Viestisuunnistus

Viestisuunnistus, or relay orienteering, is a team competition format in the sport of orienteering. In a viestisuunnistus event, teams consist of several participants, typically three or four. Each team member navigates a separate leg of the course. The race starts with the first runner from each team. Upon completing their designated leg, the runner hands off a control card or electronic punch to the next teammate, who then proceeds to their assigned leg. This continues until the final runner completes their leg and crosses the finish line.

The courses for each leg are typically designed so that runners from different teams do not cross paths unnecessarily, though this can happen, especially in mass-start events. The order of the legs is predetermined, and the course difficulty can vary between legs. Teamwork is crucial, as the performance of each individual directly impacts the team's overall result. Strategy plays a role in team selection and the order in which runners are assigned to legs, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete. Viestisuunnistus is a popular format in orienteering, often featured in major championships and national events, adding an exciting team dynamic to the individual sport.