Finlandia Hjito

Finlandia Ski Marathon in 2022 was different from the traditional one as it was only skied on one day. 815 skiers have entered for the classic style marathon, taking place on a renewed route over 65 km, 32 km and 20 km.

The fastest skier to complete the 65 km was Kari Varis (Team Kaskipuu), who won the Finlandia ski marathon for the 12th time. “There were no challenges, a smooth loop”, Varis commented after reaching the finish line. Varis skied in the top group all the way and at the Heinsuo break point the top four led by Varis started to make a difference to the rest of the group. Second place went to Juuso Mattila (Team Lappaja), who came only one second behind the winner. Also a second from Mattila, Vili Hämäläinen (Team Kaskipuu) was third.

Oona Kettunen (Team Kaskipuu) won the women’s race with a time of 3.18.08. “I got off to a good start with the men’s group very well. Fortunately, I was able to keep the lead until the end.”, Kettunen clarified her tactics in the finish. Suvi Karjaluoto (Oulu Racing Brothers) was second to Kettunen after losing almost 5 minutes. Katariina Lonka (Ikaalinen Athletes) was third in the finish line with a time of 3.29.43.