Positive atmosphere and high international level in Nordic Walking World Championships in Lahti
Nordic Walking World Championships 2024 were held in the demanding but beautiful terrain of Salpausselkä in Lahti. The rainy weather did not dampen the mood, the happy look remained throughout the weekend among the participants. More than 400 performances and Nordic walkers from 23 different countries were seen at Salpausselkä.
In the second Nordic Walking World Championships, three individual distances and team relay were competed. Nordic Walking is the most popular in Europe in Poland, Croatia and Latvia. In addition, there were big teams from Great Britain, Korea and Japan, among others.
"The event was really successful. The atmosphere and arrangements have gained a huge amount of positive feedback. International guests found Lahti to be an excellent host city. When race center is so near the city center, participants had time to walk around the city as well," said Aki Karihtala, president of the International Nordic Walking Association (INWA).
SALPAUSSELKÄ TERRAIN WERE HARD ENOUGH.
Salpausselkä's terrain is also suitable as the competition arena.
"The route also received many compliments. In the previous races, we mostly walked on flat terrain, but now there was clearly more up and downhills and we liked it. With this feedback, it's good to continue towards the upcoming European Championships", continued Karihtala.
About a 25% of the participants were Finns. The event organized now was a good showcase for the sport, which is not a very well-known in Finland. Rather known as a training method for skiers, but also a form of fitness for active people.
Ulla Päivelin from Lahti walked every day during the event. Päivelin praised the event's atmosphere and arrangements and was surprised how international atmosphere was.
"The atmosphere was absolutely amazing. Big fun and excellent service along the events. It was an absolutely top event," said a Päivelin, who won the World Championship gold in her age group at a distance of 21 kilometers and was in the women's bronze medal team on Sunday.
The level of Nordic walking in the world is tough among competitors. On Friday, the five-kilometer distance was walked from the best to just over 30 minutes. Almost the same speed per kilometer was maintained for many even on longer distances.
"It was a surprise how international and hard the level was at the event. After all, this is a tough sport and fitness class. Finns' Nordic walking style is also somewhat different, it is very unique. Our style shows especially the skiing style", thought Päivelin and challenged everyone to walk with poles and train for the upcoming European Championships.
Event director Markku Levanen was rightly satisfied with the event and the feedback it received.
"The organization of the event was excellent. Nordic walking as a sport is well suited event for Finlandia Ski Marathon “family” and thus expands the variety of “Finlandia products” even in snowless times," says Levanen.
The next international Nordic walking competitions are already being planned. According to the preliminary agreement, Salpausselkä terrain will be used for the open European Championships in 2025.
