Types of orienteering
What types of orienteering are there? How do sprint, middle, long, relay, score, MTBO, ski and trail orienteering differ?
Short answer
The International Orienteering Federation recognises four disciplines. These are foot orienteering, mountain-bike orienteering (MTBO), ski orienteering and trail orienteering (Trail-O). Foot orienteering is raced as sprint (short and fast, in towns and parks), middle distance (technical) and long distance (endurance and route choice), plus relays. Score, night and app-based virtual orienteering are also popular.
Four disciplines
| Discipline | How | Who for |
|---|---|---|
| Foot orienteering | Running or walking, finding controls with a map | Everyone; the most common |
| Mountain-bike orienteering (MTBO) | By MTB on tracks and paths, with a map holder on the handlebars | Cyclists |
| Ski orienteering | On skis, on a network of ski tracks | Winter athletes |
| Trail orienteering (Trail-O) | Choosing the correct flag without leaving the path; precision not speed | Everyone, including disabled athletes |
Foot orienteering formats
- Sprint: parks, campuses, historic towns. Short, fast, many decisions. In Turkey, the “super sprint” in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is a famous example.
- Middle distance: technical courses with frequent changes of direction.
- Long distance: long legs, big route choices, endurance.
- Relay: teams of 2–3 run in turn; courses are “forked” so team members don’t simply follow each other.
- Score: collect as many points as possible in a fixed time.
- Night orienteering: with a head torch — much harder to match map and terrain.
New formats
- Permanent and virtual courses: fixed markers or QR codes in parks, or apps like MapRun that check your visit by GPS. Kanyon Orienteering plans to set up such courses in Ankara.
- City discovery events: recreational events using landmarks as controls.
Where to start?
A short sprint or score event in a park or campus: clear paths, short distances, low risk of getting lost. See Your first event.
Frequently asked questions
What is sprint orienteering?
A short, fast format in parks, campuses and historic town centres. Elite winning times are around 12 to 15 minutes, on 1:4,000 or 1:5,000 sprint maps.
Who is trail orienteering for?
In Trail-O competitors stay on paths and decide which of several flags in the terrain matches the control on the map. Accuracy, not speed, is measured, so wheelchair users and others compete on equal terms.
What is score orienteering?
Controls can be visited in any order and each has a points value. The most points in a fixed time wins, with penalties for being late. Ideal for team-building events and beginners.
Related guides
- What is orienteering?Orienteering is a sport in which you use a detailed map, and optionally a compass, to find control points in order. Rules, formats, kit and how to start in Ankara.
- How electronic punching works in orienteeringElectronic punching in orienteering - SI chips, clear and check, control units, contactless punching, finish and download. What happens if you mispunch?
- How to prepare for your first orienteering racePreparing for your first orienteering race - entry, choosing a class, what to wear and bring, race-day steps, safety rules and FAQs.