Top 7 illuminated running tracks in Turku

Do you know where to go running in Turku when it gets dark? We interviewed Johanna Liipola, who ran all the illuminated running tracks in Turku, and gathered 7 good recommendations for the darkening autumn eves - one for each weekday!

Johanna Liipola challenged herself to run all the lighted running tracks in Turku last autumn. There are altogether 22 lighted tracks that the city of Turku maintains. Johanna noticed that taking it as a challenge to run all of the tracks made the running inspiring. It was also a fun way to get to know different areas of Turku better. Are you up for the challenge?

Johanna got the idea when she was living in Germany in Tübengin. She noticed, and her German friend confirmed, that there weren't any lighted running tracks in the area. This felt very weird for her. The lack of lighted running tracks in Germany made her appreciate the service in Finland even more. Years later back in Finland she decided to make the most out of it and run through all the tracks available in Turku.

“You get to know places in a different manner when you run. In Turku, there are amazing running tracks all the way from Torkkelinmäki to Hirvensalo." - Johanna

Johanna started her running challenge at the beginning of September and had run all the tracks by November. She ran after 4 PM but made it home before 10 PM because that's when they shut off the lights from the tracks. Altogether Johanna ran 220 km in two months. Not bad at all!

But what were the running tracks that Johanna recommends?

1. Running track of Maaria

The hidden gem of Turku's running tracks is the track of Maaria between Yli-Maaria and Jäkärlä. It is very well maintained, yet there is almost no one on it. The track is 1,5 km long and you can reach it from Tampereentie.

2. Ispoinen-Harittu-Lauste combination route

This track starts from the forests of Ispoinen and goes 7,2 km all the way to the forests of Lauste. It's the longest of the tracks and allows you to enjoy different landscapes and neighborhoods. On the way, you will pass the protected area of Katariinanlaakso, fields and parks of Koivula-Harittu, as well as the fields of Skanssi.

3. Running track of Varissuo

This track is a high hilly forest area located between the neighborhoods of Varissuo, Kohmo, and Pääskyvuori. This popular route is 2 km long.

4. Sports park

The running track of Turku's Sports park is situated on a hill very close to the city center. The track is quite short, only 1,4 km and it goes around the hill where you can find a sports stadium and sports fields.

5. Running track of Suikkila

This is a 1,5 km long circle in the forests of Suikkila. This track is used quite a lot by the residents of the neighborhoods close to this forest area.

6. Urban route of Oriketo

Most of the tracks are surrounded by thick forests, but the route of Oriketo is different. The loosely inhabited northern Turku is where many industrial areas are situated. That's also why the track of Oriketo leads the runner through urban industrial atmospheres.

7. Running track of Hirvensalo

On the island of Hirvensalo, a runner can enjoy the calmness of nature and the archipelagic atmosphere. The running track of the island is 2 km's long and is situated in the forests in the middle of the island.

Up for a challenge?

We have recommended 7 running tracks - one for each weekday. Are you up for the challenge?

If you need even more challenge, you can do like Johanna and run all of the 22 tracks. And if you keep craving even more, it's good to check out the lighted routes of the neighboring cities!

P.S. You can get familiar with the residential areas of the Turku region in advance with the help of our free search engine!

-Ninna