Lenkkipäivä

Lenkkipäivä, also known as Long Distance Day, is a recurring event celebrated in Finland. It is held annually on the Friday before the last Sunday of September. The event aims to encourage Finns to engage in physical activity, especially long-distance running.

The concept of Lenkkipäivä was first introduced in 1996. It was created by Lauri Lehtonen, a Finnish distance runner, in order to promote sports and physical activity among the general public. The event is organized by the Finnish Athletics Association (Suomen Urheiluliitto) and aims to draw attention to the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

On Lenkkipäivä, people from all over Finland participate in various long-distance running events. The distances range from 3 kilometers up to marathon length. Many individual and group events are held in different cities across Finland, including Helsinki, Espoo, and Turku. While running is the main focus of Lenkkipäivä, other physical activities are also encouraged, such as cycling and swimming.

Throughout the event, participants and spectators gather at familiar and public running tracks, where information stands and show events can be found. People gather to witness thousands of participants running past the finish line. Local businesses and cafes also take part by providing refreshments and cheerers for the participants.

Locally, Lenkkipäivä has become an annual institution and attracts significant attention from both participants and spectators. The event promotes physical activity, changes attitude towards Sundays, and provides entertainment for participants and viewers.