'Selfie' orienteering

[nooomember]

As reported in 'Focus', British Orienteering is supporting 'Selfie' orienteering for groups (and presumably with finance too) - Is this really something they should be doing?

[RJ]

A brilliant idea!!!!! Along with the MOBO idea featured in CompassSport (October 15) issue. Anything that engages the general public (not least the younger demographic) is well worth the effort. Keep your eye on both and lets see if there is 'growth' potential.

[frog]

It's not pushing orienteering as a running sport though is it, more orienteering as treasure hunt. There's engaging the general public and there is engaging those members of the general public who enjoy orienteering and actually get that it's a race.

[Nottinghamshire outlaw]

Why not selfie orienteering if it motivates people to start orienteering. Just because they're not 'racing' to start with doesn't mean they might not get hooked! I started in walking boots, discovered a great sport, bought some trainers, did some training and 30 years later I'm still involved and enjoying it

[roadrunner]

Why not selfie orienteering if it motivates people to start orienteering. Just because they're not 'racing' to start with doesn't mean they might not get hooked! I started in walking boots, discovered a great sport, bought some trainers, did some training and 30 years later I'm still involved and enjoying it

I agree - I too got into orienteering from hill-walking; and don't forget that parkrun gets people into running, and (as they're at pains to point out) that isn't a race either, indeed some people just walk round.

[SeanC]

I haven't read the article, but can't you run, then stop and take a selfie?

Selfie orienteering might be something worth trying for midweek informal events held on streets or footpaths. For the organiser it saves hanging controls or making a clue sheet. Then in the pub afterwards the selfie pictures could be checked (or maybe just some checked?). Doesn't have to be a selfie I guess, just a pic of something.

Because this makes organising these simple events easier, it might help make orienteers better runners. Simple street events and footpaths are at a much faster pace than forest O.

[charles2]

Hmm, not sure I would want to run round with a camera (or phone), but I guess others do.