We had the privilege of speaking with Riitta Hanninen, the event's organizer, who shared insights and memorable experiences from her role in orchestrating events like the Finland Arctic Challenge.

Hello Riitta, thank you for joining us for this blog interview with TRAILME. Could you please provide us with a brief introduction about yourself?

"My name is Riitta Hanninen, I am an international Finn who returned to Finland and the Arctic after many years abroad. I spent 15 years living in Hong Kong, where I fell in love with the vibrant city and its outdoor activities. When I wasn't working, I explored trails, paddled, coached dragon-boating, and engaged in various outdoor pursuits.

Throughout my life, I've been organizing events, initially in the business sphere but later transitioning to my passion: endurance sports. I began organizing 7-day footraces around the world for RacingThePlanet, which presented some of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. My past 13 years have been a whirlwind of work and travel, taking me to fascinating places across the globe.

At the end of 2019, I decided to return to Finland, as I missed this part of the world. Sometimes you need to go far to see close. I really love what we have here: the space, clean air, stunning nature: lakes with mirror reflections (200,000 actually so almost everyone can have their own lake), vast forests, beautiful fells etc. Lapland actually has eight seasons: For instance, there are three kinds of winters including the Polar Night (when the sun does not rise but you can see the Northern Lights), the Midnight Sun period in the summer when the sun does not set at all, and the most colourful autumn foliage! Our location above the Arctic Circle really boosts this variety.”    

What inspired you to organize the Finland Arctic Challenge 2024, and what are your goals for this event?

"My motivation is simple: I want to showcase the best of Finland to the participants. Lapland is a bucket-list destination, so it makes sense to experience it in the most memorable and authentic way: we will be living in the cabins of the Finnish lumberjacks who worked in Lapland 100 years back.  The reason I wanted to create this type of challenge is because my values are very much linked to living in balance with nature. The recipe for an epic experience is quite simple: Arctic nature, physical activity, back to basics -lifestyle in remoteness. When you share this with like-minded people, you’re bound to have an amazing time...  The best things in life are not things (one of my personal mottos). Anything we do at Arctic Escapades is linked to these values.

My goal, as with any event I organize, is to ensure it's a safe and memorable experience, that gives participants lifelong memories. When people leave the event feeling stronger and happier, I have succeeded."

How long have you been organizing the Finland Arctic Challenge, and what is the backstory behind it? Additionally, could you share some standout memories from previous Arctic challenges you've organized?

"This marks the first edition of the Finland Arctic Challenge but a similar version of the event was actually first experienced by Sir Richard Branson, his son Sam, and a group of entrepreneurs from all over the world. They ran, biked, skied, and snowshoed across in this same place last February.  This week-long Big Change charity event “Strive”, was a resounding success. They loved their experience so much that we decided to re-run the expedition in a similar format so that anyone could experience it.

I’m lucky to have so many great memories from my past adventures.  In total, I've organized approximately 50 major ultramarathons, stage races, and expeditions worldwide, including races in Antarctica. "

What are the key logistical considerations for organizing an event in the remote Arctic region, and how do you overcome them?

"Organizing an event in a remote location requires creating nearly everything from scratch. The traditional wilderness cabins and Arctic nature provide a unique backdrop for the event. The extreme cold (temperatures can drop to as low as -25 to -30°C) presents its own set of challenges when planning routes and ensuring safety, as well as arranging cabin heating and food services, among other things.

One of the most interesting logistics: heating up the sauna and sawing holes in the ice for ice-dips, a favourite hobby of Finnish grand mums but let’s see if the participants dare to try😊We’ll also have husky dogs part of this challenge, which is always fun and will, of course, be on the look for the Northern Lights. The chances of spotting them is relatively high!”

Are there any specific skills or qualifications that participants should possess to take part in this challenging adventure?

“No, anyone who has, or is willing to build, a relatively good base fitness, can take part. We don’t expect that people can practice these winter disciplines ahead of time but I recommend training similar sports: hiking with and without poles, running, biking (preferably on a mountain bike), and gym training. You don’t need to be ultra-fit but stamina is important – ideally, prepare to be able to hike for 5-6 hours per day.  
Mentally, be prepared for the wilderness experience. While there will be moments of luxury and celebration, during the stages, we'll return to basics: sleeping in bunk beds in warm but basic cabins, fireside chats, traditional sauna baths, hearty Lapland cuisine, reminiscent of days gone by."

What kind of support and resources are available for international participants traveling to Finland for the Arctic Challenge?

"Our event website is a valuable resource, packed with information. We also provide updates and preparation tips for all confirmed participants. Additionally, we invite everyone to a pre-event information session in early December. Traveling to and within Finland is convenient, with direct evening flights available from Hong Kong to Helsinki, which is the shortest connection from Asia to Europe. Finnair offers these flights and Cathay Pacific has many good options as well. For more details, visit https://arcticescapades.com/finland-arctic-challenge/."

Can you share your vision for the future of the Finland Arctic Challenge and any plans for expanding or evolving the event in the coming year?

"This event may actually become an annual tradition. I also organize other winter experiences and events at Arctic Escapades. My greatest joy comes from sharing epic experiences with visitors."

Lastly, what is your special message for those brave and enthusiastic participants who are joining this challenge?

“This challenge takes place in a unique environment and therefore numbers are limited to 30. If you want to experience the most memorable and authentic week in Lapland, this is your opportunity. If you are unsure whether you can complete this challenge, or have any other questions, feel free to contact me.” 

Calling all eager adventurers! Don't miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Get ready to be spellbound by the enchantment of Lapland and the Finland Arctic Challenge—an unparalleled expedition through a winter wonderland that defies imagination. Secure your spot now for this extraordinary event by registering at https://runnerreg.com/portal/registration/finland-arctic-challenge-2024

Your Arctic adventure awaits!