Feelings from the First Qualification 10th of July

World Masters Orienteering Championships (WMOC) for 35 to 95 year
veterans started in Ruka-Kuusamo. The positions for Friday's world
champion finals are determined through two day qualifications. World
Champion from 1979, Outi Borgenström of Ikaalisten Nouseva Voima, took
the second place in first heat of women 50 years after three minutes
behind Taina Itkonen of Lapin Veikot.

"It was a joy to be here, a great number of people. Compass came to a
need in the forest." commented Outi after reaching the finish line.
Also Taina Itkonen was satisfied. "It was nice to have a real
orientering track" thanked Itkonen the track planner Jari Oikarainen.

The head coach of Finland's national orienteering team, Janne Salmi,
takes only the finals seriously.

"Running relaxingly fast I enjoyed the great terrain. About three minutes I
made mistakes." said Salmi reaching the fifth position after Russian
double winners.

In addition to Itkonen, north-Laplanders were well in top positions.
The other north Finland winners were Timo Karppinen of SK Pohjantähti
(Men 40 heat 2), Eero Väisänen of Suomussalmen Rasti (Men 55 heat 1),
Mikko Kanniainen of Kuhmon Peurat (Men 50 heat 2), Hannu Karila of
Puolangan Ryhti (Men 50 heat 5), Toivo Pelkonen of Ylikiimingin
Nuijamiehet (Men 65 heat 4) and Vesa Keskimölö of Ounasvaaran
Hiihtoseurat (Men 40 heat 3).