keskimatkat

Keskimatkat is a Finnish term used to describe the middle-distance format in orienteering. In Finnish usage, keskimatkat denotes a competition class or course designed to test navigational accuracy and quick decision-making over a moderate distance, situated between sprint and long-distance events.

In middle-distance orienteering, the emphasis lies on precise map reading and efficient route choices rather than pure speed alone. Courses are typically set in forested terrain and feature a sequence of control points that require timely reorientation and strategic routing. Map scales commonly range from about 1:7,500 to 1:15,000, with terrain and feature detail that challenge contestants to interpret the landscape accurately.

Historically, keskimatkat developed as part of the standardized set of orienteering formats under the International Orienteering Federation, alongside sprint and long-distance events. In Finland, a country with a strong orienteering tradition, keskimatkat have been a central element of national championships and youth programs and are regularly included in international competitions such as world championships and major cups.

In practice, athletes train to balance speed with precision, and the category encompasses multiple classes and age groups, each presenting appropriate difficulty. The term is used in competition schedules, results, and media coverage to distinguish middle-distance races from sprint or long-distance events.