Jergul takes over from Soussjavrre

Jergul Asstu takes over as checkpoint between Karasjok and Alta. The traditional Soussjavre is no longer open and the mountain inn by the river Iesjohka takes over. This means a slight change of the race-trail.

Since hostess Berit Øvergård Johnsen at Sousjavrre passed away earlier this year the mountain inn has been closed. This means the oldest checkpoint of the race must be left out, at least this year.

- Berit was the living image of the institution Soussjavre itself, says Finnmarksløpet's veteran Arne O. Nilsen

The small mountain inn has been a checkpoint for Finnmarksløpet since 1982 and Berit has been there every year.

- Berit was always positive and cheerful and wasn't easily scared and she was happy to do errands for the race if we asked for it. She did not speak Norwegian too weel, but that never hindered communication. She loved talking to people and I think that she enjoyed having mushers visit and get to chat with them, Arne continues.

Finnmarksløpet wouldn't have been the same without Berit and the news about her passing away was met with great sadness in the sled-dog community.

Jergul new checkpoint

It is still uncertain whether new people will take over at Soussjavre. Whatever happens, Soussjavre will not be open for this years' Finnmarksløp and Jergul Asstu is the new checkpoint.

Jergul Asstu (Asstu is Sámi for "time to spare") is located 40 km outside of Karasjok by the river Iesjohka. However, this does not mean that it is such a short distance between these two checkpoints. The trail will be slightly changed and the mushers must race from Karasjok to Hundevidda, before continuing down to Jergul. The distance between the two checkpoints is ca 70 km in total. From Jergul the race continues to Soussjavre and on up the river Iesjohka. From there it goes to Mållesjok before it enters Iesjavri - Finnmark's largest lake.

Small village - long traditions

There are not many permanenet residents in Jergul, but the mountain inn has been open for a long time. The old mountain inn that was built in 1928 still exists. At the same time it has been modernized to fit today's expected standards to accommodation and rastaurant facilities. The Holmestrand family who own the mountain inn has been following the race for a long time and they are looking forward to the race's arrival in their village.

- It is an exciting challenge and we promise to do anything we can to make fovourable conditions for the race, says the host Toralf and the rest of his family.

Café and heated bath-tub outdoors

Jergul Asstu has modern facilities such as café, heated bath-tub outdoors, showers, etc. There are some cabins in the courtyard that has been rented to Finnmarksløpet's use and are therefore not available for overnight stays.

- All can sleep inside the other building at Jergul in their own sleeping bags, says Executive Manager Hanne Rosenberg. She has been to Jergul and thinks that the facilities are excellent for Finnmarksløpet.

Visit Jergul Asstu at http://www.samitour.no/norsk/jergul/