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Orienteering

Orienteering

Individual Sports

Orienteering, also known as "the thinking sport", combines running, map reading and strategic thinking. It builds nature awareness and math and geography skills through play. It is also ideal as a family sport.

Benefits
  • Map reading
  • Strategic thinking
  • Nature awareness
  • Cardiovascular fitness
  • Independent decision-making
Physical Development

Front

Back

Primary
Supporting
Inactive

Primary Muscles

LegsCoreCalves

Supporting Muscles

GlutesShoulders

Fitness Components

endurancespeedcoordinationfocus
Physical Demands
Coordination
Medium
Endurance
High
Strength
Low
Flexibility
Low
Height advantage: Doesn’t matter
Body type: Doesn’t matter
Development by Age
9

Up to age 9

Simple map, short course, with a parent

12

Up to age 12

Intermediate courses, navigating independently

15

Up to age 15

Long courses, national competitions

A Family Sports Background Helps
Orienteering: Map reading and knowledge of nature are passed on

Starting age

Ages 7+ (ideal: 9)

Competition age

Ages 12+

Weekly time

Beginner 1–2 hours
Intermediate 2–4 hours
Advanced 4–6 hours

Estimated monthly cost

TRY 600 – TRY 2,000

Equipment
Compass₺100–400
TrendyolHepsiburadaAmazon
Running shoes₺400–1,500
TrendyolHepsiburadaAmazon

Where to Buy

Specialist sports shops near youFederation-approved retailers
Federation

Türkiye Oryantiring Federasyonu

Visit website →

Is there a Orienteering club near me?

Find Facilities
individualnaturestrategymapfamily

Sports That Pair Well With It

It can also be done as a family or group activity.

🏃Olympic

Athletics — Running

Sprint, middle-distance and long-distance running events; they turn the most basic human movement into a sporting discipline.

Ages 6+2–3 hours
Individual Sports
🚵Olympic

Mountain Biking

Racing by bike over off-road and mountain trails, testing speed, balance and technical skill.

Ages 7+2–3 hours
Individual Sports

Orienteering Videos

Technique guides and training videos

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What Is Orienteering? How It Works and the Rules

The basics of orienteering, a sport done with a map and compass

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What Is Orienteering? — Running Chess

Orienteering: "running chess" that combines brains with physical strength

Is this sport right for your child?

Take the short quiz and get personalised suggestions.

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