Already over 17,000 registered for Kotka-Jukola.

19.1.2026 | The Kotka-Jukola orienteering relay event, to be held in mid-June 2026 in the terrain around Kymi Airfield, has got off to an exceptionally strong start.

After the first registration price tier closed, a total of 17,279 competitors and 3,065 teams from 19 different countries had already signed up. The previous record at the same stage was set by Kangasala-Jukola in 2019, when 16,720 competitors had registered, meaning the Kotka event has surpassed that figure by 559 participants.

“The number and pace of registrations at this stage show an exceptional level of enthusiasm for Kotka-Jukola. The orienteering community clearly wants to be part of this event,” says Pauli Mäkelä, Secretary General of Kotka-Jukola.

Kymi Airfield as the event centre, together with the surrounding terrain, offers a pleasant, safe, functional and clear environment even for organizing a record-breaking event. The aim is to create a particularly participant-friendly Jukola.

“The strong interest in Kotka-Jukola naturally gives our organizing team a great deal of motivation to continue planning and preparations for the event. The airfield area enables smooth and safe arrangements even on this scale,” says Race Director Ari Kukkonen.

The semi-team tents intended for accommodation for orienteering teams are currently fully booked. If more semi-team tents become available for rent, this will be announced.

Registration for Kotka-Jukola will continue until the competition weekend in summer at jukola.com.