What is orienteering?

Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. Its official beginning dates back to a competition organized in 1897 in Norway by a sports club. The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes–both on and off trail–that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.

Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. These maps show boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails.

Orienteering is that can be practiced by people of all ages and physical conditions. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of running through the woods at top speed, while the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Most events provide courses for all levels–from beginner to advanced–and the sport has been adapted for small children and people in wheelchairs.

What is LAT’s role in orienteering?

One of LAT’s principal projects is organizing and participating in orienteering competitions and training young orienteerists. We conduct and participate in local and regional competitions, including the yearly Buryatia Cup of Sports Orienteering and the “Race of the Strongest” regional competition.

Many of our alum have gone on to win prestigious prizes in orienteering, including at the Buryatia-wide, regional, and even national levels. We believe that orienteering is an especially interesting and useful sport in that it encourages both physical and mental development as well as increasing an appreciation for nature.