Yes, you will have at least 2-3 hours to complete the course (depending on the type of event). But every day the course closing time will be announced. Put on your watch, leave the course, and return to the finish line before the closing time. Unfortunately, you will be recorded as a DNF. This is a safety rule and it is not flexible unless there is a prior agreement with the controller.
Event details
Because we are all volunteers, orienteering courses are often designed weeks or months before the event, with people attending in their spare time. The final details are posted on the website when the event is fully planned and checked by the dispatcher in the week(s) leading up to the event. Orienteering differs from rogaining in that we often have several levels of difficulty at each event, which means you can find an event that suits you. All of this takes a little bit of time, as along with planning the course, there is liaising with landowners, providing basic facilities and ensuring that all participants have a good time while exploring.
Safety
Major accidents at orienteering events are very rare. A short safety notice with tips will be printed out at each event. Please take a few minutes to read it.
Use the whistle only in an emergency, the distress signal is six sounds at 10 second intervals, followed by a one minute pause before repeating the pattern.
If you hear whistling or come across someone who has been injured, you must investigate/ provide assistance. Please report any incidents to the event organizers.
Stay calm if you are completely lost
If you get lost, try to retrace your steps to a recognizable place on the map. Never wander aimlessly without a plan because you may leave a potential search area. Listen and wait for another guide. Find a checkpoint, or a main path, or a landmark, and then sit down and wait for the searchers. They will check these areas first.
If I don’t want to finish, what should I do?
You can refuse for any reason (injury, feeling unwell, having a bad time, hungry, too long away), but you must check in at the finish line – otherwise we will think you are lost and start a search and rescue mission. Try to contact the dispatcher if you are running outside the finish line (if there is coverage), otherwise return directly to the finish line if possible.
Your result will be recorded as DNF “Did not finish”. There are always a few people in orienteering events who don’t finish, and it’s not due to shame or failure. All of this happens to us sometimes at various orienteering competitions!