Manitoba Orienteering Association
Event Types
IOF Competition Rules, Appendix 6
1. SPRINT
1.1 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 Course planning considerations
In Sprint spectators are allowed along the course. The course planning shall
consider this, and all controls must be manned. It may also be necessary to have
guards at critical passages alerting spectators of approaching competitors and
making sure that competitors are not hindered. The course must be planned to
avoid tempting competitors to take shortcuts through private property and other
out-of-bounds areas. If there is such a risk, a referee should be at such
locations to prevent possible attempts. Areas so complex that it is doubtful
whether a competitor can interpret the map at high speed should also be avoided
(e.g. when there are complex three-dimensional structures).
1.3 The map
The ISSOM specification shall be followed. The map scale is 1:4000 or 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.
1.4 Winning time and start interval.
The winning time, for both men and women, shall be 12-15 minutes for all age
groups. The start interval is 1 minute and a time-trial, individual format is
used. The competitor shall have passed the start gate before having access to
the map.
IOF Competition Rules, Appendix 6
2. MIDDLE DISTANCE
2.1 Profile
The middle distance profile is technical. It takes place in a non-urban
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 with legs through different
types of vegetation.
2.2 Course planning considerations
The course should be set to allow competitors to be seen by spectators during
the course of the race. Spectators are not allowed along the course except for
parts passing the start/finish area.
2.4 Winning time and start interval
The winning time for elite athletes, for both men and women, shall be 30-35
minutes, with shorter times for Juniors. The start interval is 2 minutes.
IOF Competition Rules, Appendix 6
3. LONG DISTANCE
3.1 Profile
The long distance profile is physical endurance. It takes place in a non-urban
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 Course planning considerations
A special element of the Long distance is the long legs, considerably longer
than the average leg length. These longer legs may be from 1.5 to 3.5 km
depending on the terrain type. Two or more such long legs should form part of
the course (still requiring full concentration on map reading along the route
chosen). Another important element of the Long distance is to use course-setting
techniques which break up a grouping of runners. It is also essential to use the
terrain as a break-up means, drawing the course through areas with limited
visibility. Spectators are not allowed on the course except for parts passing
through the start/finish area.
3.4 Winning time and start interval
| course |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| times |
20-25 |
25-30 |
40-45 |
40-45 |
45-50 |
50-60 |
70-80 |
90-100 |
The start interval is 3-6 minutes.
The Classic format is a combination of Medium (technical) and Long (endurance).
Winning times reflect this combination.
| course |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| times |
20-25 |
25-30 |
40-45 |
40-45 |
45-50 |
50-55 |
60-65 |
70-80 |
The start interval is 3-6 minutes.
Using a specially marked detailed map of a park, orienteers navigate around a
series of features circled on the map. Each competitor picks his or her own
route between points according to individual map-reading skill and physical
fitness. An orange and white control flag at each point allows competitors to
confirm they found the right feature; an electronic or pin punch there allows
them to record their passage. The challenge is to cover the ground as quickly as
possible and find the control flags without hesitation or making navigational
errors. The course shold take about 30 minutes to complete.
An orienteering planner designs courses offering different levels of difficulty
by carefully selecting groups of control features which need a similar level of
technical skill to find. For beginners and the very young, the flags are found
on or close to trails, paths, fences and streams. There are always experienced
orienteers on hand to give instruction to for first-timers.
Orienteering promotes self-confidence and an enjoyment of the outdoors together
with physical fitness, navigation, planning and decision-making skills. Novices
learn how to use a map and compass to efficiently reach places they have never
been before. Elite endurance athletes strive to minimize navigation errors while
covering complex terrain at top speed. The greatest pleasure is in intelligently
meeting the course planner's challenges and completing your course in the
quickest time of the day.