Map and compass fans appear poised to crowd out the GPS crowd this weekend at the Canmore Nordic Centre for the Fifth Barebones Orienteering competition (May 26-27).
“Essentially, it’s a running race, but you have checkpoints to find along the way. You’re physically running as fast as you can, but you also use your brain,” said Charlotte MacNaughton, one of the race organizers. “Mostly you read the map and use the compass to know where north is.”
There will be three races this weekend: the first is a long-distance course around the Canmore Nordic Centre that should take about 90 minutes to complete; the second is a middle distance race at the base of Yamnuska (Mount Laurie), considered one of the best orienteering spots in the country and there will be a 20-minute short race from the Nordic Centre to Lion’s Park. All can participate in the event, which attracts everyone from eight to 80 years old.
MacNaughton said about 120 participants are expected to take part, as the Barebones race always has a great turnout for the combination of brains and speed. For elite level competitors, the event will serve as a qualifier for the Canadian National Team which will compete at the world championships in Switzerland, but all levels are welcome to participate.
“Generally, we have courses for all levels. People just come and do it,” MacNaughton said. “We’ll have a clinic Friday evening for beginners. We have the maps and compasses, so just bring your shoes.”
Canadian junior team coach Brent Langbakk will lead the technical training seminar at Rafter Six at 4 p.m., and the intro training clinic takes place at 7 p.m. at the Nordic Centre.
The first race will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday (May 26) while the Yamnuska races go on Sunday (May 27).
Orienteering has about 10,000 participants across the country and the sport is slowly growing. In Europe, the sport is much larger, as larger competitions draw 20,000 participants. The Bow Valley has long been an orienteering hub, MacNaughton said, with events occurring in the area for the last 40 years.
