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How to prepare for your first orienteering race

What should you wear and bring to your first orienteering race, and how does race day work?

Short answer

Pick an easy class and enter in advance. Wear trousers or leggings that cover your legs and shoes with grip, and bring water and a change of clothes. The map is provided and a chip can usually be hired. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your start time. When you get your map, orient it first, then plan the route to the first control. Always report to the finish, even if you retire.

By the coaching and mapping team of Kanyon Orienteering · Updated:

Before the race

  • Read the event details — venue, travel, start times, map scale, terrain and rules.
  • Choose your class — easy or beginner for your first race.
  • Know your start time — competitors usually start one at a time, a minute apart.

What to wear and bring

  • Trousers or leggings (brambles, thorns, ticks)
  • Shoes with grip
  • Layers for the weather and dry clothes for afterwards
  • Water and a snack
  • A compass and whistle if you have them (compulsory at some races)

Race day

  1. Arrive early — at least 45 minutes before your start.
  2. Registration — collect your bib and hired chip.
  3. Warm up.
  4. Start area — clear and check your chip; go to the line when called.
  5. Map — when you get it, orient it, find the start triangle and control 1, plan, then go.
  6. Course — check the code at each control and punch.
  7. Finish — punch the finish and download your chip.

Safety

  • Always report to the finish and download, even if you retire.
  • If someone is injured, stop and help.
  • Keep out of out-of-bounds areas, crops and private property.
  • Respect the course closing time.

Afterwards

Draw your route, compare with friends, note what you learned. At Kanyon Orienteering we always have a short route chat after events.

Not sure yet? Come to a free taster session first.

Frequently asked questions

Which class should I enter?

The easiest level of your age class, or an "open" or "beginner" class if offered. In Turkish federation races classes are by sex and age (for example K21 for women, E35 for men); racing in them requires a licence through a club.

Do I need a licence?

Official classes in Turkish Orienteering Federation races require a licence and club registration. Open classes, training events and club events do not.

Do I have to go alone?

In official classes, yes. At club events and in open classes you can go with a friend or a coach as a shadow for your first time.

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