Orienteering is competitive or non-competitive recreational hiking or running activity in which participants use a map and compass (compass is not compulsory!) to navigate between checkpoints along an unfamiliar route. This is NOT a marked trail run, and competitors use their map to navigate their own way between various checkpoints on route. For more information about orienteering, visit www.roc.org.za 

This event is the annual "Long-O Champs" (or Long Distance Orienteering Champs) forming part of the 2026 Gauteng Orienteering events calendar. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join and learn more about orienteering on the day! There are 7 courses are on offer, with different distances and ranging in technical and physical difficulty. Course distances are currently estimated and may change slightly. Exact course details will be included in the final info email sent to pre-entered competitors on Friday 5th June.  

Each course ranges from a short a easy kids 2km (yellow course) to the most technical and physically demanding 13.5km (Brown course). 

If you are entering as a group (2, 3 or 4 people), use the Merchandise option before checkout to add additional group members at R50 per person extra.  

The courses are: 

Brown Course (approx. 13.5kms) for experienced orienteers and fit runners, with technical navigation.

Blue Course (approx. 10.5kms) is slightly shorter than Brown, and is also for experienced orienteers and fit runners, with technical navigation.

Red Course (approx. 8kms) is designed specifically for trail runners, with easy navigation is easy and the entire route is on trails and paths.

Green Course (approx. 7.5kms) is for less experienced orienteers looking for a challenge, with moderate navigation skills required.

Light Green Course (approx. 4.8kms) is for novice orienteers looking for a challenge, with moderate navigation skills required. This is a great course for family groups looking to do a slightly longer course than Orange. 

Orange Course (approx. 3.4kms) is easy and fun, and is aimed as a simple introduction to orienteering for novice orienteers and teenaged kids.

Yellow Course (approx. 2kms) is short and very easy, aimed at smaller kids looking for an introduction to orienteering. This is the ONLY course that can be entered on the day if you do not want to pre-enter. 

Additional notes: 

1. Course distances are currently estimates. Exact course details to follow in the final details which will be sent to all competitors on Friday 5th June.

2. Grootfontein Bike Park South-West of Tshwane is relatively flat but with an eastern facing slope in the NE with many tracks and paths, dams and some interesting rocky features.

3. Portable toilets will be available close to the parking/start/finish area.

4. Note that the bike park is officially closed and refreshments are no longer available. Please bring your own post-race refreshments. 

There will be water points on the course, but we still encourage you to carry your own water.