The fifth Raate marathon takes place on 24.8.2019, with participants running from the Raate road, scene of one of the Winter War’s most legendary battles, to the town centre of Suomussalmi. The runners will take off at the Raate frontier zone boom at 11.00.A half-marathon will take place on the same day. It starts at the Portin Majatalo inn and ends in the town centre of Suomussalmi. The half-marathon starts at 12:30 and follows the same route as the marathon.Therefore it is possible to run 10 km from Suomussalmi historical village to the town center. It starts in Suomussalmi village at 13.15. There will be also a category for under 16 years old runners.As a new event, the kids are free to run in Raate Marathon! The distance is little bit shorter as for them, it is one mile and start will be located near the competition centre. There is no entry fee in kids´mile and each participant will get the participation medal.The marathon is being arranged to honour the veterans who fought in the battles along the Raate road and Suomussalmi village to defend Finland’s independence. The route of the marathon passes through many wartime battlegrounds and war memorial sites. The length of the route has been officially verified.The Suomussalmen Rasti athletic association, the municipality of Suomussalmi and Kainuun Liikunta ry are jointly organising the marathon.The participation fee also covers transport from Hotel Kiannon Kuohut to the starting lines, a memory medal, “field meal” and spa admission. Every runner is responsible for his/her own insurance cover.We welcome you to Suomussalmi, come and make running history!The marathon and half marathon are run on the same course. The course runs from the Raate Road gate towards the town centre for the first 18 km. The terrain is sand/gravel roads which are in good condition. The rest of the course is run on pavements. The nature of the course as an old battle field with its hills and memorials gives the run a unique atmosphere.New distance 10 km start in the center of the village burnt down in the war and continues on the marathon course from there.There are refreshment stations located at approximately every 4 to 5 km on the course. Water, sports drink (HIGH5), raisins and pickles are served at the stations.New distance 10 km start in the center of the village burnt down in the war and continues on the marathon course from there.The marathon and half marathon are run on the same course. The course runs from the Raate Road gate towards the town centre for the first 18 km. The terrain is sand/gravel roads which are in good condition. The rest of the course is run on pavements. The nature of the course as an old battle field with its hills and memorials gives the run a unique atmosphere.The marathon and half marathon are run on the same course. The course runs from the Raate Road gate towards the town centre for the first 18 km. The terrain is sand/gravel roads which are in good condition. The rest of the course is run on pavements. The nature of the course as an old battle field with its hills and memorials gives the run a unique atmosphere.