Generally

Concept 

A 36-hour hiking competition. If 36 hours feels too long, participants can reach the finish line earlier. There is also a shorter 8-hour open series available. 

Teams consist of 2-5 members. Approximately 130 kilometers long route involves orienteering with around 30 control points. Half of the route is on land and the other half on water. Teams can utilize muscle-powered watercraft and decide whether they want to focus more on travelling by foot or watercraft. Teams will choose their own path during the competition. Teams proceed along the route as long as they can and reach the finish line within the 36-hour time limit. Final ranking is determined by the number of control points punched and the time taken. 

In the open series, the route length is about 30 kilometers and emphasizes water travel. Participants can use heavier watercrafts like canoes or rowing boats, as they do not need to be carried for long distances on foot, and they can be left ashore while visiting control points. 

Although teams compete against each other, above all, the aim of the event is to build team spirit and to enjoy spending time with other enthusiasts.

Competition Area 

The water area of Puruvesi and Pyhäjärvi and the surrounding land areas in Savonlinna, Kitee, and Parikkala. 

Competition Center 

Matkailutila Naaranlahti, Kesälahdentie 1614, FI-58520 Hiukkajoki. 

Distance from Savonlinna: 51 km, from Helsinki: 362 km. 

Distance from Kesälahti railway station: 17 km, from Parikkala: 38 km. 

Distance from Savonlinna airport: 55 km.

Terrain 

The competition area is the traditional beautiful lake district of Eastern Finland. The terrain allows for many route choices, but teams must be prepared for long paddling sections. Numerous forest and dirt roads help foot travel. Orienteering skills can help shortcut through trackless wilderness.

Move in the terrain with everyone's rights and responsibilities! Attention must be paid while coming ashore and floating. Everyone must avoid forbidden areas, such as yards, gardens, and cultivated lands, as well as the nesting season for birds that coincides with the event. Open fire is prohibited. 

Responsibilities 

Each participant competes at their own risk and is responsible for their own sports and accident insurance. The event organizer is not responsible for any possible damages to water rights holders, landowners, or traffic. Any possible damages are on responsibility of the individual participant. 

Weather Conditions 

Finnish summer is mostly snow-free but can sometimes be cold or warm. Special caution should be observed on the lake during thunderstorms. 

During the competition, the sun sets at 22:52 and rises at 03:25.

Photography 

The event has its own photographer, whose pictures can be downloaded for personal non-commercial use after the competition (CC BY-NC). By registering for the competition, the participant also gives permission to be photographed. The photos are also used for marketing and communication of other Karjalacross events.

Packraft Rental 

The event organizer has good-quality two-person packrafts available for rent and purchase. Additionally, there are various paddles and electric pumps available. For the competition, it is possible to rent a packraft package with accessories for 80 euros, including a two-person packraft, carbon or aluminium paddles depending on availability, manual and electric pump, inflation bag, and repair kit. You can also rent a packraft well in advance of the competition for practice. 

You can make a packraft reservation for the competition through the registration system when you pay the participation fee. Other rentals or purchases must be agreed upon separately. For more information and availability, you can inquire karjacross@gmail.com.

Competition Shirt 

A competition shirt for Karjalacross is being planned, which everyone can later order at their own expense from the competition website. Detailed instructions in Bulletin II. 

Organization 

Competition Director Lauri Vainio 

Course setter Kari Vainio 

Terrain supervisor Kari Lehto 

Competition center Raija Säteri 

Sauna Major Teemu Pesu 

Announcer General Aatos

Enquiries 

karjalacross@gmail.com

Lauri Vainio +358504925210 (packraft rental) 

Kari Vainio +358505232248 

Accommodation 

Matkailutila Naaranlahti offers accommodation and dining services before and after the competition. 

Contact information: naaranlahti.com, info@naaranlahti.com, +358 50 5440103. 

Bulletin II will be published on March and Bulletin III on June...