Juhani Sihvonen, Chair of the Jukola Relay Executive Committee and the Kaukametsäläiset Association, smiles with satisfaction.
“The event was a success!”
The organization of the world’s largest orienteering relay event in Mikkeli went smoothly. The weather favoured the organizers, and the atmosphere at the event site was cheerful and sunny. A total of 17,920 orienteers had registered – an amount that met the participation goal.
Competitors praised the courses. Olli Ojanaho, anchor for Helsingin Suunnistajat, gave the courses and maps a perfect ten. Even recreational teams gave positive feedback, despite the courses being considered challenging in advance.
The competition centre at Suutarinen Oy’s factory area in Tikkala, Mikkeli, functioned well. Shuttle buses from parking areas and Mikkeli city centre ran smoothly, with no congestion.
“The advance communication about traffic arrangements also worked well. People had good information ahead of time about how to arrive at the competition centre”, said Sihvonen.
Competitors noted that the event area was especially beautiful at night. The factory’s rock walls were lit with coloured lights, and runners’ headlamps sparkled in the dark.
Wednesday’s final rehearsal proved valuable, as observations made during it helped streamline operations.
Sihvonen gave special praise to the event’s communications.
“It was nice to wake up each morning and see what was new on social media or the event website.”
The Jukola app and social media were used in versatile ways alongside print media.
Sihvonen thanked the people of Mikkeli for their commitment to organizing the event. The volunteer registry, with 1,600 names, had to be closed three weeks before the event—an unprecedented situation. Volunteers worked with joy, and a strong sense of community was clearly felt.
“The work was done with smiles – but in earnest, “said Sihvonen.
Many volunteers found roles that matched their skills, even if they weren’t orienteers themselves.
The next Jukola Relay will be held in Kotka in summer 2026. Future Jukola organizers up to the year 2030 were present in Mikkeli to observe the event and its arrangements. The Kotka team is already helping with dismantling the event centre, and the first equipment loads are heading to Kotka today, Sunday.
“This was the second-best Jukola because the best has yet to be held,” Sihvonen concluded with a smile.
Text: Sari Parkkinen
Photo: Harri Pajula
Translation: Mariya Loginova
Jukolakavlens ledningsgrupps ordförande Juhani Sihvonen och den nyutnämnde idrottsministern Mika Poutala samtalar vid tävlingscentret. / Jukola Relay Executive Committee Chair Juhani Sihvonen and newly appointed Minister for Sports Mika Poutala catching up at the competition center.
Photo: Mervi Simoska