2024 will see the 5th edition of the popular Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail event in Utsjoki, the world’s most northerly ultra race for trail runners and mountain bikers. Since its beginnings, this demanding endurance competition has attracted over one thousand athletes to the pristine Kaldoaivi wilderness area in northern Finnish Lapland. Still something of a hidden gem, the trail event is growing in popularity and recent years have seen increasing numbers of competitors from the Nordics and countries further afield, like Spain, Belgium and Greece.
The next Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail will be held on the weekend of 26–27 July 2024 with online registration beginning 1st November 2023. Prices start from 59 euros. Various trail runs are open, from the 12km “Nuorgam landscape tour” all the way up to the punishing 85km. There’s even the ‘Trailrun double’ spanning 142km with an elevation of 1950m. Not for the faint-hearted! In the mountain bike category, competitors can choose from various series starting at 57km. The double MTB series will see competitors covering 215km over Friday and Saturday with an elevation of 3300m.
Competitors have described Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail as true adventure, while organisers warn runners and riders that the rugged wilderness of Finland’s borderland region makes for a challenging experience. Mountain biking and trail running off-road routes are exceptionally unique: competitors will cross the largest open fells in the wilderness, fast-flowing waterways, swamps and through fairytale-like birch trees. Sauna and drinks await the finishers!
Competition founder Simo Kurku says that the most important values of Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail are respecting the unique natural environment, providing a top-class experience in nature, and making sure of a well-functioning and safe event. Join Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail weekend for a bucket-list kind of adventure.
Find out more in Finnish and English at www.kaldoaivi.fi. Follow Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail on Facebook and Instagram. Registration began 1st November 2023.