Metro Series Tips

How to enjoy a MetrO Series event

These summer events are held on weekends from November to February, in parks and quiet streets around the Perth metropolitan area. There is an event in a different suburb each week, and sure to be one near you! Anyone who can read a street map can understand an urban orienteering map, and the events are very popular with newcomers and family groups as well as hardened orienteers.

Courses range in length from 3-8 km. Participants receive a map marked with up to 30 controls (checkpoints) and can choose their own route, visiting a required number of controls, in any order. Each is a stand-alone event, but points based on placings are accumulated towards a series score.

There is a beginner briefing before each event and event organisers are available to help you get started.

At the event:

• Enter and check the directions to the event on the website in Eventor
• If you need help to enter you can enter between 4:00 pm and 4:40 pm on Saturday at the event site. Just turn up at the event and talk to one of our helpful volunteers. Don't leave it to the last minute to arrive as entries close at 4.40 pm.
• If you have entered on Eventor, arrive by 4.30 pm, collect your timing chip from our helpful volunteers and join in the newcomer briefing at 4.40 pm.
• During the newcomers briefing you will be shown the map and an example of a control marker, and given some hints to get you started
• Wait for the start announcement usually 4:55 pm (for 5pm start)
• Enjoy your walk or run!
• Try to be back at the finish by the time limit (when winners are announced and spot prizes are drawn)
• Make sure you report to the finish, even if you did not complete the course, so we know you are safe.

A few rules to remember:

•  obey all road rules and take care crossing roads
•  respect private property and stay out of areas mapped as out of bounds (see the map below)
•  stay on tracks in bushland areas if requested to do so
•  don't interfere with other sporting events (eg don't run across cricket ovals during a game!)

What's an urban orienteering map look like?

Here is an example map and course you might receive at an event. The control points are marked with purple circles, and there is a legend to help you decode the rest of the symbols. Try planning the route you would take for one of the courses.

For more information: See the friendly event organiser at your next MetrO Series event or email OWA