This year the opening leg maps of Valio-Jukola will be handed out directly to the opening leg runners of the relay teams. This will replace the earlier system that used wires from which, after receiving the start signal, the opening leg runners used to snatch the maps.
By changing this arrangement of Valio-Jukola, the start and exchange area can be utilized throughout the competition more efficiently than before.
“We considered different options and found this to be the most sensible start arrangement for the competition. Our aim is to ensure that the start set-up is equally fair to all competitors. This arrangement will save space as no separate start area or structure will be needed. Also the safety of the runners will be improved as there will be no (wire) poles stuck in the start area. This works for the benefit of the spectators and television crews too as the obstacles hindering visibility are eliminated”, notes Erkki Kivistö, the Head of Valio-Jukola 2012.
About 1700 Jukola relay teams to take part in Valio-Jukola 2012
The new start arrangement will only apply to the opening leg runners of the ca. 1700 Jukola relay teams and ca. 1200 Venla relay teams taking part in Valio-Jukola 2012. Despite this newly introduced change, the atmosphere of the start is promised to be as exciting and spectacular as ever.
“Apart from handing out the maps directly to the opening leg runners, the preparation for the start and the start itself will remain the same as in the past. It is important that the team member starting the race familiarizes him/herself with the start guidance. In addition, the organizers will be guiding the start area staff well in advance to the changed practice”, Kivistö adds.
In the new system, each competitor’s starting spot is indicated with signs and bands that are laid on the ground and marked with the number of the team. Before the start, each competitor then takes the map marked with the team’s number from the staff member. Each competitor must ensure that the number on the map corresponds with the number of their team. The competitors must keep the maps closed until hearing the start signal. It is important that the opening leg runners take their time to study the guidelines in order to ensure that the correct starting spot and map are found without delays.
Detailed guidance will be made available in the competition rules that will be published in May 2012 on Valio-Jukola website at www.jukola.com/2012. The new start arrangement at Valio-Jukola 2012 can be practiced in advance at FinnSpring orienteering relay that will be held on 29.4.2012.
For more information please contact:
Erkki Kivistö, Head of Valio-Jukola, tel. +358 (0)40 837 2099, Pertti Syrjälä, Head of the Start, tel.+358 (0)40 744 3805
