China's orienteering runners ready for Vasa experience

China's foot orienteering scene is getting all ready for the 2nd Vasa Orienteering Festival (VOF) in the Northeastern city of Changchun, Jilin Province. This weekend, over a thousand people from China and abroad are expected to take part in the Festival, spread over various categories and 2 days of competition. 

Foot orienteering is a growing sport in the Middle Kingdom, and the Changchun event follows right after the national championships held in the Southwestern metropolis of Chongqing. Sweden-rooted Vasa Nordic Ways has been key to the development of the sport in China over the last 13 years, and in Changchun the future looks bright. The automotive capital of China, 7 million inhabitans, is continuing to promote itself as an outdoor sports destination. Even in the harsh winter: the 10th anniversary of Vasaloppet China, the sister of the classic Swedish cross country skiing marathon, is scheduled for 2 January 2012. 

Vasa Nordic Ways and the city of Changchun are aiming to host a major international orienteering championship event within the next few years, but first the focus is on developing the sport and 'building' strong local competitors within the region. This weekend's festival will see hundreds of university students running in the magnificent Jingyuetan forest, some of them will compete for the Jilin Province University Championship. Races on Saturday and Sunday will be held over the middle distance, with the main event featuring around 75 male elite runners and 50 female elite runners. The Festival will see participants from several countries and will include a large Russian presence with runners from a.o. Vladivostok and Irkutsk. 

The first start will follow the Festival's Opening Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The event arena is set up at Jingyuetan Park's main gate on Saturday, and at the Vasa Museum inside the Park on Sunday. Pre-registrations close on Thursday. Note that last-minute on-site registrations can only be accepted subject to time slots available! 

More detailed information can be obtained via Vasa Nordic Ways on +86(431)8964 5455, email info@nordicways.com or www.nordicways.com.