Orienteering can be basically described as a cross-country race where the competitor has to follow a set route marked on the map. The competitor has to visit certain marked check-points, or “controls”, in the correct order to reach the finish. The one who crosses the line first in the shortest time is the winner.
The route (”course”) varies depending on the age and gender of the competitor so that it suits the skills and strength of the individual. It is also up to the competitor what level of competition they wish to compete at: whether they want to aim to be the best elite runner in Britain or whether they want a little exercise and fresh air on a Sunday afternoon.
Events can have between 10 competitors (for local events) and 10,000 competitors (for the major international multi-day competitions).