At Vuokatti-Jukola, the relay leg lengths differ slightly from what participants are used to. In the four-leg Venla relay, held during the day, the first two legs are shorter than the final two. In recent years, the third Venla leg has typically been the shortest, with a longer anchor leg.
Similarly, changes will be made to the leg lengths in the Jukola relay. The first four night legs will be shorter than in previous years, explain course setters Jarmo Puttonen and Marko Uotila.
“Vuokatti-Jukola takes place almost in the midnight sun, so we want as many runners as possible to experience orienteering in the dusk,” the course setters say.
On Saturday evening, 19 June 2027, the sun sets about 45 minutes after the start of the Jukola relay and rises again around 2:30 on Sunday morning.
A compact competition centre creates atmosphere
Preparations for Vuokatti-Jukola are progressing on schedule, with just over nine months to go.
At Vuokatti Sport, work on the competition centre has already begun, and for example, the sauna stoves are already in place at the washing area.
At the Vuokatti-Jukola competition centre, all key functions will be located close to one another, and the built environment of the sports institute can be utilised in both construction and service placement.
Competition director Jyrki Uotila is pleased with the centre, which will function well in all weather conditions.
“The compact competition centre will certainly contribute to the atmosphere of the event,” Uotila says.