Being from the United States, this was my first international marathon. Interesting fact was that people did not use the road blocked off with cones to run; instead, they ran on the sidewalks and then hopped between cars to change sides. Also, not too many runners would talk during the race - everybody seemed to be very serious. Otherwise, great crowd support and very pretty course. I would definitely do it again.

A 2003 runner. Weather was good, if a little on the warm side. Out of the city there was plenty of shade. Helsinki looks like it was built by Russian engineers in 24 hours in the mid 50's. There are even statues to match. Bring plenty of money; beer and resaurants are EXPENSIVE. The people are fantastic. The city is a real gem in spite of the heavy northern European architecture. The marathon route is a constant adventure winding through the city, the harbour, the lakes, woods, and bridges, and offering cosy parkland glimpses followed by the open sea. This was my sixth marathon in 2003 and one of the best overall. If nothing else, the rocks peeping above ground are a wonder. The lakes, the woods. I loved the harbour. Experience this for yourself, but train well. It looks flat, but there are a few slopes ready to catch the overconfident. Beware, and enjoy to the fullest. Look out for your name on the big scoreboard in the 1952 Olympic stadium. Now that is a thrill...

I ran the Helsinki City Marathon last year. I recommend this marathon to anybody. The course isn't the flattest, especially towards the end, and the temperature was around 28 degrees, but there are lots of drink stations to compensate for the heat.
The only thing that I thought was a little odd was the way that the the spectators would only shout when they saw somebody they knew. Otherwise, they were as silent as mice. I think that this is mostly due to the way that the Finns are as a people.

Overall, a well organized marathon that I would run again.

Although a hot day for Helsinki, the weather was nice to run in. The course was also beutiful as it ran along the Baltic, through parks, and the downtown area.

The longest hill is no longer part of the route which now goes via a lower
bridge - the last hills is there, alright!

The new date, at least for 2003, is yet unsettled, either Aug 2nd or Sep 6th:
the latter would be certain to be run in a cooler weather.

In 2002, there were plenty of drink stations, 19, but nothing salty was
available.

There were few spectators after 35km when one would´ve needed them
the most - but the sight of the Olympic Stadium and the finish through
the stadium gate gave a lift!

The grass of the stadium is a beautiful place to walk, lie and marvel
at the world after the finish - at least if it isn´t raining...

If you´ve done Stockholm, you can do worse than choose Helsinki.

I ran in 2001, it was warm but the major problems for me were first, the cobblestones (KM 22-28, but not continuous), but second, the undulating course, for which I was totally unprepared! I'd seen that the course was a huge C-shape which runs mainly across some islands and alongside the sea so I thought it would be flat, no-one told me that the islands were mountainous (I exaggerate slightly). And the final climb before the stadium is a complete killer. But if you're mentally prepared for the course, it's really a stunning tour of Helsinki. So 1 course-star for comfort, 5 for the thrill. It was also my first stadium-finish, that was great. Refreshment stations and post-race care particularly good.

Some beautiful scenery with lots of green and sea-views in some parts making you feel you are not running in a city. The park in the middle of the city is the only place full of spectators - Finns are quite silent on the rest of the race. Very good organization and wonderfull finish in stadium. Might be a little hot for some people, but not if you come from a warmer climate like me. There was a breeze that helped.

The dangers of running in a summer marathon are apparent here. They get exacerbated by the small ups and downs that are part of the course. On the plus side, it is a good feeling to finish the race in the Olympic Stadium - though there weren't too many spectators by the time I finished (approx. 5:30).

Had great weather even though it was a little warm in the beginning but for the most part had a breeze. Had some hills in the middle, different kinds of running surfaces. Very fan supportive and loved the finish line coming into the Olympic Stadium! Plenty of refreshments and had a couple of showers to run under to keep cool and also had sponges. Run through all different parts of Helsinki.

A very tough course, especially the second half is full of small climbs, wich after +20K don't feel so small anymore. I have heard some Finns proclaim The Helsinki City Marathon (HCM) the most beautiful marathon in the world, well it certainly is pretty with its seaside views. The Finns are not the loudest nation in the world so don't expect London Marathon crowd support, but the crowds are supportive and abundant just after the half way point, and at the finish which is in the 1952 Olympic Stadium. HINT: when you enter the Olympic Stadium be sure to make a final sprint (200m) because the roar from the crowd for the sprinters is deeply moving.