July 24-25, 2026 Imatra

Adventure race in the astonishing landscapes of the Lake Saimaa Finland.

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Saimaa Winter Trail MTB and trail run at Imatra March 2027

Free adventure for those aged 23 and under

Our partners are offering individuals aged 23 and younger the chance to go on an adventure to Mikkeli at the end of July free of charge.

23-year-olds and younger have the opportunity to experience Saimaa Challenge 2025 in Mikkeli for free.

At this point it is certain that at least four teams will receive free entry to next summer's competition in Mikkeli. The teams will be selected based on applications. A link to the application can be found at the bottom of this article. 

To apply, both team members must be 23 years old or younger at the end of the year. Selected teams can decide for themselves which league they will participate in at the event. Teams that have already registered for the competition can also participate in the partnership search.

Selected teams commit to being interviewed before and after the competition for the organizer and the partner. The partner has the option to have their name included as part of the team's name. Applications are processed anonymously.

The application period has ended. Those selected have been notified and will receive more information soon.

Thank you to all applicants. The applications were good. We aim to secure even more partners for next year's recruitment.

Supporting youth teams

Read more about the event itself
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Event information and rules

The Saimaa Challenge is a multisport adventure event.

In the event, two-person teams navigate from one checkpoint to another by running, (mountain) biking, and paddling in the order specified in the route book. The maps are distributed to the participants two hours before the mass start, after which the participants plan their own routes. The checkpoints feature the familiar orange-and-white checkered flag used in orienteering. Some checkpoints include tasks (quests) where participants must follow separate instructions. In longer series, these quest tasks test participants’ knowledge and skills in the sport; in shorter series, they provide memorable experiences.

The event’s Explore The series (lasting about 3 to 6 hours) is designed for those new to the sport as an accessible option that can be completed with a regular bike and basic navigation skills.

The Adventure The series (5–10 hours) offers a slightly greater challenge, but can be completed successfully even without prior experience in adventure races. The course has been made even easier for 2024.

The Challenge series (7–12 hours) is still slightly higher in terms of difficulty. In the Challenge series, the planning will be more challenging and the terrain will be more diverse.

The Extreme The series (15 to 22 hours) challenges participants both mentally and physically due to its length and physical demands. In terms of athletic skills, the demands are significantly higher than in other series. There are very few individual challenges.

The event takes time for all participants, and the best from all series are rewarded. In the Explore and Adventure series, winners receive a commemorative prize, but the actual prizes are drawn among the finishers. In the Extreme and Challenge series, prizes are awarded based on results to the top performers.

  • The competition is won by the team that goes around the entire course
  • Participants must follow the instructions in the route book and from the check-in staff.
  • Participants must strictly adhere to traffic regulations and exhibit good manners when moving.
  • During the event, team members must be within 100 m of each other, unless otherwise instructed by checkers. Both team members must go to check-in.
  • 2* mountain bike (in the Explore series, a basic bike is sufficient if necessary) Electric bikes are permitted in the Explore and Adventure series, but teams using them will be noted in the results.
  • 2* cycling helmet
  • Gloves
  • Issue card (option to rent from the organizer for an additional €5, payment upon registration)
  • The phone is waterproof.
  • First aid equipment: First aid kit, space blanket, sports tape (at least 5cm x 1m)
  • Bicycle repair equipment - spare inner tube, tire levers, etc.
  • Sufficient drink and energy – the adventure may take much longer than expected
  • Clothing according to the weather - one more layer if necessary
  • Map holder for the bike, makes navigation easier