Hannes Kolehmainen ran Finland on to the world map in the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games, where he was the first ever Finn to win athletics Olympic gold.

Kolehmainen went on to take three gold medals and one silver medal during the Games, breaking three world records in the process. Kolehmainen is best remembered for his performance in the 5,000 metres race where he became the first athlete to complete the distance in under 15 minutes, finishing with a time of 14.36,6.

His remarkable achievement will be remembered and celebrated at the Eläintarha athletics stadium on 10 July 2012.

On Helsinki Day, the City of Helsinki Sports Department offers free access to all city-run swimming pools and outdoor pools.

Koskipäivä Day will be celebrated in August. The Vanhankaupunginkoski rapids are integral to Helsinki’s history, after all, the city was first founded at the mouth of the river.

The Sports Department is organising a programme of some 100 events to mark the anniversary year.

City of Helsinki Sports Department.

Additional information will be provided at a later date.