orienteering

Orienteering is a competitive navigation sport in which individuals use a detailed map and a compass to move through unfamiliar terrain, visiting a series of control points in a prescribed order. Participants must choose routes and pacing that yield the fastest overall time, combining endurance, speed, and decision-making under pressure.

The sport originated in Sweden in the early 20th century and grew globally in the 1960s. The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) was founded in 1961, and the first World Orienteering Championships were held in 1966 in Fiskars, Finland. Since then, the sport has expanded across disciplines and formats, with regional and international events contributing to its development.

Disciplines include foot orienteering, mountain bike orienteering, ski orienteering, and trail orienteering. Courses range from sprint races in urban settings to long-distance forest events. Runners typically carry a map, a compass, and wear suitable footwear; electronic punching systems are commonly used to record visits to controls.

Competitions are organized by the IOF and national federations, with major events such as World Championships, European Championships, and World Cup series. The sport emphasizes safety, environmental respect, and fair play, and encourages skill development in navigation, planning, and adaptability across diverse terrains.