Kalevan kisat open at century-old Harju stadium in Jyväskylä

JYVÄSKYLÄ, Finland — The 100-year-old Harju stadium in Jyväskylä will host the Finnish Athletics Championships, known as the Kalevan kisat, this weekend as the event marks a century since the venue’s opening.

The competition opens Friday at 11 a.m., with upgrades completed just in time for the three-day meet. Organizers report that over 600 athletes and coaches have registered, while an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 spectators are expected to attend. Visitors are projected to bring between €1.5 million and €2 million into the local economy.

A new 3,000-seat main grandstand has been built on the home straight, and the running track and jumping areas have received new surfaces. Temporary seating will also be installed on the back straight and in both bends to accommodate the crowds. Competition director Esa Kaihlajärvi said minor adjustments were still being made ahead of the event, but athlete feedback on the renovated track has been positive.

Kaihlajärvi said the championships represent a significant honor for the city and the Jyväskylä Kenttäurheilijat club, which is organizing the event. He noted that preparations involved around 200 people and that the upgraded venue is expected to slightly improve race times as it ages.

The upcoming European Athletics Championships in Birmingham have raised the stakes, with Kaihlajärvi suggesting that several Finnish records could fall during the meet.