Events:
11° North Orienteering Championships
Reported by Juan Nowan, Writer for Team Dirt on January 08, 2026
The 11° North Orienteering Championships was built around a simple idea: navigation matters. In recent years, many races have leaned heavily toward speed, fitness, or familiarity with terrain. At 11° North, we want to slow things down just enough to reward teams who can think clearly while moving fast—teams who can read a map under pressure, make good decisions when tired, and work together when the terrain roughens up.
Everyone Starts Equal
There are no pre-declared elite entries at 11° North.
Every team—whether experienced or new—starts from the same line, with the same map, under the same conditions. From there, it’s execution that decides where you end up.
The race format is intentionally designed to let performance speak for itself. If you belong in the Elite field, the course will make that clear. If you’re still building experience, the race will meet you where you are—without cutting corners on fairness or challenge.
Why Tandem Teams Only
This year, all teams are two-person teams. No solo entries.
Orienteering, at its core, is about decision-making under uncertainty. Doing that well requires communication, trust, and shared responsibility. Tandem teams force that dynamic to the surface.
You don’t just navigate for yourself—you navigate for each other.
Teams may be men’s, women’s, or mixed, but the rule is the same: you move together, you decide together, and you finish together.
Navigation Comes First
At 11° North, navigation is not merely a discipline—it is the whole point of the race.
Only the official race map may be used. GPS navigation and digital maps are not allowed. Compass work, terrain reading, and smart route choices are essential.
Safety, Respect, and Responsibility
This race takes place in real terrain, with real consequences.
Teams are expected to:
- Look after each other
- Respect race marshals and local communities
- Leave the course as they found it
Cut-off times are enforced. Safety calls by officials are final. These rules exist not to limit competition, but to make sure the race remains fair—and that everyone gets home.
Racing With Purpose
11° North is not about proving who is the fastest on Strava, or who has raced the most events.
It’s about:
- Reading the map when your legs are tired
- Trusting your teammate when you’re unsure
- Making decisions you can stand by at the finish line
If that kind of racing excites you, you’re in the right place.What follows are the official game rules governing the 11° North Orienteering Championships.
11° North Orienteering Championships – Official Race Rules
1. Team Composition
- All teams must consist of two (2) members.
- No solo entries are allowed.
- Teams may be:
- All Men’s
- All Women’s
- Mixed Gender
- Team members must stay together at all times during the race.
2. Race Format
- The event is composed of two consecutive race segments.
- All teams begin the race together en masse.
- Course assignments are final once announced by race officials.
3. Navigation Rules
- Only the official event map(s) provided by the organizers may be used.
- No GPS navigation, mobile map applications, or digital mapping devices are allowed.
- Watches with navigation or mapping functions are prohibited. Watches with AR Mode are allowed as long as rules regarding unlocking of AR Mode is followed.
- Compass use is allowed.
- Teams must navigate on foot at all times.
4. Mandatory Equipment
Each team must carry the following equipment throughout the race
- Official race map
- Compass (at least one per team)
- Whistle (one per person)
- Mobile phone (for emergency use only / online tracking)
- Basic first aid kit
- Race bib (must be visible at all times)
5. Timing & Scoring
- Official time is recorded at designated timing points.
- Teams must correctly visit all required control points.
- Missing or incorrect control points may result in:
- Time penalties, or
- Disqualification, depending on severity.
- Final rankings are based on:
- Completion of correct controls
- Points gathered from controls
- Fastest valid overall time
6. Safety & Race Authority
- Race officials and marshals have full authority over safety decisions.
- Teams may be stopped or withdrawn due to:
- Injury or medical concern
- Unsafe conditions
- Weather or environmental risks
- All safety-related decisions by race officials are final.
7. Sportsmanship & Conduct
- Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated.
- Intentional obstruction of other teams is prohibited.
- Map sharing, course tampering, or cheating results in immediate disqualification.
- The race follows a strict Leave No Trace policy.
8. Protests
- Protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of finishing.
- All protest decisions made by the race jury are final.
9. Registration
Registrations are now open! Early bird rate is set at P3000 from now until February 1, 2026
Regular rate is at P3800 until registration closes on March 10, 2026