LAHTI, Finland—Hille Korhonen, Nokian Tyres P.L.C. president and CEO, will be among the tire maker's employees who will participate in the Nokian Tyres Ironman 70.3 race, to be held June 30 in Lahti.
Two-time F1 champion Mika Haekkinen, the tire maker's brand ambassador, also will participate in the race.
Around 1,800 competitors representing 41 nations are expected to participate, with 10,000-20,000 people visiting the area. The race starts in the afternoon, and the triathletes will cross the finish line in the late evening.
Nokian, the event's title sponsor, said the triathlon fits with the company's values that promote mobility and an active lifestyle.
"(The triathlon) requires tenacity and endurance," Korhonen said. "For us, triathlon means engaging and goal-oriented efforts, taking care of your well-being and putting your physical and mental capacity to the test. Determination and belief in your abilities drive individuals, as well as the company forward."
Nokian Tyres also sponsors the Hakkapeliitta Triathlon.
"Our international Hakkapeliitta Triathlon helps our personnel stay active and take care of themselves," Korhonen said. "Healthy, committed and competent personnel lay the foundation for a company's success."
Korhonen said she loves the sense of community, which has encouraged her to complete a full Ironman race.
"Physical exercise is exciting, and all sports offer opportunities for continuous improvement," she said. "For example, I started freestyle swimming without any prior experience. Being able to finally swim in open water felt amazing."
Haekkinen will participate in the race as part of Nokian's "Turvassa Tiella" team, raising awareness of safe mobility and the importance of tire conditions. The Finnish motorsport organization AKK's "Turvassa Tiella" road safety campaign promotes safe mobility in schools and events and is part of the global FIA Action for Road Safety campaign.