Participant info

This page contains useful information for participants. A more detailed race info has been sent separately by email to all participants. Please contact the organizers if you have registered for the competition but have not received the race info by email.

Please read all instructions and rules carefully. Violating the rules may result in disqualification from the competition.

Below you can find a map that shows the locations of the race centre, start, and finish in the Särkänniemi area:

SCHEDULE

Friday 27.2.2026
17.00 – 19.00 Registration is open. Särkänniemi, Retro
Saturday 28.2.2026
7.30 Registration opens. Särkänniemi, Retro
9.00 Full Warrior and Team Competition Full Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 8.00. The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.
11.00 Half Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 10.00. The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.
11.15 Team Competition Half Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 10.15. The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.
12.30 Fun Warrior and Family Fun mass start. Please arrive no later than 11.30. The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.
14.00 Double Warrior mass start. If necessary, the start may be slightly delayed if not everyone finishes their main series in time to make it to the start. The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.
17.00 Finish line closes.
19.00 – 22:00 Evening event with the option for buffet dining (35€/person). Meal reservations can be made via email (recommended)  reception.tampere@holidayclub.fi or via phone 0300 870900. Reservations must be done by 26.2.2026. Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö
20.00 Prize ceremony. Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö, auditorium
The official after-party location is Ilves Bar&Night. Original Sokos Hotel Ilves, Ilves Bar&Night

Schedule

Friday 27.2.2026 

17:00 – 19:00 Registration is open. | Särkänniemi, Retro

Saturday 28.2.2026

07:30 Registration opens. | Särkänniemi, Retro

09:00 Full Warrior and Team Competition Full Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 8.00. | The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.

11:00 Half Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 10.00. | The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.

11:15 Team Competition Half Warrior mass start. Please arrive no later than 10.15. | The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.

12:30 Fun Warrior and Family Fun mass start. Please arrive no later than 11:30. | The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.

14:00 Double Warrior mass start. If necessary, the start may be slightly delayed if not everyone finishes their main series in time to make it to the start. | The ice on Lake Näsijärvi in front of Särkänniemi.

17:00 Finish line closes.

19:00 – 22:00 Evening event with the option for buffet dining (35€/person). Table reservations can be made via email (recommended)  reception.tampere@holidayclub.fi or via phone 0300 870900. Reservations must be done by 26.2.2026.  | Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö

20:00 Prize ceremony. | Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö, auditorio

The official after-party location is Ilves Bar&Night. | Original Sokos Hotel Ilves, Ilves Bar&Night

Whatsapp Info group🔗

Join the Whatsapp info group from the above link to stay tuned about the latest race info!
Participants are especially encouraged to join the group.

The Winter Warrior Finland race takes place in Tampere. The course is run on and around Lake Näsijärvi. The race centre is located in the amusement park Särkänniemi, located right next to the center of Tampere.

It’s easy to arrive to Särkänniemi

Särkänniemi, situated near Tampere city center, is easily accessible by your own car, public transport, bicycle, or even on foot from nearby areas. More information can be found on Särkänniemi’s website.

By Plane to Pirkkala
Tampere-Pirkkala Airport is nearby and offers a bus connection to the city center.

By Train
Tampere is easy to reach by train. Check schedules and book tickets via the VR website.

By Car
Särkänniemi’s parking is freely accessible during winter, so there’s plenty of room for parking.

Särkänniemi special discounts

In connection with the event, Särkänniemi offers great discounts on admission to various attractions, which are definitely worth taking advantage of. Check out the offers from Särkänniemi and our other partners via the link below!

Accommodation in Tampere fills up quickly, especially when other major events are taking place in the city at the same time. We recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible.

Our accommodation partner is Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö.

Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö is located on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi, about three kilometers from the race center. The prize ceremony will be held there on Saturday evening. They offer special discounted rates for Winter Warrior participants from 23.2. – 1.3.2026.

Special Rates for Event Participants:

Standard Room (1 person): €144/night (includes breakfast and spa access)
Standard Room (2 people): €164/night (includes breakfast and spa access)
Additional Bed for Adult: +€30/room/night

Booking Code: WINTERWARRIOR

Studios are also available, but without discount. Note that studios don’t show up in the search if the discount code is used.

Participants who do not stay at the hotel can access the spa for €15 using the same code.

Snow and icy water push physical and mental endurance to the limit. This obstacle course, approximately 6, 13, and 25 kilometers long, takes participants through the stunning scenery of Lake Näsijärvi.

The course is clearly marked in the terrain. If participants notice any issues with course markings, they must report them to the staff immediately. Participants are required to follow the marked route and adhere to all instructions provided by the staff. In competitive categories, all obstacles must be completed successfully. The method of completing obstacles and any associated penalties may be defined specifically for each obstacle. Some obstacles may require basic swimming skills. Participants must exercise caution at all obstacles, as there is a risk of injury.

The organizers reserve the right to alter the course and obstacles at any time. Route maps or obstacle descriptions published online or elsewhere are indicative and subject to change.

There is one official aid station for each series on the course providing water, sports drink, and snack bars from Foodin. Additional water stations are available for competitive racers, but no disposable cups will be provided. Bring your own cup or bottle if you need water outside the main aid station. Additionally, Vitamin Well drinks and Nocco energy drinks will be available at the finish.

In the competitive series, all race gear must be personally carried throughout the event.

We recommend wearing technical sportswear, as clothes will get wet. Gloves are also highly recommended.

At the I Scream Tunnel (the ice swimming obstacle), you have the option to change clothes in a non-heated changing room if you wish. Some strategies: You can either swim with your clothes on and continue the race straight away, wear a swimsuit under your outer clothes and remove them just for the swim, or change clothes completely. The I Scream Tunnel is near the end of the course, but there is still some distance to cover afterward. Please note that in the Full Warrior category, another water immersion is also expected.

Participants must wear suitable trail running shoes. Regular spiked/studded shoes and detachable traction devices with small studs are permitted. Sharp-tipped, large spikes are not allowed for safety reasons.

Costumes are allowed but must not hinder or endanger other participants. Weather conditions should be considered. Technical materials are recommended, as clothing will get wet. Gloves are also highly recommended.

Participants must bring a change of dry clothes to wear immediately after the race.

The organizer has the right to determine which attire or equipment is allowed. Participants must comply or forfeit their participation.

The race takes place in the Lake Näsijärvi area. All participants must follow rules to prevent environmental damage. Leaving the marked route or damaging vegetation is prohibited. Littering is strictly forbidden. Energy wrappers and other waste must be carried or disposed of at designated aid stations. Littering will result in a 100€ fine and disqualification.

Unfortunately, there are no shower facilities available at the race center. However, please bring a change of clothes to put on after the race. Changing into dry clothes is crucial to avoid the risk of hypothermia.

After the race, you can use the spa facilities at Holiday Club Tampereen Kehräämö for 15€ with the code WINTERWARRIOR.

All assistive devices must be approved by the event organizers. You may carry your phone or other belongings, but they are your responsibility.

Contact

Winter Warrior Finland
events@winterwarrior.fi

Useful links

Results

Frequently Asked

Volunteers