Digita’s trail running team planned a trail running programme from spring to autumn, which culminated at the Helsinki City Trail on 25 September. Participants in Helsinki could choose to run 6, 14 or 24 kilometres. Markus Ala-Hautala from the Digita trail running team organised the programme, with the assistance of the other members, Minna Flink, Maiju Huttunen, Heikki Sulander, Ossi Ilveskoski and Antti Töyrylä. Trail running is a great sport, regardless of your experience or level. There are suitable routes and terrains for everyone, says Ala-Hautala. This summer’s training programme covered aspects such as rigorous theory about the basics of trail running, running technique and a joint run. “We wanted to provide our customers and stakeholders an easy way to learn about this wonderful sport – and to have shared things to do with our customers and stakeholders during the coronavirus pandemic,” says Ala-Hautala.

“The trail running team’s partner was the coaching company Jalanjälki Juoksuvalmennus – their rock-solid coaches Juuso Simpanen and Miikka-Pekka Rautiainen got the programme participants into shape to hit the trails. The programme also included an introduction to the secrets of trail running by the Finnish representative of ITRA, the International Trail Running Association. “The coaching was successful in every respect, showcasing extensive experience in the sport. The programme participants gave good feedback to the coaches,” says Ala-Hautala.

The participants were excited to be involved in the trail running programme. A total of 15 people participated. “It was easy to assemble a group of runners. People have already been asking us about upcoming trail running programmes. We’ll definitely organise more trail running events in the future,” says Ala-Hautala.

Ala-Hautala, COO at Digita, is a keen athlete who sees that exercise is beneficial in working life, too. “Exercise keeps your mind sharp, which helps you work,” he says. He took part in his first trail running competition in 2017. Even before that, he keenly enjoyed walking and running in the great outdoors. “Trail running excellently combines two things that reduce stress: exercise and being out and about in nature,” he says.