Kristiansand OK 1´s Daniel Hubmann, who run the last leg of his team, had the opportunity to read aloud the Jukola Relay's message.

This year, message of the Jukola Relay greeted the Army of Finnish Defence Forces.

The message of the Jukola Relay was received by the Lieutenant General Ilkka Aspara, Commander of the Finnish Army.

JUKOLA MESSAGE 2009

“Wide is the stumpy meadow, yet beyond its limits one cannot see. In the north there arises a high mountain, and should you ascend it, your eye will catch a glimpse of faraway sights. On its eastern side you shall first see the said meadow, well-nigh under your feet.”

And thus, after Siipvuori, towards the spruce of Himottu and the goal.

Sweetly blend together hardships in the minds of the competitors the memories of the journey’s toils and hardships – as forests, valleys, mountains and high moors blend in the distant blue, and silent exhaustion permeates the limbs of men.

This year, which marks the 175^th anniversary of the birth of our national author Aleksis Kivi, the creator of The Seven Brothers, we salute the Army of the Finnish Defence Forces, which have acquired their place in our host city of Mikkeli, and which have participated in many ways in the organisation of our Jukola.

In Mikkeli 13.-14. of June 2009

THE ORIENTEERS OF THE JUKOLA RELAY