55. Pirkan Hölkkä 5.10.2025

The running season's jewel, the cherry on top, a long-distance running event mostly on trails, is held annually on the first Sunday of October.

The 33-kilometer route from Valkeakoski to Tampere alternates between gravel paths, forest roads, and trails. The asphalt section is about five kilometers. In addition to running categories, there is an option to participate in a walking category, which does not include timing. The event is organized in cooperation with Tampereen Taivaltajat ry and Valkeakosken Retkeilijät ry.

Pirkan Hölkä has a history dating back to 1970. The route has mostly remained the same as it is today. The average number of participants in recent years has been around 1000-1500 people.

You can choose age categories Women Open, N40, N50, Men Open, M40, M50, and M60. The start takes place at Valkeakoski's Sahara field (Tallikatu 11), with the starting gun firing on Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. Late registration is available at the start area from 8 to 9 AM.

The event's timing is based on gross time, from the starting shot to crossing the finish line. At the start, you can choose a target time and a corresponding starting position near the start line.

The first 3 km of Hölkä is on city streets. The next 3 km follow a trail in the outdoor area to Leppäjärventie. After that, the route to Rutajärvi (11 km from the start) includes varied forest trails and a small section of gravel road. The 3.5 km segment between Rutajärvi and Vähä-Kausjärvi is on forest roads. The 5 km stretch from Vähä-Kausjärvi to Taivalpirtti begins on forest roads, then forest trails, and after crossing Savontie, again gravel roads.

Beyond Taivalpirtti, the route continues on varied gravel roads and forest trails around Suolijärvi. The last 3 km are on a gravel outdoor trail between Hervanta and Koivistonkylä, with some challenging climbs testing Finnish resilience.

Pirkan Hölkä's route is marked with blue fiber tape, directional arrows, and kilometer markers. The organizers aim to include as many forest trails as possible. There are six aid stations along the route.

The finish line is located in Tampere at Nirva, on the grounds of Tampere Adult Education Center (Kurssikeskuksenkatu 11). Paid bus transfers are organized from the finish area and Tampere city center to the start, available both in the morning before the start and in the afternoon after finishing. Transportation and hot lunch sold at the finish can be included in the registration fee by selecting additional services in our online store.