Big 5 O-Week Update

The Big 5 Orienteering Week, scheduled from 4 - 8 January 2012 around the towns of Belfast, Dullstroom, Sabie and Nelspruit in Mpumlanaga, has drawn an international field of competitors. Entries closed this last weekend with a total of 163 participants, of which 96 are foreigners from 11 different countries. Competitors will be travelling from Brazil, Britain, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Belgium and others, many taking the 5 days of competition as part of a larger South African holiday experience. The racing highlight will undoubtedly be the attendance of former 2010 World Champion, Olav Lundanes from Norway, who will be the firm favourite when he takes on South Africa's best in the Men's Elite category. The two elite categories have attracted 7 men and 3 women who featured on the International Orienteering Federation's world ranking list. The two largest age groupings will be the Men's Elite category and Men 50-59 age group, both of which have attracted in excess of 25 competitors.

Although entries are now closed for Age group and Elite categories, entries will still be taken on each of the five days of competition for two Open courses.