ähkä

Ähkä is a Finnish extreme multi-sport competition that tests athletes physically and mentally in a variety of disciplines. The competition, known as the Ähkä Multi-Sport Competition, features events such as running, mountain biking, triathlon, and military-style obstacle courses. The individual and team events challenge athletes to complete a diverse set of tasks, which can include long-distance running, navigating through challenging terrain, and overcoming obstacles.

Ähkä was first introduced in 1964 by Pentti Tiusanen, who also organized the Finnish championships, Seuratapahtumat (Finnish championships organized by Seura, sports clubs) and USA Finnish Championships competitions among others. The competition's original aim was to select the best Finnish military athlete, but it gradually transformed into a broader and more inclusive event. Over the years, it has gained popularity within Finland, and it is often referred to as an "event of toughened Finnish spirit" or " Finnish self- development and self-discipline course".

Ähkä has also been open to international competitors since 1980s. The competition involves many types of discplines that demands teamwork, logistical skills and flexibility in and during competitions, making Ähkä one of the multisport disciplines which are on the same level as a the famous Ironman or Hardrock event, however, the mix of the different aspects of survival skills were and are a large factor in event creation, Ähkä strongly connects with nature and humans ability to live and work and live through it.