Lahti has hosted the IRONMAN 70.3 Lahti competition for the past seven years, welcoming over 10,000 athletes and their support teams from Finland and abroad. The city has earned its reputation as Finland’s triathlon capital, with thousands of participants enjoying Lahti’s hospitality and excellent conditions.
The IRONMAN organization will focus on its other events in the Nordics in the coming years. The local triathlon community will continue to grow and develop the sport in Finland.
Lahti will remain in the history books of IRONMAN, as the city successfully hosted the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, becoming the first Nordic city and the third in Europe to do so. The World Championship brought Lahti global attention.
– With its green, pristine natural surroundings, and unique position as the northernmost destination on the IRONMAN 70.3 circuit, Lahti has truly provided our athletes with memories to last a lifetime. We would like to send our utmost gratitude to the City of Lahti for their outstanding hospitality to IRONMAN triathlon over the last seven years. We hope there is an opportunity to work together in the future, said Henrik Brovell, Regional Director for Northern Europe at the IRONMAN Group.
– The IRONMAN events have boosted Lahti’s status as a major sports event host city throughout the year, says Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, the Development Director of the City of Lahti. Years of cooperation have created a solid foundation and reputation for international events and tourism work, and we will undoubtedly benefit from this in the future. Thanks to various sporting events, like IRONMAN 70.3., the region’s sports tourism is gaining popularity, Eskonsipo-Bradshaw continues.
– The summer weekends are highly popular for the events and naturally limited in number. There will undoubtedly be demand for early summer weekends, Eskonsipo-Bradshaw added.
Lahti’s international sports calendar expands with Spartan European Championship 2025
Lahti’s international sports event calendar is expanding with a new addition as the city hosts the Spartan obstacle course racing European Championship in August 2025. An estimated 4,500 participants are expected, with the economic impact estimated at 3.3 million euros.
– Spartan obstacle racing is a new event in Finland. The sport combines trail running with obstacles. While obstacles add an experiential challenge, successfully completing them is not mandatory; a penalty loop and hard work can make up for a failed attempt. Helping and encouraging fellow competitors during the race is part of the sport. The event attracts professional athletes and regular fitness enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves. The Salpausselkä terrain, Ski jumps, and Lake Vesijärvi provide an exciting environment with a challenging and scenic course for the joy of competitors, rejoices Aleksi Nyström, Director of Sports.
Participants’ race readiness will be tested in areas such as endurance, strength, agility, and tactical performance. Spartan obstacle course racing will be included in the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, raising interest in the sport. Obstacle races are held annually in 40 countries. Spartan is a community-driven event that brings people together from around the world. On average, 80% of participants travel outside the event area or from another country.
For more information:
Henna Eskonsipo-Bradshaw, Director of Development, tel. +358 44 482 0838
Aleksi Nyström, Director of Sports, tel. +358 44 483 1794