Top Performances and a Sense of Community at the Nordic Walking European Championships

The Open Nordic Walking European Championships, organised in cooperation by the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) and Finlandia Ski Marathon, took place in Lahti on September 12–14, 2025. This was the second year that INWA and Finlandia Ski Marathon jointly hosted a Nordic walking championship.

Photo: Kuvauspalvelu MerjAri

The competition weekend began on Friday with the opening ceremony, followed by the 5 km walkers setting off into the autumn landscapes of Salpausselkä. On Saturday, the 10 km and 21 km races took place, and on Sunday, the relays and the Finlandia Fun Nordic Walking event concluded the program.

Poland’s Elzbieta Wojciechowska delivered an outstanding performance over the weekend – competing in every start on Friday and Saturday (update details!) and clocking the fastest participant time in each race.

On Saturday, cheers echoed around the finish area as the 10 km walkers began arriving shortly after eleven. A large group of Lithuanian Nordic walking enthusiasts had gathered to cheer on their teammates making their way across the finish line.

The group, dressed in Lithuania’s colors, cheered their teammates as they finished.

Among them, Sigita Nedelcenko and Monika Sirkaite praised the scenery of Lahti and the rolling Nordic walking terrain.

“I feel really great. I think the trail was brilliant. It was hilly, it was hard, but it really makes you push yourself more,” Nedelcenko summarized.

Sirkaite also felt that the challenging course made the competition more enjoyable, with a mix of straight paths, uphills, and downhills.

Both women were visiting Finland for the first time and said they had enjoyed their stay. The lakes, forests, and landscapes filled with hills had left a strong impression.

Sirkaite and Nedelcenko concluded that the course along Salpausselkä was both challenging and fun.

Volunteers keep the wheels rolling

The smooth organization and warm atmosphere of the Nordic Walking European Championships were made possible thanks to the large number of volunteers. Volunteers working in equipment storage said that participants had been pleased with the service and helped create a positive spirit for the event.

At the refreshment station, volunteer Kirsi Parkkonen said she was delighted with the atmosphere. According to her, encouraging the athletes and supporting them went hand in hand in a rewarding way. Parkkonen enjoys that she gets a front-row seat to the event while enjoying the outdoors.

Water, sports drinks, and energy candies were offered at the refreshment stations.

Helping Parkkonen with the athletes’ energy needs was Minna Lämsä, volunteering at the event for the second year. She described the community of participants and supporters as relaxed and friendly. Volunteering makes her feel good, too, when she gets to help make the day a success for others. 

“There’s no sense of people gritting their teeth here,” Lämsä reflected.

Minna Lämsä said some participants had recognized volunteers from last year and greeted them warmly.

At one o’clock, the 21 km walkers set off. They were sent on their way by Adalmiina Nieminen and Kati Hukka from the Lahti Basketball Dance Crew, waving Finski flags. Before the start, Nieminen had also led the participants in a shared warm-up session.

Nieminen and Hukka had also volunteered at the event last year. They described the atmosphere as warm-hearted and encouraging.

“People are in a really good and open mood,” Nieminen summarized.

At the finish line, Nieminen and Hukka hung medals around the necks of every participant. Seeing the happiness of those crossing the finish line is heartwarming and makes the work feel meaningful, Hukka pointed out.

Good supporters are important for the competitors, Nieminen and Hukka explained. They have received thanks from participants for creating a great atmosphere.

At the finish line, Adalmiina Nieminen and Kati Hukka placed medals around each participant’s neck.

World Championships are coming back in the year 2026

Event director Markku Levanen was very pleased with the weekend.

- The weekend has been full of smiles. Saturday, with its longer distances, went more calmly than Friday, and we got to witness some great performances.

Levanen explained that the track had been altered from last year to be more varied, giving participants more opportunities to use different techniques. The track was demanding, but its diversity had received praise. Walkers with different strengths could shine at different points along the route.

Next year, Lahti will host the Nordic Walking World Championships. According to Levanen, the goal is to further increase the number of participants. The course will likely see small adjustments aimed at improving spectatorship and enhancing the atmosphere of a major sporting event.

- Even though it’s a championship, anyone can join. Most of the participants are recreational walkers, Levanen reminded.