18.09.2026
Growing Finnish participation and Para athletes on Lahti’s iconic ski jump mark Spartan’s second year in Lahti
Lahti hosted Spartan Race Finland for the second year running on 21–23 August, welcoming more than 2,500 participants from over 30 countries, from everyday fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes. The weekend also featured the Para World Championships, and the sight of Para athletes climbing the landing slope of Lahti’s iconic ski jump became one of the event’s defining moments, both on-site and online.
Finnish competitors made up three quarters of the field, while the event continued to draw a strong international following, led by participants from Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
The event’s digital reach tells a similar story. Spartan Race Finland’s social media channels generated more than 14 million impressions over the event year, with around 40% of the audience based outside Finland. Content highlighting Para athletes and inclusion performed particularly well.
Sports events are a particular focus in a city long defined by winter sports
Lahti pays an annual hosting fee of €250,000, one of the city’s largest single-event investments. Participants and other visitors at last year’s Spartan race are estimated to have left around €4 million in the region, based on a survey conducted among participants. The race is one of roughly 80 events the City of Lahti is funding or partnering with in 2026.
“This stems from the fact that Lahti is a sports city, long known for its winter sports expertise. However, Lahti has increasingly begun attracting interest as a year-round events city as well. Events increase opportunities for local businesses to operate. They also bring wellbeing and a sense of community to the city,“ says Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, Lahti’s Director of Urban Culture.
Spartan will return to Lahti for the third time with its Trifecta Weekend on 20–22 August 2027.
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Photo: Spartan Race Finland
Sources: Yle news, Spartan Race Finland communications