Opening up local orienteering

Orienteering is an outdoor sport that people do as individuals. The organizer puts out controls then the orienteer follows a map to find out where they are. There are thousands of areas mapped all round the country so the sport can be very local.

Why the contribution is important

The sport is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. It takes place in a defined area and enables people to get out and use their brains while getting fit in the fresh air. The age related courses can be set up in a way that enables social distancing.

by Joc on May 10, 2020 at 04:14PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.1
Based on: 11 votes

Comments

  • Posted by JLMBD May 10, 2020 at 16:24

    Orienteering is lots of fun and good exercise but it would mean one person after another touching the same gates, styles, (and posts and punches?).

  • Posted by Cw May 10, 2020 at 16:41

    This has been very successful and popular in Kendal and Ambleside in the English Lake District. Courses are set in areas with no gates and stiles and the controls have a number (to confirm you're at the right control) and a letter to record so no contact or touching is required. My only concern would be if they become too popular and cause crowding. However I think choosing sensible locations and not publishing the courses to widely and to quickly would avoid this.

  • Posted by LynneW May 11, 2020 at 10:22

    It is also possible to have 'virtual' courses which use your Smartphone and have no posts / punches. MapRun course are being set up around Scotland, mainly in urban areas so they are local to many people. Details will be on the Scottish Orienteering website.
    There are many MapRun courses available outwith Scotland as well.

  • Posted by lilk May 11, 2020 at 10:34

    Small groups of orienteers could arrange training sessions in their local forests. Someone hangs controls, then leaves, and people start at staggered times to complete the course. Very easy to socially distance from each other. This would be done by already established experienced orienteers who wouldn’t “get lost” and require help finding their way.

  • Posted by eledoot May 11, 2020 at 12:54

    It's also possible to set up a course (in a relatively remote area - not a city park where MapRun is a better option!) that can be left out for a week or two. That way, people can access it over a longer time and be even less likely to be in the same place at the same time.

  • Posted by ckem May 11, 2020 at 16:23

    I would support this idea - a great way to exercise in a fully distanced way
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