A few runners I know stick to the same routes day in and day out due to fears that they’ll get lost while trying new territory. Luckily, I have a good sense of direction and it generally means that I’m fearless about running in new places. Part of my good sense of direction, however, has been earned and learned by participating in the fun sport of orienteering, which is also referred to as rogaining. Orienteering is great for connecting runners more closely with the land they’re traversing and increasing comfort levels for on and off trail running.
Orienteering requires participants, often in teams, to use topographical maps and clues (the clues can be riddles and references to local lore) to find checkpoints or control points of various point values. There are more checkpoints than any team or individual, even the fastest, could ever reach. Courses are most often on rural land that is non-residential. In other words, over the course of the event you’re only likely to see other orienteers and maybe a few wild animals. You’ll be off road and on trails or even bushwacking the majority of the time.
The first task following the race start is for each team to agree on a course route that will yield the highest point value without causing you to exceed the time limit. In some races the route is designated and only one direction can be pursued, but I prefer the events where plotting your own route is part of the experience. It’s an extra challenge and it yields less congestion on the course. When plotting the route it’s important to take into account elevation changes, the surface over which you will travel (trail, dirt roads, paved roads, swamps, and brush), and the highest value checkpoints.
The first task following the race start is for each team to agree on a course route that will yield the highest point value without causing you to exceed the time limit. In some races the route is designated and only one direction can be pursued, but I prefer the events where plotting your own route is part of the experience. It’s an extra challenge and it yields less congestion on the course. When plotting the route it’s important to take into account elevation changes, the surface over which you will travel (trail, dirt roads, paved roads, swamps, and brush), and the highest value checkpoints.
Once a route has been agreed upon, the team takes off for the first checkpoint. Most of the course is run, although often times there are portions too steep or thick to run through. Each checkpoint is marked by a square orange and white flag (see images at the top of the post for examples) from which hangs a punch. Each team is issued a punch card with a square designated for each checkpoint. It’s important to punch the proper checkpoint square, because only correct matches are awarded points. In order to ensure teams do not split up some checkpoints will also have a marker or stamp hanging from it along with instructions about how to mark each member of the team in order to prove that everyone reached that point.
The competition I like to participate in each year is three hours long, and we cover anywhere from 5 to 8 miles over the three hours. This may seem slow, but when you’re moving through thickets off trail the pace is slow and there’s always time lost for course corrections and quick team huddles. Besides, sometimes there are surprise baked goods waiting at a checkpoint and you have to stop to savor them!
Whenever I’m feeling a bit worn out from road races but still want the thrill of competition I look to orienteering. It’s a great way to mix up your race slate and a different way to enjoy the physical stamina you’ve been working hard to maintain. If you’re like me, instead of merely keeping track of miles covered you’ll likely also start tracking the number of wild turkeys you encountered, streams you forded, and mountains or hills you summitted!
