Change of Secretary General at Kainuu Orienteering Week – A 17-Year Era Comes to an End
The Secretary General of Kainuu Orienteering Week Association (Kainuun Rastiviikko ry) has changed as of August 24, 2026. Jukka Liuha, who has worked with the event and Kainuu orienteering since 2009, has moved on to new professional challenges. His last working day at Kainuu Orienteering Week Association was Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Marika Alamylläri has stepped into the role of Secretary General as of August 24, 2026. She brings extensive experience in organizing orienteering events and has been part of the Kainuu Orienteering Week organization since 2012.
Long-Term Development and Unforgettable Experiences
The outgoing Secretary General’s journey in the Kainuu orienteering scene began in September 2009 as a club sports coordinator. His first Kainuu O Week event in the role of Secretary General took place the very next year in Paljakka, Puolanka (2010). From 2013 onwards, Liuha served as the first full-time Secretary General in the history of Kainuu Orienteering Week Association.
This nearly 17-year period has encompassed a vast amount of event organization, stakeholder collaboration, and operational development: ranging from the spectator race week at the 2013 World Orienteering Championships to launching and establishing completely new major events, such as the Kainuu Trail trail running event.
"These 17 years have been an incredible journey both professionally and personally. I have had the privilege of working alongside amazing colleagues, clubs, volunteers, landowners, partners, municipalities, and the regional administration. Right now feels like the right time to pass the KOW baton to the next runner, especially as solid foundations for organizing Kainuu Orienteering Week have been laid over these years in terms of multi-channel marketing, strong partnerships, a systematic digital and cloud transition, and standardized organizational guidelines. Warmest thanks to the entire Kainuu orienteering family for your trust and shared years!" – summarizes outgoing Secretary General Liuha.
Preparations for Future Events Continue Uninterrupted
The transition has been prepared smoothly within the Board of Kainuu Orienteering Week Association, and it will have no impact on the organization of upcoming events. Background preparations and planning for the 2027 Kainuu Orienteering Week in Paljakka, Puolanka, as well as other association events such as the Kainuu Trail, remain on schedule under the leadership of the new Secretary General.
The new Secretary General Marika Alamylläri possesses extensive experience in event organization. In addition to Kainuu O Week, she has held key organizational roles in events such as the Jukola Relay, the Fin5 Orienteering Week, and the 2013 World Orienteering Championships.
"It is an honor to step into this role following the excellent work done by Jukka. The organization and plans for the upcoming years are already familiar to me, so we will confidently continue event preparations together with our partners and clubs," says Alamylläri.
Key Highlights of the Change:
- Change of Secretary General on August 24, 2026: Marika Alamylläri has started as the new Secretary General.
- End of a Long Era: Jukka Liuha, who worked with Kainuu orienteering since 2009, had his last working day at Kainuu Orienteering Week association on August 23, 2026.
- Looking Ahead: Event preparations continue uninterrupted toward the 2027 Kainuu Orienteering Week in Paljakka, Puolanka, and the Kainuu Trail in Hossa.
Further Information and Interview Requests:
Marika Alamylläri
Secretary General, Kainuu Orienteering Week Association
marika.alamyllari@rastiviikko.fi
Marko Horneman
Chairman of the Board, Kainuu Orienteering Week Association
puheenjohtaja@rastiviikko.fi
Website: www.rastiviikko.fi
About Kainuu Orienteering Week Association (Kainuun Rastiviikko ry):
Kainuun Rastiviikko ry is responsible for organizing and developing the annual international orienteering event, Kainuu Orienteering Week (KRV), as well as other sports events in the Kainuu region. Organized since 1966, KRV is Finland's largest and the world's second-oldest orienteering week. Every year, the event brings together thousands of orienteers of all ages and skill levels to Kainuu—from absolute beginners to the world's top elite athletes.
