Kotka-Jukola relay centre opens with record entries

The Kotka-Jukola orienteering relay centre opened at Kymi Airport on Friday, with 19,248 competitors registered—the third-highest in the event’s history and the largest this decade, Yle reports.

Participants began arriving early in the morning. Among them were Noora and Pekka Hyvönen from Sotkamo, competing in different teams. Noora Hyvönen runs for Sotkamon Jymy in the women’s Venla relay, while Pekka Hyvönen represents Angelniemen Ankkuri from Salo, though he also trains with Sotkamon Jymy. Their children, Elias and Kiia, plan to join once they turn 15.

Pekka Hyvönen, a veteran of over 20 Jukola relays, said his best individual result was ninth place in Virolahti in 2011. Noora Hyvönen is also volunteering at the info desk, preparing for next year’s event in Vuokatti.

Rain is forecast for Saturday, but Pekka Hyvönen said it would not affect the race. “Orienteering works in the rain. It might be less pleasant for spectators, but in the forest, you don’t notice it.”

Mikko Knuuttila of Ikaalisten Nouseva-Voima praised the terrain but noted rain could reduce visibility at night. His teammate Joona Huila described the event’s atmosphere as “magical.”

Otto Gripenberg of Paimion Rasti, competing in his ninth Jukola, will start his leg at 3 a.m. Saturday. He prefers a hotel over camping but acknowledged the relay’s traditional tent atmosphere.

Official opening ceremonies take place Friday at 5 p.m. on Kotka’s market square, featuring interviews with top teams. The Venla relay starts Saturday at 1:30 p.m., and the Jukola relay at 11 p.m. Both will be broadcast on Yle TV2 and Areena.