Five-time Jukola Relay winner Tommi Tölkkö from winning team Kalevan Rasti read aloud this year's Jukola Relay Message. The message was addressed to the centenarian Forest Management Associations. Co-operation between the Jukola organisers and the forest management associations has always been strong in the preparation process for the events. Organisers rely on the associations' help in i.e. searching for ownership information and in acquiring permission to use land. The message was received by Heljo Launto, vice president for Western Finland's Forest Management Associations and Ensio Saari, executive director for Lapua Forest Management Association.

This year's Jukola message describes the folk legend of bishop Hemming on a mission to suppress the might of the hill-goblins. On his way "he was forced to take repose on a rock that was to be henceforth called 'The Bishop's bench'."