Reservists revive 1941 march that united Finns

Reservists are organising 10-kilometre walks across Finland this month, recreating the spirit of a 1941 Finland-Sweden marching competition, Yle reports.

On a September evening, around 20 people gathered at a beach in Saaristokaupunki, Kuopio. Most were men, but five women and a dog were also taking part.

The group formed three lines before setting off at 5.10pm. The route passed through forests, residential areas and lakeside scenery.

Jari Nupponen, executive director of the North Savo reservist districts, said the aim was to help people stay fit.

This is also a good way to get people moving from a public health perspective, he said.

The joint marches are being organised around Finland during September. In Kuopio, the event was organised by Satu Linnaranta, chair of the local reserve officers’ club. She brought her six-month-old Finnish Spitz, Havu, along for the march.

You can of course march alone, but it is always more enjoyable in a group, Linnaranta said.

After five kilometres, the first participants reached the halfway point. Simo Jääskeläinen, walking at the front of the group, described the pace as fairly moderate. The group had stretched out slightly, he said, but that was not a problem because everyone could walk at their own pace.

A separate person was assigned to watch the rear of the group and ensure that slower participants did not fall behind.

Participants range from four months to 70 years

Many of the participants have experience of long marches, some lasting several dozen kilometres, on foot, skis or bicycles.

The youngest participant was four-month-old Kerttu, who completed the route with her parents, Henna and Juho-Pekka Rönkkö. The oldest was 70-year-old Esko Repo, who described marching as the best possible exercise for both body and mind.

Everyone who has retired and is in even reasonably good condition should do this. It is like a good beer after a good sauna, Repo said.

March inspired by 1941 competition

The original Finland-Sweden marching competition was held in May 1941, 85 years ago. More than 1.5 million Finns took part in the walk, which became hugely popular in Finland.

Men walked 15 kilometres and women 10 kilometres. Finland won the competition by a wide margin.

The event boosted national solidarity and highlighted people’s willingness to defend the country. President Risto Ryti and Prime Minister Jukka Rangell took part alongside the government.

Participants in the original march filled in a march card to record their performance, and those who wished could claim a march badge.

This year’s participants can receive a similar badge. Anyone who marches at least 10 kilometres continuously can register their performance on the websites of the Reserve Officers’ Association or the Reservists’ Association and claim a fabric badge to attach to their sleeve. Proceeds from the badges will be donated to Ukraine.