Saturday Orienteering Series

The Saturday Orienteering Series is open to everyone!

• No experience is necessary.
• It’s ideal for anyone wishing to get some exercise and immerse themselves in a mini adventure.
• Both beginners and experienced orienteers are very welcome.
• Orienteering is a great way to develop critical thinking and decision making. It’s a body and brain workout.
• Students, mums, dads, uncles, aunts, friends, grandparents: all ages can run or walk and enjoy the SOS.

Events are conducted for six weeks, every school term.
Our northern Sydney series runs in all four school terms.
During term 1, we conduct an annual Macarthur series which is centred on Camden.
In terms 2 and 3 we also run a series centred in The Hills District.

All events are in well bounded areas and we do our best to avoid roads.
They are ideal events for all ages and experience levels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newcomers are encouraged to come along and try out the sport.
All events are suitable for beginners with complimentary instruction to get newcomers started.

Many athletes make the SOS either their summer or winter sport and attend every week.
Discounts are available for term registrations.
Particpants are however welcome to attend casually and only enter the events that fit in with the family schedule.
Whilst some schools include the series as part of their Saturday morning sport offering, students are also welcome to attend independently of their school.

All events are on Saturday mornings in school grounds, parks and reserves around Sydney. The series is only conducted during school term time.

Generally, 3 different courses are available to choose between. These are:

Score Course: For this course participants need to plan, navigate, run (or walk) and manage their time. There are 20 controls to find within a set time limit (usually 45 minutes). The controls are worth a variety of points, so there is strategy involved in deciding on the best return for time and energy before setting off. Anyone taking longer than the time limit starts losing points. On this course, the focus is on the personal challenge, making friends and learning some skills. Everyone ‘wins’ by finding at least a few controls, learning new skills and having a go. Entrants are welcome to head out on their own or team up for the course.

Short Line Course: On this course, the challenge is to find all the controls marked on the map in a set order. The course will be around 3 to 3.5km. The navigation is not too difficult for newcomers, however the finer challenges of optimising route choice and the need for speed and accuracy keeps the experienced orienteers on their toes. Orienteers are encouraged to tackle the challenge on their own but if they want to head out with friends or family then that is okay too.

Long Line Course: This course is similar to the Short Line Course but will generally be 4 to 5km long. Electronic (SportIdent) timing is used for all courses and participants. Timing cards can be purchased or hired at each event.

 

Registration is from 9am and starts are any time between 9.30am and 11am.
Courses close at 12pm – this means that you need to check back into the finish by midday.

 

 

Come along ready for a run or walk.
Enclosed shoes are a must as you may encounter rough surfaces. Good grip will also be helpful.
Compasses may help with harder courses but are not essential. Novices wont need one.
All timing is electronic and a timing card will be required. These can be hired at the event.
We have timing (SPORTident) cards as well as compasses for sale at events should you wish to purchase your own.

 

 

Entry is at the event.
If you are bringing along a group of more than 5 we ask that you please let us know in advance so that we can be sure to look after you.
The best contact is Barbara – email on barbara@boldhorizons.com.au
or call on 0418 270 476.

If you have your own SPORTIdent timing card then entry is $10 for orienteering club members that are primary or high school students and $12 for adult members.
For non-members or anyone hiring a timing card the entry fee is $15. Cash or cards are accepted at events.

Passes can also be purchased online at discounted rates.

 

Urban maps with distinct boundaries are used.
Courses are set with various experience levels in mind.
All runners check in and out.
Live GPS trackers are available.
Parents are very welcome to accompany or “shadow” their children on courses.
Group entries are welcome too.

 

 

Recent results can be found on our event results page.

Results for the 127 SOS events as well as Bandaged Bear Boost’s prior to 2020 can be found on Orienteering NSW’s Eventor listing.

 

 

Barbara Hill Bold Horizons Mobile: 0418 270 476 Email: barbara@boldhorizons.com.au