02/11/2026
Kotka-Jukola 2026, 13–14 June.
My first time photographing Jukola. The heavy rain, darkness and boggy forest terrain made the night particularly challenging. At times, visibility dropped to less than ten metres. Even moving through the forest on foot was difficult, so watching the athletes navigate it at speed was something else. I was genuinely impressed by their endurance, strength of character, physical preparation and coordination.
Helsingin Suunnistajat finished second, just 12 seconds behind Sweden’s Stora Tuna OK.
Photographed for Helsingin Sanomat.
Read Topias Mikkonen’s story on Helsingin Sanomat.
1–6. Orienteers set off into the forest at 11 p.m.
7–9. Viktor Svensk crosses the finish line.
10–12. Rasmus Töyrylä, Topi Syrjäläinen, Tuomas Heikkilä and Jussi Raasakka after finishing second.
13. Tuomas Heikkilä after finishing second.
14. Scratches are hard to avoid in the forest.
15. A dog meets a competitor.
16–18. A sea of headlamps at the start.
