Finnish endurance athlete, journalist and two-time Guinness World Record holder Teemu Virtanen will attempt a feat never before accomplished: a non-stop roller ski journey of more than 700km around Estonia, set to take place on August 1–2, 2026.

Virtanen, 58, will ski the entire route continuously without sleeping, aiming to complete the challenge in approximately 40 hours depending on weather and conditions. The preliminary route circles the country: Tallinn – Rakvere – Mustvee – Tartu – Viljandi – Pärnu – Haapsalu – Tallinn.

The project has a personal dimension for Virtanen, who has deep ties to Estonia through years of training in Otepää and multiple appearances at the Tartu Ski Marathon.

“This has been a long and challenging project to prepare for. We had to postpone the original attempt because I came down with the flu after returning from Florida, and I simply wouldn’t have had enough time to recover properly. Now I’ve been able to train well, and I feel ready for this challenge,” says Teemu Virtanen and adds:

“I’m especially happy that we will be doing this project in Estonia. Over the years I’ve spent a great deal of time training in Otepää, competed in the Tartu Ski Marathon several times and achieved some excellent results there. Estonia feels like a familiar and special place for me as a skier.”

“This challenge, however, is on an entirely different level. Of course, I’m excited, and a little nervous, because now I’m entering territory where even I don’t know exactly where my limits are. That’s what makes this adventure so fascinating. I want to find out just how far a person can go when everything possible has been done in preparation.”

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The attempt was originally conceived as a roller ski expedition across all three Baltic countries before evolving into a focused circuit of Estonia. It will be filmed for international distribution, capturing the country’s landscapes, local culture and the authentic, unscripted moments that emerge during extreme endurance challenges.

Joining Virtanen throughout the journey is his 16-year-old son, Neo-Vilmeri Virtanen, who will experience Estonia from a teenager’s perspective while also serving on the support crew. The project is envisioned as a pilot for future international endurance adventures, with the long-term ambition of roller skiing across entire continents.

Visit Estonia’s Finland Market Manager Malle Kolnes welcomed the project:

“We are delighted that Teemu has chosen summery Estonia as the stage for his world record attempt. Our neighbouring country offers outstanding opportunities for endurance sports throughout the year, whether it’s running, cycling, skiing or hiking,” says Kolnes and adds:

“We hope Teemu’s project will inspire even more international outdoor and sports enthusiasts to discover Estonia. Our country also hosts numerous international sporting events for both recreational athletes and dedicated endurance competitors. At the end of August, Tallinn will once again host the Ironman triathlon, while the traditional Tallinn Marathon takes place in September, offering distances suitable for runners of all levels. During the winter, participants from Finland are once again welcome to the famous Tartu Ski Marathon. We wish Teemu great endurance, strength and the very best of luck on his roller ski journey around Estonia.”

If successful, the journey will become the first known non-stop roller ski effort of more than 700km ever completed. Real-time updates will be published via social media throughout the weekend, allowing audiences to follow the challenge as it unfolds.

Media enquiries can be directed to Teemu Virtanen by email at teemu.virtanen@ihmehiihtaja.com or info@theironfinn.com, or by phone at +358 400 706556.

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