Trail running is growing in popularity in Finland, and in Päijät-Häme the sport has become one of the fastest growing forms of exercise in recent years. The event will be held in the stunning ridge landscapes of Messilä and Tiirismaa Tiirismaa Trail is strongly involved in the development – and 2026 will bring unprecedented innovations, new participant groups and an even stronger community focus to the event.
Tiirismaa Trail, together with two other events, forms a new Tiirismaa Tripla -a whole that offers exciting trail running and outdoor activities all year round in the most famous landscapes of Salpausselkä. Tiirismaa Tripla in 2026 consists of the following events:
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- Tiirismaa Winter Trail March 14–15, 2026
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- Tiirismaa Trail 1.8.2026
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- Messilä Vertical 19.9.2026
Tripla will launch in just over a month, in March, when Tiirismaa Winter Trail brings runners and outdoor enthusiasts into the early winter atmosphere on Saturday by the light of headlamps. On Saturday evening, the program includes 10 km and 14 km routes, and on Sunday we offer: 10 km, 14 km and 25 km distances and also new a hiking series where you can participate in the event at your leisure without any time constraints.
Winter event registration is already open.
Tiirismaa Trail main event 1.8.2026 – new ultramarathon and one-lap trail marathon to Salpausselä
After winter, however, all eyes turn to the biggest trail adventure of the summer, when Tiirismaa Trail returns on August 1, 2026, even bigger and more diverse. For the first time, the event offers Salpausselkä challenges of a completely new scale.
The most anticipated new features of summer 2026 include: 42-kilometer continuous trail marathon, which travels in one lap through the ridges, lakes and technical forest trails of Salpausselkä Geopark.
In addition, the event will launch a completely new 63 km ultra, which combines the marathon and half marathon sections and forms one of the most demanding ultra routes in Southern Finland.
– The goal is to offer an exceptional trail ultra in the conditions of Southern Finland, combining a physical challenge and stunning nature. This route will not leave anyone indifferent., says the event's course master Juha Sorvisto.
Tiirismaa Trail registration opened on February 8th, and the cheapest first price tier is only valid for a week until February 15th.
The joy of trail running for everyone – low-threshold routes and family series included
Tiirismaa Trail is not just for top runners. In 2026, there will also be a new, easier trail 8 km route, which is ideal for first-time users and fitness enthusiasts.
In addition, the event In the Free Trails series You can walk 8–42 km routes at your own pace without competing or timing. The routes are marked and service points are open – the focus is on the joy of movement.
There is also a popular option for families Tiirismaa Trail Kids (1.6 km), which has both a competitive series and a free For Fun series. All children will receive prizes.
UNESCO Salpausselkä Geopark puts Päijät-Häme on the trail running map
The routes of the Tiirismaa Trail run through a UNESCO Global Geopark Salpausselkä in Geopark, whose ridges and elevation differences shaped by the ice age provide an exceptional setting for trail running in Southern Finland.
– This is one of the most spectacular and best trail running areas in all of Southern Finland – right next to Lahti., The lathe describes.
Free community runs strengthen the local trail running boom
Tiirismaa Trail also builds a year-round community around the event. Before the August race, a free trail running exercises and group runs under the guidance of professional coaches.
– Last summer we organized four training sessions, which attracted around 20 participants at best. This year, the goal is to have up to ten joint training sessions between March and September., says Aleksi Anttolainen, who is responsible for the exercises.
FACTBOX
1) Tiirismaa Winter Trail
14.–15.3.2026 Messilä, Lahti
Wanderings:
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- Sat 10 km & 14 km (by lamplight)
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- Sun 10 km, 14 km & 25 km
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- New: hiking series
2) Tiirismaa Trail
1.8.2026 Messilä & Salpausselkä Geopark
New products for 2026:
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- 42 km single-lap trail marathon
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- 63 km Ultra
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- New easier 8 km route
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- Free Trails series & Kids series
3) Messilä Vertical
19.9.2026 Messilä ski slopes
- The culmination of the autumn, measuring the power of ascent on the slopes of Messilä. The Vertical event offers a close and spectacular competition in a unique environment.
- The routes run through the UNESCO Salpausselkä Geopark area.
- Free trail running workouts from spring to autumn
