Interview with the International Pyynikki-juoksu

The International Pyynikki-juoksu will be organized on April 24th 2016. Can you describe briefly what makes your event unique? Why should runners participate in it?

The Pyynikki-juoksu is a traditional race with a uniquely beautiful and versatile route. It is the perfect way to open the running season, whether you are a jogger, walker or a serious runner. You cannot experience a similar 10 km or a 20 km run (a new addition in 2016) anywhere else. This year the race office will be located at the idyllic Pyynikki sports field, which has been the setting for Finnish running history for nearly a century, thanks to the world record runs by Hannes Kolehmainen and Väinö Sipilä.

Whether you take part in the 10 km or in the new distance of 20 km, it is a good idea to listen to your body, run sensibly and enjoy the scenery. The versatile terrain consists of both uphills and downhills. The Double Pyynikki is so demanding that you can almost call it an extreme run!

The Pyynikki-juoksu has gathered both top Finnish athletes as well as foreign runners year after year. The run is a great way to test yourself in the beginning of the running season and to prepare for the other running events, marathons and half marathons of the summer. Once you have completed the Pyynikki route, you are ready for any of the other runs the summer has to offer! The route along Pyynikki ridge is also very appealing for walkers with its beaufitul and diverse scenery.

How is the scenery? 

Like previous years, the route runs along the national landscapes of the Pyynikki ridge and its well-maintained roads and paths. The change in race office location from Ratina to Pyynikki sports field will effect the first and last kilometres of the race.

The route starts from the Pyynikki sports field via Aleksanterin kirkkopuisto park to Hämeenpuisto park. From here the route continues toward Pyhäjärvi. Before Eteläpuisto park, the route turns to the traditional route toward Piispantalo. From Piispantalo the route continues along the park road toward Pyynikki Summer Theatre and Rosendahl. In the Rosendahl area the runners of the W/M17 5 km turn and run back to the finish. 

From Rosendahl the runners continue toward Varala and the corner of Tahmela sports field. The most challenging ascent of the route starts from here to the top of the ridge. The route continues on the dirt road around the ridge all the way to the Pyynikki observation tower. From here the runners start a long descent back to Rosendahl, the Summer Theatre and along the beach road past the miniature golf course to Eteläpuisto park. The route climbs back up to the Pyynikki sports field via Hämeenpuisto and Kirkkopuisto parks. The runners of the Double Pyynikki will continue for another lap. The second lap mainly follows the same route, with a few exceptions. 

The Turre-minimarathon for children will be run on a route that has been set up in the Pyynikki sports field area, using both the track and surrounding area of the field.

What about the event have participants especially liked? 

The route is incredibly beautiful and versatile, but also challenging. The route will be an indicator as to how the training over the winter has gone. 

The markings along the route have received particularly good feedback. Depending on the weather, we have tried to mark the route with both tape and chalk markings on the ground. Every kilometre is marked by a sign and the route has been measured according to official rules.

This event is a meeting point for all joggers as well as top athletes. This is a "traditional" running event, where the most important things are the route itself, the scenery along the Pyynikki ridge and exercising outdoors together. If you feel that you are up for it, you can compete for the money prizes for the 10 km general series, which will be awarded to the top six in both men and women's categories. 

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

Tampere is easy to reach from anywhere from Finland or the world. In addition to your own car, you can also arrive by bus or train (we suggest you take advantage of the possible early bird prices) or by plane (Pirkkala airport).

For the first time, the race office will be loacted at the Pyynikki sports field, which has been in use since the early 20th century and where more than one world record has been set by legendary Finnish athletes.

There are plenty of choices for accommodation in Tampere. You can find more than one close to the sports field, set within a walking distance from the field. Local buses also run by the field.

There is a limited number of free parking spaces near the field. The nearby parking spaces (parking fee) are within a walking distance from the field. 

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

Due to the new distances and other new additions, we ar expecting around 600-700 runners.

When was your event arranged for the first time? 

This will be the 44th edition of the run so the first Pyynikki-juoksu was organized as early as 1971.

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

The event was created as the opening of the running season for both top athletes and amateurs. In the beginning, the event was focused on the 10 km race, but due to requests from the runners, a half marathon was included in the event. This year the half marathon will be replaced by the Double Pyynikki, which is aimed at those who love to run and who are looking for new challenges.

This year we are developing the Pyynikki-juoksu toward being a spring sports event for everyone, by introducing the children's Turre-minimarathon as well as the children's "Sports park", which will be open during the longer distances.

All the participants can profit from free entry to the Pyynikki swimming hall on the race day during the swimming hall's opening hours from 10 am to 4:45 pm. The participants must present their start number in order to gain entry to the swimming hall.  

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

Since the run will take place in the early spring, the weather conditions can offer strong winds and warm spring sun. Nevertheless, the ridge will take care of the runners. The previous years, the sun has always come out in time for the start. 

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

Tampere is a diverse city offering culture (classical and pop/rock music, theater, visual arts and museums) and sports throughout the year. Tampere also offers numerous culinary experiences.

Anything else you want to tell about your event?    

This year we want to encourage families to take part by organizing a children's Sports Park after the Turre-minimarathon and during the Pyynikki-juoksu. The park will be open from 11:30 am until the last runners finish the race. The Sports Park will offer different kinds of activites and program for the smallest participants. The children can take their own snacks with them and the instructors will also provide some juice and biscuits (please notify the organisers about possible allergies). Children under 4 years old can access the park with their guardian. The fee for the park is 2 € per hour. The instructors will give more details.

This is a sports event, which brings together the little Turre-marathon runners, joggers, Finnish top athletes and international guests.

If the run is not enough, Tampere will provide you with enough activities for a spring weekend full of sports!