Urban Event Guide

Urban Orienteering: The MetrO Series

These summer events are held on weekends from November to February, in parks and quiet streets around the Perth metropolitan area. There is an event in a different suburb each week, and sure to be one near you! Anyone who can read a street map can understand an urban orienteering map, and the events are very popular with newcomers and family groups as well as hardened orienteers.

Courses range in length from 3-8 km. Participants receive a map marked with up to 30 controls (checkpoints) and can choose their own route, visiting a required number of controls, in any order.

There is a beginner briefing before each event and event organisers are available to help you get started.

Each is a stand-alone event, but points based on placings are accumulated towards a series score for standard events. Your best 7 scores from 12 events for the 2020-21 season contribute to your overall series score, and awards will be presented at the last event.

At the event:

• Pre-enter and check the directions to the event on the website in Eventor
• Arrive between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm for Saturday afternoon events
• Fill out a registration card, if not already registered, and take it to the registration table, where you will receive your SI card (if you don't have one) to record visits to controls
• Go to the briefing for newcomers 20 minutes prior to the event start
• You will be shown the map and an example of a control marker, and given some hints to get you started
• Wait for the start announcement usually 4:55 pm (for 5pm start)
• Enjoy your walk or run!
• Try to be back at the finish by the time limit (when winners are announced and spot prizes are drawn)
• Make sure you report to the finish, even if you did not complete the course, so we know you are safe.

A few rules to remember:

•  obey all road rules and take care crossing roads
•  respect private property and stay out of areas mapped as out of bounds (see the map below)
•  stay on tracks in bushland areas if requested to do so
•  don't interfere with other sporting events (eg don't run across cricket ovals during a game!)

What's an urban orienteering map look like?

Here is an example map and course you might receive at an event. The control points are marked with purple circles, and there is a legend to help you decode the rest of the symbols. Try planning the route you would take for one of the courses.

For more information:

See the friendly event organiser at your next MetrO Series event or email OWA