APTOPIX Finland Reindeer Racing
A reindeer breaks away from the pack during the Salla Porocup reindeer sprint racing event on the frozen Lake Keselmajarvi in Salla, Finland, March 7, 2026.
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Traditional reindeer racing has drawn an international crowd to the town of Salla in northern Finland. Handlers raced behind reindeer on skis for the fastest time this past weekend. About 1,000 spectators watched the Salla Reindeer Cup in subfreezing cold near the Russian border. Fans came not only from Finland but several other European countries. The sport has taken place in Salla since the 1950s. Organizers now run it as a regulated competition with trained male reindeer. Only top animals reach the premier “hot series” after meeting a tough time limit. A reindeer named Pompom won the final race this year.
