BASIC INFORMATION

What is Orienteering?

Orienteering is truly a sport for all.

Orienteering events take place anywhere from remote forest and countryside to urban parks and school playgrounds. Orienteering involves maps, varied terrain and adventure. It doesn't matter how young or old or fit you are, you can run, jog or walk - you decide your own pace. It is an easy, painless way of staying fit and getting into shape.

What is involved?

Orienteering is a sport where competitors navigate their way between control points marked on a specially drawn map.

You do not need much equipment to start out, just a compass, whistle and a pair of trainers or boots that you don’t mind getting muddy! It is a good idea to also bring an A4 clear plastic bag for your map and a red pen. We also recommend bringing a complete set of dry clothes to change into after the event and some refreshments to replace all those used up calories!

Events

Most events take place on the weekends. You can find out details from our website or our newsletter. You can enter events on the day, or if you are going to a big event, you may need to enter in advance using a standard entry form.

Getting started

1. Once you get close to the location of an event, you will find signs directing you to the parking area.

2. When you arrive at an event, you will be shown where to park and given any last minute details. You may be given an entry form to fill in to take to registration.

3. Find the registration tent. Select the course you want to run, fill in the entry form, pay the entry fee. You will be given a start time and your control descriptions (control descriptions tell you what you are looking for on the course)

4. Go back to your car and change into clothes suitable for orienteering. You don’t need special kit to start orienteering, but it is advisable to wear long trousers, and trainers or walking boots that you don’t mind getting muddy. If it is cold it is advisable to wear layers so you can take off your jumper etc as you get hot. Wearing a cheap watch is a good idea to ensure that you get to the start on time, don’t wear an expensive one in case you lose it in the forest! Wearing a sweatband on your wrist and attaching your compass to it is another good tip it saves losing the most essential piece of equipment needed for the race!

5. Make your way to the START. This may be some distance from the car park, but will be clearly signed, normally using tapes tied to trees or fences.

6. Once you reach the start check the clock which will be beeping every minute. Once your time comes up, you will be asked to enter a start lane. This lane is divided into 3 squares, one for -3min, one for -2min and -1min. You will be directed as to which box to stand in. If you arrive late for your start, speak to an official who will find the next available time for you go begin.

7. Each runner is started at intervals of one minute. When you are given the go ahead, you will be asked to step over the line and collect your map from one of the boxes of maps which will be clearly marked. You need to know which course you are running and this information will be found on your control descriptions. Once you have collected your map you proceed to the start kite, which will be visible from the start lanes, from where you make your way around the course until you complete it and arrive at the finish.

8. At the end of your race, there will be a drink available and a signed route back to the finish/download tent back at the car park.

9. Once you have completed your course, it is very important that you go to the finish or download tent so the organisers know you have completed the course – it is essential that you go to the finish or download tent even if you don’t finish the course and decide to make your way back to the car park. If you don’t go to the finish, the organisers will be looking for you assuming that you have been injured and require assistance.

Basic Kit List  

• 1 x Whistle (for safety in case you need to attract attention)
• 1 x Compass
• 1 x Clear plastic bag (to keep your map dry)
• Safety pins to pin your control descriptions to your shirt
• Red pen for completing entry forms/marking maps etc
• Trainers or walking shoes/boots
• Long trousers or Ron Hills
• t-shirt or thermal top
• cagoule if it is raining
• sweatband for your wrist

If you decide orienteering is for you, you may wish to purchase:

• A Sarum Orienteering Top available from the club
• Bramble bashers (protective gaiters for your lower legs)
• Ron Hill running trousers (they are good for colder weather)
• A thermal top like a Helly Hansen

What types of events are available to beginners?

When starting to orienteer you will go to two main types of events, colour coded events and score events. Colour coded events are graded for distance and technical ability and score events are normally arranged for local and informal events.

The main differences are, colour coded courses are about following a course, in sequence from the start to the finish. This is timed and the fastest time for the course wins, regardless of age. Colour coded events become more competitive as the runners technical ability increases.

Score events have between 20 and 30 controls marked on the map each control is given a point value depending on the distance/technical skill required to find it. The aim of a score event is to visit as many controls as you can in a set time period – normally one hour. You are penalised for every minute you are late back to the finish, some it is a mixture of timekeeping and accurate navigation that will give you a good score!

Colour Coded Events

Colour coded events are graded for distance and technical ability. Technical Difficulty with (TD1) = very easy (TD5) = very difficult

BOF guidelines