MAPRUN

MapRun is a virtual orienteering app with courses across the world you can take part in at any time using your phone. You download a course from the app, then navigate around following the map on screen or on a printout. There are no physical control flags to run to, but the app will beep/buzz each time you reach the correct location, through GPS tracking. After you’ve completed the course, your results will automatically upload to the MapRun website.

MapRun can also be used with Garmin smartwatches by downloading the app MapRunG. If you select the course on your phone before you go, you will only need a printed map and your Garmin to complete the course.

MapRun is an excellent tool to practice your orienteering skills outside of events at your own leisure. It has also been used by orienteering clubs for training and small local events, saving much time for the organisers without the need to put out and collect control flags to run an event. 

MAPRUN COURSES

There are a selection of MapRun courses we have created on our website with  further details and a downloadable map you can print to take with you. There are a few various types of courses you can choose from including:

• Linear Courses – Plan your route following the controls in sequence from start to finish. These will typically have a choice of routes between controls. There is no time limit, but you must visit all the controls including the start and finish to record a result.
• Timed Run Route – Simpler linear courses, without any route choice, good for people new to orienteering or looking for a faster straightforward course.
• Scatter Course – No set sequence of controls or time limit but you have to visit all of the controls to obtain a result.
• Score Course – Set time limit where you gain points for each control you visit. If you go over the time limit, you will accumulate penalty points. You also don’t have to be out for the full time allocation or visit all the controls to obtain a result, as long as you return to the start/finish control.

HOW IT WORKS

Before you head out, find the course you want to do on our website and print out a copy of the map. Then install the MapRun6 app on to your phone from the app store.  We would recommend downloading the course on the app before you go, by going to "Select Event", then choosing, UK, Suffolk, the region and the course. 

Once you've arrived, head near to the start location. Open the MapRun app and select “Go to Start”. The app will then load the map, showing pink control circles and also your location. When you are ready, move to the start location. Your phone will then bleep, the control symbol turns green and you’re away! After that it’s just a matter of planning your route from control to control, until you’ve visited them all, including the finish. Note if you’re in the correct location but don’t hear a bleep, check your phone and walk around the area a little, as GPS accuracy can vary depending on the number of accessible satellites.

Once you’ve finished, the app will stop the time and show you your results along with other peoples times. If your results show you have mispunched but your route shows you’ve been in roughly the right place, it’s possible to get the control included. Contact Sarah Mansel, our MapRun coordinator, for any queries at maprun@suffoc.co.uk. 

MAPRUN QUICK GUIDES

Here are a few other useful guides from MapRun and British Orienteering:

MapRun Quick Guide

British Orienteering MapRun Pictorial Guide

SAFETY REMINDERS

Finally here are a few safety reminders when you are out on your run:

• Use only public roads, paths and open spaces.
• Be aware of residents, walkers and cyclists.
• Be aware of traffic in urban areas and take care of road crossings.
• Anyone under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult in urban areas because of the traffic risk.
• Follow instructions for out-of-bound areas, paths and compulsory road/rail crossings. The situation you face on the ground may differ from when the course was planned.
• You’re responsible for your own safety. You take part at your own risk. British Orienteering insurance only covers organised events, not individuals taking part in these courses.
• Let someone know when you’re going, particularly for courses which visit more isolated/off-road locations. Consider using an app like what3words so you can give your precise location in case of an accident
• Follow the British Orienteering Code of Conduct at all times.