The high standard of the Jukola Relay is supported by a long-standing tradition in which the organisers of the previous relay share their experiences with the organisers of future events.
In early November, almost two hundred of key organisers and volunteers from various Jukola Relays gathered in Vuokatti to ensure that future Jukola Relays continue to be organised with the high quality and spirit that the event is known for.
A highly respected event
Although the event itself lasts only one weekend, organising the Jukola Relay requires years of work. Over the decades, the event has evolved and become known throughout the orienteering community for its distinctive Jukola quality.
“It is important that a high-quality event can be organised in different parts of Finland. For the organising club, delivering a first-class event is a matter of honour. This is supported by a guidance system developed over decades and by the Jukola leadership group, which represents continuity and, through its experienced members, continuously guides and supervises the preparations,” summarises Petri Paukkunen.
Paukkunen serves as Chair of Kaukametsäläiset Association, the founding and owning organisation of the Jukola Relay. According to him, another source of Jukola’s uniqueness is the open sharing of knowledge between organisers, which helps develop the event from year to year.
Mika Kilpeläinen, Municipal Manager of Sotkamo, the host municipality of the next Jukola Relay, compares the event to a sourdough starter that is passed from one place to another every year. Each organiser nurtures it, adds its own flavour, and passes it on in even better condition.
“In Vuokatti, many major events have been organised. The Jukola Relay is in a class of its own, and we are honoured to have the opportunity to host this fantastic event. We have truly unique surroundings for it,” says Kilpeläinen.
A Jukola Relay with a Kainuu identity
The organisation of the first-ever Jukola Relay in Kainuu is a joint effort between the traditional sports club Sotkamon Jymy and Vuokatti Sport Ltd.
Sotkamon Jymy is responsible for the competitive side of the event, while Vuokatti Sport manages the other operations. This combination is unique in the history of the event. The Competition Centre will be located at the Vuokatti Sports Institute, where most of the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
The first Jukola Relay in Kainuu is being built as an event for the entire region.
“We want our Jukola guests to stay in the area for longer. Together with our partners, we have created, among other things, a dedicated Vuokatti-Jukola Culture Week,” says Event Director Sami Leinonen.
The regional economic impact of the Jukola Relay is significant. According to studies concerning Kotka-Jukola 2026, the impact was estimated at €6.8–9.1 million. It is therefore no surprise that the right to organise the event is highly sought after.
Paukkunen reminds us that municipalities and cities cannot apply to organise the Jukola Relay. After Vuokatti, the relay will be held in Espoo in 2028, Kaustinen in 2029 and Jämi in 2030. Applications for subsequent years have attracted plenty of interested organisers.
“The right to organise the Jukola Relay can only be granted to clubs. The most important partners are the landowners. Without their selfless support, the event could not be organised. Vuokatti is the first Jukola where a company acts as a co-organiser. Alongside active and committed club members, support from the local community – especially municipalities, cities and local businesses – is essential to a successful event,” Paukkunen emphasises.
Text: Mervi Simoska
Photo: Toni Häkämies