April MapRun Challenge
Join us throughout April for our MapRun Challenge.
A bit of orienteering fun for everyone, perfect for runners, walkers, young and old(er), families or individuals, just get out and have some fun, try something new or refresh your orienteering skills! We’d love to see what you get up to, so…
- Download the MapRun6 app.
- Select one of our weekly highlighted maps (if they are within your 5km) or pick another map near you and run / walk one of the courses available.
- Take a picture on your course and post your photo to our social media channels using the hashtags #maprunIRL and #maprunchallenge or send it to maprun@orienteering.ie.
Each week one of your photos will be selected to win a €50 Great Outdoors voucher.
For more information and instructions go to DIY Orienteering and for a quick how to video check the instagram link here.
Week 1
- Dublin: St. Annes Park (6 courses)
- Clare: Tulla (2 courses)
- Waterford: Tramore Town (4 courses)
- Cork: Blackrock and Beaumount Park (3 courses)
- Laois: Portlaoise Peoples Park (3 courses)
Get out Get orienteering!
Whilst we are all practicing social distancing, there is no need to let this stop you orienteering or even getting you started with a new family friendly sport! After all, we also need to maintain our mental and physical health in these difficult times.
Permanent Orienteering courses
Permanent Orienteering courses (POC) can be used by anyone from beginners to the more advanced orienteer. Many of the locations have a range of courses, whilst they may be fairly simple for the more experienced orienteer, they are definitely more interesting than a plain old run, walk or jog!
There are numerous permanent orienteering courses around Ireland. These courses consist of permanent markers, which are placed around a mapped area. The markers are heavy wooden stakes with an orienteering logo and often a code on the post too, this identifies the post you have found. Sometimes the plaque can be found on park furniture or trees too.
Details of where you can access maps are found in the information attached to each location. A list of permanent orienteering courses around Ireland can be found here. Many of the locations offer free map download, a few locations charge a small fee.
Cork Orienteering Club have a great beginners guide which will help you use the courses.
Challenge a friend
Why not suggest a friend do the same course as you and compare your routes or speed afterwards on social media or a call or video chat. You won’t meet up, but you’ll have similar experiences to share.
Experienced orienteers can use the permanent courses/maps to challenge a friend. Draw your own course on an existing map, email it to a friend and see how they get on. Share your experiences on Social media or a running app like Strava, create your own challenges each week. Unfortunately the social distancing could go on for some time 😒
Mobile friendly orienteering
A new twist on the permanent course, ‘Sporteering’ has been launched in the South East by Waterford Orienteering Club.
The aim of Sporteering is to navigate around a series of controls and collect points as you reach each one. There are no physical markers on the ground. If you are within 15 metres of the feature, the app will indicate this. The Sporteering app will allow you to find events of locations where you can challenge yourself and others. Download the app from the Google Playstore or Apple app store and sign in to register interest.
- Find an event near you (Apply events filter Ireland to reduce list. This is the symbol that resembles a funnel. Check the remember settings icon) e.g. Clonmel
- Use Google maps on phone (awkward) or email development@orienteering.ie for a copy of relevant course map for you to print at home.
- Scan the start point to start the clock
- Scan the controls to collect points as you find them. (Sporteering uses GPS on your phone so remember to switch Location on)
- Scan the Finish code to stop the clock
- Upload score to website to compare with others (if you wish)
There are currently courses in Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas, Waterford peoples park, Kilbarry amenity park. Coming soon… Carrick, Callan and Fethard .
There are also courses in Carlow at Duckett’s Grove and Carlow Town Park. Email watosecretary18@gmail.com for maps or queries.
If you find any permanent course with markers missing please send a message to development@orienteering.ie or via twitter @poc2017 .
Above all get outside and enjoy the Springtime, WASH YOUR HANDS, give others space and be considerate 😊.
If you’ve had some inspiration for orienteering activities whilst our scheduled events have been on hold, please share it with us. Tag IOA on social media; Facebook, Instagram and twitter, or email Debbie at comms@orienteering.ie.
The Irish Orienteering Association are always interested in suggestions for new areas that could be mapped for orienteering both for permanent courses and competitive events. If you have any suggestions please get in contact at development@orienteering.ie.
This weeks events- updated
Dear Orienteer,
In light of the Taoiseach’s announcement earlier today and the request that as a nation we reduce social interactions, we are cancelling orienteering events and organised training activities for the next two weeks up to and including the 29th March.
We will monitor developments over this period and review the situation during the week commencing 23rd March 2020 to determine how best to proceed.
We acknowledge that orienteering events would be considered low risk events being out of doors and usually involving less than 150 people. It is with regret that we take this step but in the best interests of the health and safety of all and in solidarity with the common good we are cancelling all orienteering and organised training events up to and including 29th March.
Many thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Kind regards,in
Mary O’Connell.Chairperson IOA Executive Committee.
Well let’s hope there will be no storms to hamper our events this weekend! The weather is looking to be unsettled, but don’t let that hold you back, dress for the weather, bring a flask and a change of clothes; get outside and get active!
There are four come and try it events this weekend. Bishopstown Orienteers begin on Saturday with their weekly family friendly coursesat Murphy’s farm followed by Sunday at Deerpark Wood.
There are two further events on Sunday, one at Strandhill, Sligo (fourth time lucky it’s been hit by every storm coming). Also on Sunday there’s orienteering for all with Three Rock Orienteers in Griffeen Park, Dublin. The Sport Maze will also be in action for a warm up and a bit of (competitive) fun! All the details can be found below and on club social media pages and websites.
If you have returned from an area of known corona virus in the past 14 days or have been in contact with a known case, please do not attend events. It is essential that we work together as individuals, clubs, teams and a country to combat the spread.
If you are out and about orienteering or racing or Park running this weekend please share your memories on social media and tag the IOA or host club. Wear your O top or jacket. Every share spreads the message about our wonderful sport! #LoveO #orienteeringIre #orienteering
FB :@Irish.orienteering Twitter: @orienteering.IRE Instagram: OrienteeringIreland or tag the hosting club page, thank you.
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Sun 15 Mar, Griffeen Valley Park
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Sun 23 Feb, Strandhill
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All the Sundays events cater for all, whether you are a complete novice, a family, or a seasoned veteran. From Park runners (or walkers) to families, beginners, improvers and experienced orienteers; events have a variety of courses for your enjoyment.
Please ask at registration if you are ensure which to choose and don’t be fooled by the lengths of course offered, they are measured in straight lines and distance covered is often quite a bit longer, especially for the novice.
FB :@Irish.orienteering Twitter: @orienteering.IRE Instagram: OrienteeringIreland