Basic Play

An orienteering course is marked on a map using a red triangle to indicate the start and a double circle to locate the finish. Red circles are used to show the control points. A staggered start is often used with competitors starting at minute intervals. Results are based on the time taken to complete the course, visiting all the controls in the correct order.

High levels of fitness and running speed are required to compete successfully at an elite level. Success is also heavily dependent on choosing the fastest route between controls. While controls are the same for the competitors in any particular category, the routes they choose may be very different. Competitors are often required to cross rough undeveloped terrain where accurate navigation is essential. Orienteering clubs usually offer a wide range of courses with varying physical and technical difficulty to appeal to competitors of differing abilities.