Unforgettable Journey in Unspoiled Wilderness

A one-of-a-kind wilderness adventure that blends trekking, packrafting, and exciting route-finding challenges. Explore Finland’s wild eastern borderlands, with their pristine forests and serene lakes, on either the 36-hour expedition or the 8-hour challenge.

To Whom?

Although Kairacross Karjala (Karelia) is a competition, it’s just as suitable for regular outdoor enthusiasts and recreational adventurers as it is for experienced adventure racers.
Some basic navigation skills are required, but in the recreational category participants may use a mobile phone for navigation.

Participants under 18 can join with a guardian or with the guardian’s written permission. Teams consist of 2–5 members.

What?

The goal is to complete either a 140 km or a 30 km course as quickly as possible — or at least as far as you can within the 36-hour or 8-hour time limits.

The route consists of checkpoints marked on the map, some of which can only be reached by water. Both routes require a lightweight, easy-to-carry packraft.

Where?

The race takes place in the stunning landscapes of Ilomantsi, Eastern Finland.

The event centre is at Mantan Majatalo in Möhkö, Ilomantsi, where meals and accommodation are available before and after the race.

Reservations: Mantan majatalo, tel. +358 40 861 6373

Accommodation is also available in Petkeljärvi, tel. +358 41 436 1790.

When?

Preliminary Schedule

Please note: schedule may be subject to changes.

Friday, 26 June 2026
18–21 Registration open at the event centre

Saturday, 27 June 2026
07–08 Registration open at the event centre
07–09 Distribution of GPS tracking devices
08:00 Map distribution
09:00 Opening ceremony
09:45 Gather at the start area
10:00 START
12:00 Finish line opens
17–20 Dinner served at the event centre
18:00 Finish deadline for 8-hour categories
18:15 Finish line closes for 8-hour categories
19:00 Awards ceremony for 8-hour categories (latest)

Sunday, 28 June 2026
13–23 Dinner served at the event centre
22:00 Finish deadline for 36-hour categories
22:15 Finish line closes
22:30 Awards ceremony for 36-hour categories (latest)

How?

Race instructions | Rules | Equipment

Tracking

Each team will receive a GPS tracking device, allowing spectators to follow their progress online (link will be published at the latest when the race starts).

During the event, we will share live updates on Kairacross’s Instagram — follow us there!
Some updates will also appear on Kairacross’s Facebook page.

Hashtags: #kairacrosskarjala & #kairacross

Packraft Rentals

The organiser rents (and sells) two-person packrafts with full gear (paddles, hand and electric pump, inflation bag, and repair kit).

Packrafts can also be rented in advance for practice before the event.

Rent a packraft »

Join In!

Entry Fees

Entry fee includes meals, sauna, a race souvenir, and post-race refreshments.

Teams may add members until 19 June 2026 and may change team members up to the race start. Teams can switch categories, but switching to a shorter course will not result in a refund. Teams moving to a longer course must pay the difference in the entry fee.

A team’s entry may be transferred to another team provided the organiser is notified in advance.

Please report all changes by email: karjalacross@gmail.com

Organiser

The event is organised by Kairacross Oy.

Race director is Lauri Vainio, tel. +358 50 492 5210.

Partners