orientiiri

Orientiiri is a sport that involves navigation and running. Participants, known as orienteers, use a specialized map and a compass to find a series of control points marked on the terrain. The goal is to visit all the control points in the correct order in the shortest possible time. It is a physically demanding and mentally challenging activity that requires both athletic ability and navigational skills.

The sport originated in Scandinavia in the late 19th century, initially as a military training exercise. Over time, it evolved into a competitive sport for civilians. International competitions, including the World Orienteering Championships, are held annually. Orienteering can be practiced in various terrains, including forests, parks, and even urban environments, making it a versatile and accessible sport.

There are several different disciplines within orienteering, such as foot orienteering, ski orienteering, and mountain bike orienteering, each adapted to different environments and equipment. Foot orienteering is the most common form. Participants are typically given a map showing the control points and the terrain features. They must then plan their own route between each point, using their compass to maintain direction and their map-reading skills to navigate. The complexity of the terrain and the control point placement vary to test different aspects of a competitor's ability.