Text: Paul Halford
Helping to show that Bodom Trail events attract individuals from a variety of sporting backgrounds and nationalities is German orienteer Sven Hommen, who will be returning to the event this weekend.
Sven, a former German junior orienteering champion, is hoping to finish the 21km trail event in under two hours, having missed the target by four minutes 53 seconds in 2018. However, it is about more than times for him – he is keen to enjoy the event again.
Admitting to being very nervous before the start of last year’s race as he had not run a serious race over such a distance before, he said:
“My wife said she could see the fear in my eyes!”
However, after overcoming this, he describes the event as a “perfect day”, he added.
“For me, it was like an orienteering race without a map. It has a little bit of everything – fantastic trails, small hills, parts with spectacular views of the lake, areas where you are up to your calf in the mud.”
“And for a trail running beginner like me, there is always the chance to finish the race after the first round of 12km – which never was really an option!”
He also praised the organisation of the event and, which is significant from someone who organises 20 sprint orienteering races in Germany under the Park Tour banner.
Connecting the event with a sightseeing trip to Helsinki – just an hour away by road – he was able to round off an enjoyable weekend.
So much so that he is returning to Pirttimäki Recreational Forest in Espoo.
“To enjoy the race, the forest, the course and the atmosphere is my main focus” he said.
“But if I see that two hours will be possible I will fight to manage it.”
