Helsinki 12/5/17 @helsinkicityrun #hcr17 #helsinkicityrun17

Here we are in the wonderful city of Helsinki to run around parts of the Finnish capital for their half marathon event tomorrow, Saturday the 13th.

With most of these large scale events you make the trip to a hall of some kind to pick up your race pack. In Helsinki it was the sports hall built for the 1952 Olympic Games.

 

 

The hall is opposite tomorrow’s start being held in the shadow of these statues to two of Finland’s greatest ever running icons.

Lasse Viren from the 1970’s

 

 

And Paavo Nurmi from the 1920’s

 

 

Once inside you head to the table that matches your entry number and receive the envelope containing your printed number and plastic luggage bag for the “bag crèche” tomorrow.

 

 

Then through the expo where sponsors tempt you with their goods.

 

 

They had me with the caramel flavoured protein ice cream.

 

 

Through to the other hall to collect your official event shirt.

 

 

Once you realise you are at the female table of course and you need to be in front of the tables with the male shirts. ?

 

 

A quick look at the route.

 

 

And the finish, sadly not in the Olympic stadium which is being renovated.

 

 

Toilet location ✔️

They do like their “hi viz” colours don’t they, first orange and now green.

 

 

Now with the sun setting I wait until tomorrow afternoon and the starting “gun”.

 

 

Say hello if you see me.