Reindeer racing is a popular sport activity in Lapland, Finland. Competitions are held in several towns across Northern Finland where the fastest reindeer compete with each other. Where to see a reindeer race in Finland? What are they like? Let us tell you more below. We visited several races in Rovaniemi and in Inari during the last decade, so if you plan a trip to Lapland in winter, you should add one of these special events to your itinerary.
PS. Watch the video too!
The History of Reindeer Racing
The first reindeer races were organized in Finland in 1932. Training a reindeer is a time-consuming task and it starts when the animal is at least 3 years old.
Reindeer are semi-wild animals in Lapland and are mostly bred for their meat. They spent the spring and summer in the forest and fells, living freely. The racing reindeers aren’t that special, usually, go with their herds. In the autumn when they return (if they survived) their training will continue.
Male trained reindeer can participate in the racing only. It is very important to take care of the reindeer well-being and the training is done by experienced people. You cannot force a reindeer to run, and they won’t if they aren’t content.
When is Reindeer Racing?
The reindeer racing season starts in the middle of February and ends at the beginning of April. Although it’s spring across Europe, Finland and especially Lapland has plenty of snow still. The season’s final race is the Reindeer Championships (usually in Inari) where the best of the bests compete.
Who Can Participate?
Reindeer herders are mostly from the elder generation, as their children move to bigger cities in southern Finland for studies and work. There are still a handful of younger people who still stay in Lapland and participate in reindeer herding and training reindeer for the competitions.
Who are the jockeys? Adults and youngsters both can be. The main criteria that all jockeys must weigh over 60kg to compete and they are weighed before each race. Their clothing and equipment count toward the weight.
Where Are the Reindeer Racing Competitions Held?
These competitions are fairly popular not only in Finland but also in Northern Norway and Russia. The race consists of reindeer and their jockeys competing against each other. The reindeer pulls a sled or skier behind. In Anchorage, Alaska, the reindeer race means a bit different thing. It’s an actual man vs. animal competition.
Reindeer Race in Finland – PoroCup Rovaniemi
We have already spectated 3 times in the PoroCup organized in Rovaniemi (Mäntyvaara racing track). It is very much like horse racing. The competition lasts 2 days and the tickets are a bargain, only 5€. It is one of the must-see things in Rovaniemi in winter.
Poro = Reindeer in Finnish – so that’s where the name of the series comes from.
Let the photos talk for themselves.
Rovaniemi Reindeer Sprint Race
The sprint race takes place in the center of Rovaniemi and starts around 18 in the evening.
Inari Reindeer Championship
The last event of the year is usually in Inari. The tickets are the most expensive (10€) and the competition is held on a frozen lake. Here are some of our photos from the events:
Other places where you may see reindeer race: Levi, Akaslompolo (Äkäslompolo), Salla, Puhdasjarvi (Puhdasjärvi)
And here is a video about the Reindeer Race in Rovaniemi 2020.
Reindeer Racing Around the World
Other locations also have reindeer races, for example:
- Sami Festival in Tromsø, Norway
- Reindeer Run in Anchorage, Alaska, United States
In Alaska, the reindeer racing has a bit different meaning. Men racing against a reindeer so like with a bull in Pamplona.
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This looks so fun!! I’m gonna add this to my bucket list for Finland!
What a strange sport. I didn’t think Reindeer would move that fast.