Armidale is going to host the next Australian Orienteering Championships at the end of September and beginning of October in 2024! Armidale is situated on The Granite Belt of the Great Dividing Range, and has played host to many regional and state orienteering events. This year it will offer a new area with captivating granite features and fast, runner-friendly terrain and foliage!
The whole festival will last from Saturday, 28th September to Sunday, 6th October and there is plenty of tourist and cultural activities to experience between races.
The races in the AOC include the Australian Sprint, Long, Middle, & Relay Championships and the Australian Schools Sprint, Long, & Relay Championships.
Also included in the program of races is the Thunderbolt Series which is made up of Sprint, Middle and Long Distance events over 3 days which is separate but complementary to the Australian Championship.
The Thunderbolt Series provides some extra racing while being a little less exacting – starting times are not scheduled, categories are not divided by age. The races do however offer differing levels of difficulty to suit wherever orienteers feel they’re at, with divisions from A (Hard course, most competitive) through G (Very Easy course, less hell-bent!). It’s a great event to race with family members in a less competitive environment while still enjoying the challenges of the course and the joys of the scenery.
Moira Whiteside Bequest
This carnival is supported by a grant of $15,000 from the Moira Whiteside Bequest through Orienteering Australia. Orienteering is the beneficiary of a magnificent bequest by Moira Whiteside of Garingal Orienteers in NSW.