When will the Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail take place in 2024?

The next Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th of July.

What is the Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail?

It is the world's most northerly ultra race for trail runners and mountain bikers. Since its beginnings, this demanding endurance competition has attracted over one thousand athletes to the wilderness area of Kaldoaivi in the very north of Finnish Lapland. 2024 marks the 6th time Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail has been organised.

What was the first year of the Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail?

Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail was first held in 2018.

Who is the organiser of Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail?

Simo Kurko, from Nurmijärvi in Finland, is the founder of the Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail. He has a background in martial arts, crossfit, functional training and skiing. He competes in triathlon, mountain biking and trail running.

What's the story behind the competition?

The roots of the Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail go back to the summer of 2017, when Simo Kurko was on study leave from his day-job. He was studying sports coaching and pursuing a professional qualification as a group and adventure guide. The opportunity opened up for an internship, which is when he started to map out different places and opportunities. Simo was living in Vantaa at the time and he says that the first really interesting and exciting place he found was Nuorgam in Finnish Lapland. 

The first event was planned with the adventure company, Alma Arktika. After visiting the Kaldoaivi wilderness area several times he became convinced about how wonderful a place it was. Right from the start, he says, it was clear that the races would be long, challenging and grueling because the wilderness of Kaldoaivi offered just the right arena for it. Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail was piloted in the summer of 2017 when five mountain bikers took part in a 130km journey through the wilderness.

Simo's goal is to be the spearhead of sports and exercise events in Northern Lapland. He says that the off-road routes offer exceptional experiences. "You cross the largest open fells in the wilderness, go over waterways, through swamps and pass fairy-tale birch trees."

Read more thoughts from Simo Kurko in this short interview.

What's the shortest trail run and longest trail run? 

12 kilometres is the shortest trail run in 2024 and 85km is the longest. Many competitors take part in "The Double" which is 142km over two days. Friday starts with 85km and then on Saturday it's 57km. 

What are the values of the competition?

Competition founder Simo Kurko says that the most important values ​​of Kaldoaivi Ultra Trail are respect for the unique natural environment, providing a top-class experience in nature, and ensuring that the event is safe. In the competition rules, it states that contestants may receive a time penalty or be disqualified if they leave litter behind.

What's the Kaldoaivi wilderness area like?

Kaldoaivi is the largest of Finland's wilderness areas. The landscape of this roadless fell area varies from deep, steep river valleys to gentle fell slopes. The protected mires of Sammuttijänkä-Vaijoenjänkä are connected to the wilderness area on the southwestern side. The unbroken wilderness does not end at the Finnish side of the border, but continues into Norwegian across the border. Kaldoaivi Wilderness is suitable for day trips as well as treks lasting for several days. For an experienced hiker, the area is a rewarding destination, but a beginner should explore the area together with a more experienced hiker.