Interview with Helsinki Twilight Run & Walk - Beat Cancer!

You are organizing the Helsinki Twilight Run & Walk - Beat Cancer! on August 6th 2016. Can you describe shortly what makes your event unique and why should runners participate in it?

Join us to make a difference! Run or walk for something you believe in - beating cancer!

Running and walking with friends and family is rewarding in itself, but there is something extra special about running/walking and raising money for a good cause at the same time. Knowing that you are achieving your own ambitions while helping cancer research and patients is a truly unique experience.  

Bring your family and friends on August 6th 2016 – Together we can beat cancer!

The Helsinki Twilight Run & Walk – beat cancer! is an event for the Finnish Cancer Foundation (Syöpäsäätiö) aiming to give runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels the chance to participate in a fun event in the beautiful surroundings of Helsinki while helping cancer research and patients. 

Check out twilightrun.fi!

How is the scenery?

The 5 km, 10 km and half marathon route will take you through one of the most spectacular parts of Helsinki in the summertime with start and finish at the beautiful Hietaniemi beach. The route is varied, relatively flat and consists of a perfect mix between the beautiful Finnish nature and the dynamic feel of the capital of Finland.

What about the event have participants especially liked? 

The event was previously named Runners Twilight and has attracted runners from Finland and abroad. This year’s event is organized by Runner’s High in partnership with the Finnish Cancer Foundation (Syöpäsäätiö). It is the first time that we are organizing an event in Helsinki with focus on this important cause. We have included a 5 km walk giving also walkers the opportunity to participate while raising money for cancer research and patients. Thus, the event is really for everyone ranging from experienced runners seeking a new personal record to leisure walkers and runners. In addition, there will be a lively pre-and post-race program with food and drinks including a kid’s fun run at Hietaniemi beach.

Where is your event located and how are runners able to travel there easily? 

The event start and finish will take place at and around the beautiful beach of Hietaniemi in Helsinki. Getting to Helsinki from other parts of Finland as well as abroad is easy with many possibilities for finding nice places to stay near the event.

How many runners do you expect to have in your event? 

We are hoping to see at least 1500 participants who want to run or walk to beat cancer!

When was your event arranged for the first time?

This is the first time when participants will support cancer research and patients in need.

Why was your event created in the first place and how has it changed over the years?

Every year around 30 000 people are confronted with cancer in Finland. Unfortunately, 
11 000 people – or one in five - die of cancer. We are all touched by cancer some way or another. We felt that there was a need to raise awareness for this essential cause as well as the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. In addition, there is a need to support cancer research and the many patients that are affected by cancer. A run and walk is a great way for people to show their support while doing something that they like. 

What kind of weather conditions should runners expect to face in your event?

August offers great weather in Finland. Around Helsinki, summer weather is usually mild and warm with day temperatures above 20 degrees.

What else should runners do in the city after/before the race?

August is a great time to visit Helsinki as the city is marked with a number of cultural events. In addition there are plenty of exciting things to do, ranging from beautiful tours of the city, great dining experiences and shopping for the renowned Finnish Design. The area also invites you to join various nature excursions in the stunning archipelagos and nature districts such as Nuuksio National Park.
Finally during this time, Helsinki experiences only about seven hours of darkness each night, so visitors can enjoy being up and about with the sun for an extended period of time.

Anything else you want to tell about your event? 

Join us to make a difference! Run or walk for something you believe in, beating cancer! 

Bring your family and friends on August 6th 2016 – Together we can beat cancer!

Check out twilightrun.fi!