Orienteering ACT has developed a COVID-19 safe arrangement to bring the sport back to the Territory this month.
Kicking off from 5 July were the competition’s sprint distance, mountain bike and mid-week series, while the Metro and Classic series were set to start from 12 July.
The organisation was forced to cancel its events from 9 April due to pandemic restrictions but has been connecting with members virtually.
Orienteers were encouraged to use the MapRun app during the lockdown period, which features a range of virtual maps and courses to keep up their fitness.
Orienteer Bob Mouatt has completed all but one course on the app, and said it was a great way to remain fit and engaged over past months.
“The MapRun courses are just an awesome way to train,” he said.
“They helped me stay physically, and most importantly mentally, fit during a crazy time.”
The sport is planning to return to a mostly normal format, with restrictions in place to reduce as much physical contact as possible.
One change will see electronic timing units operate in air-wave mode rather than via physical contact, and numbers across events will be monitored and controlled if necessary.
Regular competitors will also need to register for events beforehand, while there will only be limited options for newcomers to enter on the day.
Events will be broken up into groups, with later events not starting until earlier competitors have finished.
This weekend’s events will take place across Campbell Park and Aranda Bushlands on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information or to register for an event, visit act.orienteering.asn.au
