Woolsock Run Finnish Championship
on February 14, 2026
Join the years funniest event!
Every year, the woolsock running Championship games are held in Orivesi, Finland. There are several different series in the competition, for both adults and children, and the event is a real goodwill event for the whole family. Come and participate to the Championships!
Wool socks are warm, soft, made with love and they fit to everyone – so does the city of Orivesi!
Watch the running route from the video – even just because of the scenery, it´s worth participating!
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Women’s race
3km, 6km or 9km. We run the route in the forest for one, two or three laps. Start and finish are on the sports field. The best three will be awared.
Men’s race
3km, 6km or 9km. We run the route in the forest for one, two or three laps. Start and finish are on the sports field. The best three will be awared.
Veteran’s race for over 70 years old
We run a three kilometers long route in the beautiful forest.
The best three will be awared.
Youth’s race
We run a three kilometers long route in the beautiful forest.
The best three will be awared.
Children’s race
We run a 200 meters long route on the sports field. Children are divided into a few categories based on year of birth.
Team race for 4 people
Implemented as relay race. Approx. 200 meters / person on a sports field. In addition to the three fastest teams, the best dressed team will be awarded in the competition.
Participation fees
Women’s and men’s race, 3 km, 6 km and 9 km
Included participation, warm juice and soup and tickets to the swimming hall.
30 € / person until 31.10.2025
40 € / person until 31.12.2025
45 € / person until 8.2.2026
50 € / person the race day 14.2.2026
Veterans for over 70 years, 3 km
Included participation, warm juice and soup and tickets to the swimming hall.
15 € / until 31.12..2025
20 € / From 1.1.2026 and on the race day
Youth Those born in 2009-2010 and 2011 – 2012.
Those born between 2013 – 2015 can also run in this youth series.
Included participation, warm juice and soup and tickets to the swimming hall.
15 € / until 8.2.2026
20 € / From 1.1.2026 and on the race day
Children those born in 2013 and after
Series: born 2013-15, 2016-2018, 2019-2021, 2022 and after
Participation is free.
Team race (4 people)
Inclueded participation and warm juice after running.
60 € / group until 31.12.2025
80 € / group until 8.2.2026 and on the race day
Prices include VAT 14%.
Cancellation of the participation
In the event of an obstacle, the competition entry fee can be transferred to another person. If the race has to be canceled, 50% of the entry fee will be refunded.
Proper running gear
The specialty and fun of wool sock running is in the footwear: running or other shoes are not worn on foot, but several socks and at the top wool socks. Running in wool socks are typically practiced during the snowy times of the year. Running in socks in the snow resembles the feeling of running barefoot with shoes.
Wool socks insulate cold well and they keep wet even on very icy surfaces. However, in winter conditions, it is important to dress according to the weather. If you are competing for the first time, you should practice running wool socks before race day!
Pay attention to the cold running weather. Protect the head, neck, hands and toes.
One sock is not enough! For example, wear one or two running socks under the wool socks.
The arms of the wool socks start to go down easily while running. Make sure that the arms of the socks are securely fastened, eg with hair or rubber loops or strong tape!
Its forbidden to use for example felt slippers, extra insoles, swimming shoes or barefoot shoes in the competition. Acceptable competition socks are socks that are considered wool socks.
In the competition event, the socks of the participants and their fastenings will be checked before departure.
News about the event
24.1.2023 © Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH
The ’Woolsock Run’ is Finland’s socks-only race through the snow
- 9.3.2021 Star Tribune, Minnesota:
Why should Minnesotans run in wool socks and no shoes? Ask the Finns! - 8.3.2021 Visit Finland / The City of Orivesi:
Orivesi ja villasukkajuoksu Iso-Britannian markkinoille - 22.2.2021 The City of Orivesi:
The City of Orivesi declared as the Capital of Woolsocks in Finland