Orienteering Race Day Guide

Your First Orienteering Adventure

What to Bring

Here’s a simple checklist to help you feel prepared:

• Comfortable clothes for walking or running

• Grippy shoes (especially if you’ll be on trails or wet ground)

• Water bottle and sunscreen (for outdoor events)

• A compass

• Most important: a curious mind and a spirit of adventure!

What to Expect on Event Day

Let’s walk through a typical first event:

• Arrival & Registration: Friendly volunteers will help you sign in and answer any questions. Don’t hesitate to say you’re new!

• Pre-Start Area: You’ll wait in a “quarantine” area before your start time—this keeps the course a surprise and teaches patience.

• Getting Your Map: You receive your map right when your race starts. You’ll need to orient yourself quickly, read the map, and choose your first route—all at once!

• On the Course: This is where the fun begins—navigating, making decisions, and solving problems in real time.

• The Finish Line: Cross the finish, check in, and see how you did! Results are usually posted right away, and there’s always a sense of accomplishment—no matter your speed.