SPRINT

1.1 The profile

The Sprint profile is high speed. It tests the athletes’ ability to read and translate the map in complex environments, and to plan and carry out route choices running at high speed. The course must be planned so that the element of speed is maintained throughout the race. The course may require climbing but steepness forcing the competitors to walk should be avoided. Finding the controls should not be the challenge; rather the ability to choose and complete the best route to them. For example, the most obvious way out from a control should not necessarily be the most favourable one The course should be set to require the athletes’ full concentration throughout the race. An environment that cannot provide this challenge is not appropriate for the Sprint.

1.2 The map

The ISSOM specification shall be followed. The map scale is 1:5000. It is crucial that the map is correct and possible to interpret at high speed, and that the mapping of features that affect route choice and speed are accurate. In non-urban areas, the correct mapping of conditions reducing running speed, both to degree and extent, is important. In urban areas, barriers hindering the passage must be correctly represented and drawn to size.

2 MIDDLE DISTANCE

2.1 The profile

The Middle distance profile is technical. It takes place in a non-urban (mostly forested) environment with an emphasis on detailed navigation and where finding the controls constitute a challenge. It requires constant concentration on map reading with occasional shifts in running direction out from controls. The element of route choice is essential but should not be at the expense of technically demanding orienteering. The route in itself shall involve demanding navigation. The course shall require speed-shifts e.g. with legs through different types of vegetation.

2.2 The map

The standard ISOM specification shall be followed. The map scale is 1:10 000.

3 LONG DISTANCE

3.1 The profile

The Long distance profile is physical endurance. It takes place in a non-urban (mostly forested) environment, and aims at testing the athletes’ ability to make efficient route choices, to read and interpret the map and plan the race for endurance during a long and physically demanding exercise. The format emphasizes route choices and navigation in rough, demanding terrain, preferably hilly. The control is the end-point of a long leg with demanding route choice, and is not necessarily in itself difficult to find. The Long distance may in parts include elements characteristic of the Middle distance with the course suddenly breaking the pattern of route choice orienteering to introduce a section with more technically demanding legs.

3.2 The map

The standard ISOM specification shall be followed. The map scale is 1:15 000 for the E classes and 1:10 000 for the A, B and Open classes.

4 THOMASS

4.1 The profile

The Thomass event is a fun event that combines the strategy of a score orienteering event and the speed and quick thinking of the sprint.  The event has three stages: Mass Start Score O, Sprint and then final Score O.  All competitors are ranked into groups depending on skill, age and ability.  Those will a higher ranking must locate more controls than those will a lower ranking.  If ranked properly, participants in each ranking group should have an equal opportunity to win.  This event will also be an opportunity for local runners to compete again the orienteers, through the use of a handicapping system.

4.2 The map

The standard ISOM specification shall be followed. The map scale is 1:10 000.

Notes:

ISSOM - International Standard for Sprint Orienteering Maps

ISOM - International Standard for Orienteering Maps