1386 teams started to the 1st leg of the Venla relay. Photo: Risto Raunio
In total 1386 Venlas shot out after the starting pistol has been fired at 2 pm. With the smallest competition numbers started to the terrain the first teams of Kalevan Rasti, IFK Lidingö SOK and Södertälje Nykvarn Orientering from the front row.
In addition to the experienced competitors there is a large amount of first-timers. In the first row of the audience there were Mirjami Kiuru and Marjo Röman, whose target during the spring season in the orienteering school Jukolakoulu in Vihti has been the Venla relay.
– We are very excited, but fortunately we have a good support group helping us, the ladies explain.
– We have not had time to do anything else but to concentrate to our own leg.
Despite of the excitement the newcomers could enjoy the atmosphere of the start.
– Great weather and unique event, they say.
The ladies started their first competition with realistic aims.
– We have no time target. The main objective is to find the control points. The work continues after Jukola too, they confirm.
To ensure the fluent start, the starting area there is a large amount of volunteers with many responsibilities. The dealing of maps started exactly 2 minutes before the start.
– Each official has 20 maps. The numbers must match the number of the competitor, says Sauli Mäenpää from Turku.
He has competed in Jukola a few times, but now for the first time, he is a volunteer.
– In this way you look at the event from another perspective and understand the greatness of the event.
The start is exciting for the volunteers too.
– It is not good to make a mess here. Fortunately, we have had a good training and there was the rehersal on Wednedsay, Mäenpää thanks after working from nine o’clock in the morning.
