What clothing should I wear?
Long trousers and sleeves are recommended because of brambles/branches etc. Training, Running shoes or special orienteering shoes can be worn (even walking boots). Wear less layers than when walking as you soon get hot. Seasoned orienteers have special thin trousers and tops and wear shin/leg protectors.
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What equipment should I carry?
It is recommnended that you carry a whistle, a compass, and some other equipment may be a good idea: pen, plastic bag, water bottle, but sometimes bags are provided. Pockets or a small bag can be used to carry things in, but at most events car keys can be given in at the start so there's no need to even carry those. Run with as little as possible.
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Can I bring my children?
Yes, children are welcome at all events. They can take part in a special string course just for them, they can accompany you on a shorter, easier course whilst another parent runs their own level course (and perhaps the parents can then swap over).
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How long do events last?
These vary entirely. At every event you can enter a various number of courses that match your ability/desire/fitness etc. So the shorter runs usually take 30-60 minutes and longer ones 45-75+ minutes. This depends, of course, on whether you get lost or not!
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Are maps provided?
Yes, some clubs ask you to book them in advance (especially the Mt bike trailquest events) but normally you will be supplied with a map, control card and control description paper to help orientate your way round the course.
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What is a control card?
This is the paper/card where the answers are put. If it is a small local event you will still need/use a control card and punch/write the answers in the correct numbered box, but these days an electronic dibber is used at large club events. For these you will need to pay an extra hire fee and return it. These are carried on your hand and entered into a box until it beeps and then removed. It records the time you visited the box/control.
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What is meant by a punch?
These are the orange V shaped plastic clippers that you take hold of and punch a hole in your control card by placing card in between the 2 ends which have nails on, which then make a holey pattern on your card. These are very rarely used these days because the electronic dibbers are now used at large events.
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Do the controls need to be visited in order?
Yes, they are meant to be. You officially would be disqualified if any were punched/recorded out of order.
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What terrain does Orienteering take place on?
It varies, mostly woodland combined with moorland. They can be country parks. Most permanent courses are in public and or country parks. Events are now run in urban areas and street orienteering does take place.
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Can anyone run in an event? What age can run?
YES anyone can join an event. Children can do string courses or run with an adult/older sibling and 80+ year olds can walk/run/limp round a course at their own pace. It is an individual sport. Do what you can. All events are age-related though. You run in a set age catogory and are compared against others in your sex/age group. There are courses for wheelchair users at some events. Some permanent courses are designed Trail-O courses for wheelchair and disabled participants. There is one of these at Batts Field, Richmond, Guisborough Walkway and many other parks.
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Where can I go to get more information?
www.clok.org.uk (Cleveland), www.eborienteers.org.uk (York), www.claro-orienteering.org (Harrogate) are all local clubs to us.
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Are there some places I can try orienteering in my local area?
Yes, there are many local permanent courses established in public parks in Darlington, Middlesborough, Stockton. Hamsterley Forest has a permanent course, so does Guisborough Forest Walkway, Saltburn Woods, Cod Beck Reservoir, Osmotherley, Hambleton Leisure centre in Northallerton, Round Howe in Richmond and there are likely to be more developing in the Richmondshire area in the coming years with new grants available to help fund courses. Ask at the visitors' centre for your maps or contact the sports Development Officers in the borough.
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Is any risk assessment information available?
This example risk assessment shows the kind of information available for specific events.
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Orienteering 
