18/03/2026
Expedition racing is back in Finland – Endurance Quest Saimaa 2027
After 15 years, multi-day expedition racing returns to Lake Saimaa.
Following the success of the 2025 European Championship, there was only one direction to go — bigger and more demanding. The 2027 edition will feature a course of over 500 km, with an expected winning time of 72 hours.
The course is designed by the same team behind the 2025 European Championship, led by Lauri Hollo and the Northern Adventure Team. As in previous editions, the race will include classic adventure racing disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, kayaking, and rope sections. In addition, the 2027 race introduces a new element: packrafting. Teams will have the option to rent packrafts from the organizers.
Water will play a defining role in the race. Lake Saimaa, the largest lake system in Finland and one of the most complex inland waterways in the world, contains over a thousand islands. Teams will need to combine trekking and packrafting to navigate through this intricate archipelago, creating demanding route choices. As in previous editions, the race will include a mix of classic adventure racing disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, kayaking and rope section
Endurance Quest Saimaa 1.-8.8.2027
Adventure Racing World Series - European Region
ARWS - Adventure Racing World Series
Sleepmonsters - The Adventure Racing Website
Savonlinnan kaupunki - City of Savonlinna
Puumala - Saimaan kaunein
Sulkava
Video: Paulus Halonen, Petteri Ojala, YLE & Joona Visto
Edit: Petteri Ojala
