The Finland Ice Marathon 97 attracted more than 6400
skaters and the various events were followed by thousands
of spectators.
In the Finland Ice Marathon 98 we are providing even more
interest and enjoyment in the form of additional events
and services in the competition stadium and, as a result,
we are expecting some 7000 skaters and over one thousand
more spectators than in the previous year.
The international FINLAND ICE MARATHON 18 - 25.2.1998 will take place in Kuopio for the fifteenth time on the ice of Lake Kallavesi. The beautiful harbour area has become the traditional site for the competition. The Finland Ice Marathon 98 includes more events than in previous years since we are also hosts for the third heat of the EUROCUP (open) 100 km in Kuopio. The 200 km distance skating event also returns to the ice in Kuopio. These two distance skating competitions bring an international flavour to the event with participants arriving from many different countries including Canada, the USA, the Nordic countries, Russia and, of course, the Netherlands, a land famous for long-distance skating.
The Finland Ice Marathon 98 commences in its traditional manner with the school skating on Wednesday 18.2 and Thursday 19.2. The school skating event is an unforgettable experience on the ice of Kallavesi as hundreds of children compete with each other to see who is the fastest to skate over the 8 km distance. Over 5000 schoolchildren take to their skates during this two-day event.
On Saturday 21.2 the 100 km event is skated, which
forms both the Finnish National Championchip competition
and the Marathon Cup heat, as well as the 50 km, 25 km,
and the 12.5 km keep-fit series. The keep-fit series has
become a favourite amongst the events with the largest
number of participants.
The relay skating competition 3 x 2 km is a very
different event, where companies and organisations
challenge each other to prove their superiority, either
in fun or in serious competition.
The Mini-Marathon, intended for the smallest members of
the family, is great fun to follow when 2 km would be the
skating distance if only it were possible to avoid
falling over.
The 25 km family skating trip was introduced for the first time in the Finland Ice Marathon 97 and proved to be a big success. It will take place again on Sunday 22.2 and everyone can skate at their own pace since there are no times taken in this event. Just put on your backpack and off you go skating, every now and again you can stop off at a lean-on shelter and enjoy the glow of a campfire and maybe sip a hot cup of coffee brewed on the campfire and bake sausages.
On Monday 23.2.the 100 km EUROCUP (open) III competition heat takes place.
On Wednesday 25.2 the 200 km distance skating event takes place. This traditional 11 cities skating race where the Dutch canals are replaced by the ice on Lake Kallavesi.
We hope we may welcome you at the Finland Ice Marathon 98 in Kuopio on 18.2.98 - 25.2.98.
The organisation contact: FINLAND ICE MARATHON