This post is a continuation to my newly born series about races, where I either have been involved as participant or where I really would like to take part. In the first part I told about the local running event here in Bremen, the Vahrer-Seen-Lauf. In the second part of the series I’ll describe a Finnish marathon event in Suomussalmi near the Russian border.
Raatteen maraton (i.e. Marathon of Raate) is organised in the premises of Suomussalmi, a scene of the one of the hardest battles during the second world war in Finland, especially during the so called “Winter War“. The historical aspect sets a special character to the whole event. The start of the race is located at Raate near the Russian border, the place where the hardest clashes between the Finnish and Russian army were fought. Numerous people lost their lives and it really makes a visitor to feel humble and show respect to the past generations. 42 kilometres and 195 metres will be run from Raate until Ämmänsaari, the current centre of the municipality Suomussalmi.
The marathon route itself is located in a relatively changing environment. There is a considerable difference in height on the route from start to finish. Hilly, partly sand or gravel as well as asphalt covered roads do not probably provide the best starting point for marathon record time attempts. The Finnish northern landscape with plenty of lakes, green forests and relatively scarce flora accompanies the marathon runners on the route.
The event Raatteen maraton has been organised only a couple of times until now, but its special character is making it tempting to take part of. I have not run the marathon there previously, but this year I really aim at starting there. The summer vacation has already been booked etc. My wife originates from the region and we can stay at her parents’ (i.e. my father- and mother-in-law’s) place.
Rocks at Raatteen Portti symbolizing the huge number of casualties at Raatteen tie
Bells of the monument at Raatteen portti
What I usually really like, when it comes to smaller marathon events is that you more probably don’t have to struggle with any major overtaking issues, but on the contrary have to find the motivation and strength to survive the long straight roads without any running companion. As runner I mostly miss change, opportunities to race in new environments. After having spent many weeks in Suomussalmi during the last 10 years it’s not a special place itself, but what is special is the opportunity to race in a familiar environment, to know the roads, be able to stay there a few days in advance and also afterwards etc.
I’m really looking forward to this one! 🙂