Race info

Winter Warrior Finland is an epic obstacle course race coming to Tampere for the first time, bringing with it winter challenges and unforgettable experiences. Previously held in Ylläs, this event has gained legendary status and attracted participants from around the world. This unique competition offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the rapidly growing sport of Obstacle Course Racing.

What to expect?

  • Running on snow and ice amidst the stunning scenery of Lake Näsijärvi.
  • Crawling, climbing, and a touch of madness.
  • A plunge into icy water – if you dare.
  • We guarantee this is an experience you won’t forget.

The event features both competitive and fun series, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best. The challenge can be tackled solo or as a team, by running or walking. Choose your series based on your goals and fitness level!

Fun Warrior (6 km)

Fun Warrior is a fun way to challenge yourself solo or with a group, enjoy outdoor exercise in stunning surroundings, and try out various obstacles along the route. Completing the obstacles is entirely optional, and there are no penalties for skipping them. Even the infamous and beloved I Scream Tunnel can be cheerfully bypassed while keeping your clothes dry – if you choose.

This challenge series features a shorter route than the competitive series, skipping the Naistenlahti area. The route is approximately 6 km long. Fun Warrior is not a competition, so you can set your own goals. Your objective might be to tackle as many obstacles as possible, engage in friendly competition with your friends, or simply soak up the atmosphere and complete the route by walking. Snow and ice make the experience challenging at times, but you don’t need to be a top athlete to complete the course. This series is for everyone, and the main goal is to have fun!

Competitive series

Full Warrior (25 km)

A full-distance 25 km race in the open category for anyone who wants to compete individually. We recommend the Full Warrior series if you are serious about racing, want to run fast, and are ready to tackle the obstacles head-on. In general, all obstacles must be completed successfully, or you’ll need to perform a penalty. This category offers the complete adventure and gives you the chance to unleash your true warrior spirit!

Half Warrior (13 km)

As the name suggests, this is half the full distance and includes most, but not all, of the obstacles. This series is ideal if you’re not ready to tackle a distance of over 20 km but still want a competitive experience.


Choose the series that best matches your goals. Join in and enjoy an unforgettable experience with friends!

Sign up

You can sign up through the Holvi online store. The participation fee must be paid at the time of registration. Paid participation fees are non-refundable. Official registration closes on 15.2.2025, but late registration is possible if there are spots available. We reserve the right to close registration earlier if necessary.

Participation fees

Full Warrior first 50 99€
1.9.2024 – 31.12.2024 119€
1.1.2025 – 15.2.2025 129€
late registration* 139€
Half Warrior first 50 79€
1.9.2024 – 31.12.2024 99€
1.1.2025 – 15.2.2025 109€
late registration* 119€
Fun Warrior 1.9.2024 – 31.12.2024 59€
1.1.2025 – 15.2.2025 69€
late registration* 79€

* late registration is possible if there are spots available

Changes

You can transfer your registration to another person or to the following year by sending an email to events@winterwarrior.fi no later than 15.2.2025. Participation fees are non-refundable, but you can switch to another series by paying the price difference. Changes are subject to an additional processing fee.

Winter Warrior Finland 1.3.2025

Winter Warrior ® Finland is a 2-7 hour international obstacle course race held in Tampere, featuring a running route with obstacles set in the scenic surroundings of Lake Näsijärvi. The race starts and finishes at Särkänniemi.

The longest race route is approximately 25 kilometers. Distances include approximately 6 km, 13 km, and 25 km.

Organizer

The event is organized by:

Winter Warrior Finland
Email: events@winterwarrior.fi
Maria Christensen, tel. 050-339 6966
Simo Lahtinen, tel. 044-4166 584

Age limit

The minimum age for participants is 18. Exceptions: those aged 16 may participate with a signed parental consent form, and those aged 12 may participate in the Fun Warrior series accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is recommended that younger participants take part alongside an adult. All participants compete at their own risk.

Competitive series

There are two competitive series Full Warrior approximately 25 km and Half Warrior approximately 13 km.

The competitive series are for those who wish to race seriously. All obstacles must be completed or at least attempted sincerely. There are technically challenging obstacles, and if an attempt fails, participants may continue by performing a specified penalty. Competitive participants have priority access to obstacles.

All participants receive a Winter Warrior Finland product. Finishers who complete the course successfully will also receive a medal.

Flag bearers

In the Full Warrior series, the first participant from each country to reach the final stretch will carry their national flag. The final stretch includes obstacles. If another participant overtakes the flag bearer, they may take the flag. Thus, the first finisher from each country will earn the honor of flag bearer and join the Flag Bearers’ Hall of Fame.

Fun Warrior

Fun Warrior is an approximately 6 km route designed for those who want to challenge themselves individually or as a group but prefer a more relaxed approach. This series has no timing; everyone who finishes is a winner.

The route shares the final section of the competitive series and includes the same obstacles, but completing obstacles is not mandatory. Penalties for skipping obstacles are left to participants’ discretion. Participants must yield to competitors from the competitive series at shared obstacles.

Registration

Participants must register at the race office, either the evening before the race or on the morning of race day. ID verification is required during registration. Detailed instructions will be provided separately.

Route and obstacles

The race starts and finishes at Särkänniemi. Competitive series start in waves between 9-12, followed by the Fun Warrior series. Start times may be staggered as needed. Participants must arrive at least 1 hour before their start time. Specific schedules will be announced separately. Participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

The route is approximately 25 kilometers, primarily on Lake Näsijärvi and its shores. It also passes through Kauppi Forest, featuring elevation changes and challenging snowy terrain. Obstacles include crossing, crawling under, or climbing over natural elements like snow and ice, as well as icy water obstacles that require full immersion.

The route is clearly marked. If participants notice any missing markings, they must inform staff immediately. Participants must follow the marked route and obey all staff instructions. In the competitive series, all obstacles must be completed successfully. Swimming skills may be necessary. Safety precautions should be observed at all times due to the risk of injury.

The organizer reserves the right to change the route or obstacles at any time. Maps and obstacle descriptions published online or elsewhere are indicative only.

Race time and withdrawal

The organizer sets a race end time by which all participants must finish or withdraw. Intermediate checkpoints may also have deadlines. The organizer may withdraw a participant at their discretion, especially if there are concerns about health or safety.

Participants can withdraw at any time by notifying the organizer. They must follow the marked route to the next obstacle or aid station, where they can report to staff. If injured, fellow participants are required to assist to the best of their ability and inform the organizer promptly.

Timing and results

Competitive series are timed, and results will be published on the event website. Detailed timing information and instructions will be provided to participants separately. Prizes will be awarded during the evening ceremony.

Complaints

Complaints must be submitted in writing to the organizer within one hour of the race’s end.

Environment and littering

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.

Responsibility

Participants are not insured by the organizer during the event. Each participant competes at their own risk and understands the physical and mental demands of the race. Weather can be unpredictable, and there may be significant snow. Water obstacles are extremely cold, and hypothermia is a real risk. Participants are responsible for their own health and safety.

Clothing and footwear

Participants must wear suitable trail running shoes. Shoes with metal spikes are prohibited 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 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.

Safety and first aid

There will be a first aid team at the start/finish area and aid stations. Staff along the route can call for help if needed.

Cold conditions pose a particular risk of hypothermia. Participants should keep moving to stay warm. Warming stations will be available near water obstacles for those unable to continue due to cold exposure.

Personal belongings

The organizer is not responsible for participants’ personal belongings before, during, or after the race. Efforts will be made to provide secure storage for personal items during the event.

Personal data

Winter Warrior Finland reserves the right to store participants’ personal data and use it for event and partner marketing purposes. See the privacy policy for more details.

Photos and videos

Winter Warrior Finland owns the rights to all photos and videos taken during the event and may use them for marketing purposes without compensation.

Miscellaneous

The organizer reserves the right to disqualify participants for breaking rules or behaving inappropriately.

Winter Warrior Finland may reschedule or cancel the event due to hazardous weather conditions or other unavoidable circumstances.

Overcoming oneself – that is the primary goal of a competitor in an OCR race.

OCR, Obstacle Course Racing, is a competition where participants must conquer various physical and mental challenges along the course. These challenges can consist of natural or man-made obstacles—high or cramped spaces, unbearable heat or cold, and various heavy or intimidating tasks. Typical obstacles include climbing, crawling, carrying heavy objects, navigating through freezing water or mud, and facing barbed wire, electric shocks, or fire.

These events offer a playful form of risk-taking and a challenge that requires real physical and mental effort to overcome. At their toughest, these events are so demanding that even the most competitive participants feel like winners if they manage to cross the finish line. Participants’ motivations vary: one enters to win, another to challenge themselves, and a third just for fun.

The popularity of the sport has skyrocketed in recent years. In 2015, according to the Obstacle Race World website, OCR events were held in over 40 countries, attracting around five million participants. These events are among the fastest-growing sectors in the sports industry.

Why is OCR so popular?

In today’s hectic lifestyle, challenges are present in their own way, but the element of a survival struggle is missing. Many of us, however, have an innate need to test and push our boundaries. An OCR race is not only physically grueling but also a test of mental endurance. While the race is physically intense, the various obstacles also force participants to confront their fears. One person might fear heights, another may struggle with claustrophobia. Cold chills everyone to the bone. Where does the determination to continue come from when you feel like you can’t go on? Nothing beats the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from battling oneself and ultimately crossing the finish line.

Famous OCR races worldwide: