Track design work has already been done since 2016, i.e. since the application phase of the race. The long project is finally culminating when the Lakia-Jukola competition weekend arrives. The tracks were finished in the autumn and the maps were printed in the winter. Even though a lot has been done, in the last couple of weeks there has been a lot to do on the map and track committee. e.g. 540 Emit units and several kilometers of tapes has been installed.
Marked routes and out-of-bounds areas should be respected. If necessary, familiarize yourself with the competition instructions regarding their markings so that you do not get disqualified. You should also avoid disqualifications by checking the control code all the way to the end of the tracks. The location of the last control might be checked in advance at the competition center.
Bridges have been built over the largest ditches to make progress easier. Several ditches still remain to be crossed without bridges, thus be careful when crossing the ditches to avoid accidents. The terrain dried up during the hot period of May: Despite the rain during the race week, the bare rock areas are in excellent running condition, and the swamps and other depressions are not particularly wet either. The visibility is limited in some places due to the leaves, which creates its own challenge for navigation in flat terrain.
If possible, it is worth visiting the model event to get familiar with the terrain, where a bus shuttle from the competition center has also been arranged. The map can be purchased from the competition office.
The courses of both relays have been made as interesting as possible, taking into account the limitations set by such a large event. At the beginning, you should not rush, because you will still need energy at the end of the tracks. We believe that everyone will remember some points from their own course that provide particularly pleasant orienteering experiences.
When the last flags were installed, the birds were singing. Let’s take it as a sign that the forest is calling thousands of orienteers!
Roope, Juha, Jarkko