, no later than 18:00.
Trash belongs in the bin – littering in the national park will result in disqualification.

External assistance is allowed only at aid stations.

ℹ️Services at Finish Area

A hot meal is available at the finish area for runners until the finish closes – a vegetarian option is also available.
Portable toilets available at the finish area.
Showers and a sauna are located at the Ski Stadium. The sauna is available from Friday evening until Saturday evening
Trash belongs in the bin – littering in the national park will result in disqualification.

📱 The race’s emergency duty phone +358 40 6605 281

💚 You must carry a mobile phone in case for any help (for you or for fellow runners).
💚Race organiser can also call you to ask for help for other runners or to check your status. Even tough everything is OK with you when emergency duty number calls – please answer!
💚 In a case of emergency during the run please call to the race’s emergency duty phone.
💚 If you decide to quit, please do so only at the aid stations from where you will be guided to the nearest road for a pick up. Note out that even if you did quit, you may have to walk several kilometres to reach the transportation. If you are not able to move, evacuation will be carried out by a rescue helicopter through National Emergency Services. Prepare for several hours of waiting!

The most common problems are:
🤕 blisters
🤕abrasions
🤕injuries caused after falling
🤕fatigue after running out of energy and dehydration.

🥶There is always a risk of hypothermia after your speed gets slow or you must stop. Prepare yourself so that you can help yourself and get to an aid station or to the nearest shelter.
🤝It is absolutely mandatory to help others in need. If any of the fellow runners seem to have troubles please ask his/her condition.

Participants must take care of their own insurance policy.

Make sure to stay well-hydrated with sports drinks, juice, or water both during the race and at the finish! If you feel nauseous in the sauna, move to a cooler area, lie down, and elevate your legs.

🆘In case of serious accidents call public emergency number 112 first and ask for help.

👉After that, contact the race’s emergency duty phone +358 40 6605 281 – you can find your coordinates from the kilometer signs of the trail!

Important notice:

There is a chance that there’s still some snow at national park and rivers might be flooding! Please pay extra attention when crossing rivers or streams.
Even on May, temperature might go down to zero degrees or below.
Please be extra careful when crossing roads.
If you decide to drink from the streams or rivers it is on your own responsibility!
The route runs through the Oulanka National Park so you must stay on the trail!
Littering is absolutely prohibited!
If you decide to discontinue it is only possible at the Hautajärvi, Oulanka, Juuma and Konttainen -aid stations.
The trail is demanding because of steep ups and downhills, slippery roots, muddy areas and stones.
3–5 people at a time across the suspension bridge, depending on the bridge.
In a case of sprained ankle remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Remember to drink enough and do not forget electrolytes.
All the runners and their actions will make the race safe for everyone! Be safe and take care of your fellow runners.

Runner can be disqualified if

Littering
Unethical behaviour
Using external aid outside of the aid stations
Not helping fellow runners in need
Missing compulsory gear. Race steward may carry out inspections along the route to check your equipment.
Taking the short cut
Not visiting all of the aid stations
Cut offs: See timetable

Changes

The organiser reserves the right to make changes. Please follow this page for additional information.