Miika Kirmula and Marika Teini Maintain Their Lead on the Second Day of Kainuu Orienteering Week
Published: 30.06.2026
Miika Kirmula and Marika Teini Maintain Their Lead on the Second Day of Kainuu Orienteering Week
Miika Kirmula in action during the second stage of the Kainuu Orienteering Week on June 30, 2026 (Photo: Touho Häkkinen)
On the second competition day of the Kainuu Orienteering Week, Miika Kirmula of Kalevan Rasti held onto the top spot in the men's elite category, just as he did on Sunday.
He completed the 10.5-kilometer course in 56 minutes and 51 seconds, even though the orienteering did not go as smoothly as on the opening day. His performance included a mistake of about three minutes, after which switching rhythms in the varied terrain of Säynäjä brought its own challenges.
"My performance today didn't get a clean sheet," Kirmula stated at the finish line.
Orienteers were required to be especially precise near the end of the course in the depression terrain (supikko), as they navigated the ridges close to the competition center.
After two stages in the men's elite overall results, second place is held by Ruslan Glebov of Turun Metsänkävijät, 3 minutes and 19 seconds behind Kirmula. Daniel Bolehovský of Kalevan Rasti is third overall, trailing Kirmula by 7 minutes and 42 seconds.
Women's Elite Dominated by Marika Teini
In the women's elite category, Marika Teini of Kalevan Rasti maintained the fastest pace on the 7.5-kilometer course, repeating her Sunday success. The national team orienteer clocked a time of 51 minutes and 33 seconds.
In the overall standings, Teini currently holds a commanding lead, 8 minutes and 24 seconds ahead of Mira Kaskinen of Rastikarhut. Based on the two stages, Johanna Kriikkula of Lapuan Virkiä is in third place, 14 minutes and 5 seconds behind Teini.
Art Plays a Strong Role in the Orienteering Week
For three years now, cooperation with the Taidevaltatie Toivo association (Art Highway Toivo) has been a significant part of the Kainuu Orienteering Week.
Photo: Milla Mäkinen / Kainuu Orienteering Week 2026
This year, art has been visible at the event in various ways, including an "art forest" at the competition centre and a colorful painting that has welcomed visitors to the venue daily.
Project Manager Jarmo Kaivo-oja explains that the purpose of the art forest was to bring joy and color to the competition center. Tuesday was also celebrated as Children's and Youth Day, and visitors enjoyed tastings of local food.
"A major sporting event, which is among the largest in Finland, is an excellent way to highlight the culture and local food products of Kainuu," Kaivo-oja says.
On Tuesday, mentalist Raimo Lusma performed at the competition centre, and on Thursday, 16-year-old Aurora Nissi from Suomussalmi will perform a monologue reflecting on remote areas, nature, and humanity.
This year, the art and culture program of the Orienteering Week and Taidevaltatie Toivo is also part of the official event calendar for the Oulu European Capital of Culture year.
Results
Results of the competitive categories
More Information
Competition Director: Jari Anttonen, +358 44 7613 886, kilpailunjohtaja@rastiviikko.fi
General Secretary: Jukka Liuha, +358 44 7679 533, jukka.liuha@rastiviikko.fi
KOW Office: +358 44 512 3517, info@rastiviikko.fi
Website: www.rastiviikko.fi
