community
The Evolution of Trail Running — From Niche Sport to Mainstream Phenomenon
Trail running has transformed from a specialized discipline into one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities worldwide.
Mervi Pääkkynen
Contributor
Mervi combines her passion for orienteering with storytelling, focusing on community initiatives, club developments, and the grassroots side of the sport. A veteran of over 200 competitions, she brings insider knowledge to her reporting.
She’s particularly interested in how orienteering clubs adapt to modern challenges and the role of technology in training and competition. Mervi represents Helsingin Suunnistajat and has competed at national level.
Articles by Mervi Pääkkynen
community
Club Spotlight — Innovation in Rural Communities
How smaller clubs leverage creativity and community connections to thrive despite resource constraints.
community
Building the Next Generation — Junior Development Programs That Work
Successful youth programs share common elements, but implementation varies dramatically across different orienteering cultures.
opinion
Bold Predictions for 2017 — What the Season Might Bring
Based on training reports, team changes, and competitive trends, here are five predictions for the year ahead.