Blog

What happens when you combine European inspiration, two years of meticulous planning, and a sweltering weekend in a historic cathedral city? You get an unforgettable weekend of urban orienteering at the Canterbury City Race, which recently hosted the UK leg of the City Race Euro Tour (CRET).  

Urban events in a variety of formats have become an established part of orienteering over the last 15 plus years, to the extent that in alternate years the World Championships focus on sprint style events, normally in an urban environment. The level of technical difficulty is frequently lower than in traditional orienteering terrain and the emphasis is on speed – speed of decision making and running speed.

Wessex Orienteering Club share their experience of orienteering at the National Trust's Studland Heath, highlighting the measures taken to avoid sensitive areas and protect the environment. A fantastic example of how well‑planned orienteering can coexist with environmentally sensitive landscapes.

In mid-March, 8 GB athletes took part in a supported training camp in Italy, to prepare for the upcoming sprint World Orienteering Championships taking place in Genova in July.

Out on an orienteering course, we pride ourselves on being prepared for anything the terrain throws at us - steep climbs, tricky navigation, unpredictable weather. But one challenge that can strike without warning is a sudden cardiac arrest. When it happens, every minute matters, and the combination of early CPR and quick access to an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be lifesaving.