No solid contour line – no marking strips in the terrain.
Marking strips in the terrain
Indistinct trails are marked with white strips. Prohibited areas with a solid contour line on the map are marked with blue and yellow marking strips in the terrain.
Fluid
Water will be provided on the way top start, out in the competition area and in close vicinity to the finish. Fluid stations passed by the elite classes at control points have sports drink. Fluid stations in the competition area are marked with a violet cup symbol. Please put used cups in the available rubbish bags or put them upside down on the posts intended for that purpose. Those who bring their own energy must throw any empty containers in the rubbish bags at the fluid stations or bring int to the finish. It is, in accordance with the right to public access, strictly prohibited to throw rubbish in the forest.
Start
There are eight separate starts. The competitor is responsible for going to the right start place. Information about the correct start place and the distance there is available in the section Start and class information in this memo as well as on the number tag of the competitor.
A very large number of competitors share parts of the same way to start. For easy access we ask those who walks to start to stay on the right side and let the runners pass on the left side.
VERIFICATION STATION ON THE WAY TO START
All competitors must pass the verification station on the way to start. The verification station is located at the outer edge of the arena (see arena map for each stage). The purpose of the verification station is to make sure that the competitor and punching card is properly linked.
- At the verification station competitors are responsible for emptying and checking their punching card.
- After this the competitor verifies that the right punching card is used by reading the card with the proper unit and checking that the information on the display is correct. If the information is incorrect the runner is referred to Red start at the verification station where the punching card is linked to the competitor.
- At the verification station it is also verified that the competitor is wearing a number tag (mandatory) and proper clothing (see Clothing and shoes).
At the start the competitor is responsible for taking the correct map. This is done by checking that the correct class code is printed on the front of the map. For classes where the map is not shown before the start signal the map container has a lid with an open corner allowing the competitor to easily check the class code before start.
Maps are received in the starting moment for the classes DH 17–20 Kort, DH21-DH75 Kort, DH18-DH95 and DH18E-DH21E. For classes with open start, you can punch the map at any time after taking it. In other classes the map is received one minute before start. In classes with chasing start at stage 5 the map is always received at the starting moment.
The organizers do not provide any transport of extra clothing back from start.
Start methods
Four different start methods are used in O-Ringen competitions – assigned start, open minute start, open start, and chasing start.
Assigned start
Assigned start is used in Elite tour, main classes, and the short classes DH14-20 in 5-days stage 1–4, and for DH10, DH11, DH12 and DH12 Kort also in 5-days stage 5. Assigned start means that the competitor is assigned a start time. The current start list can be found at resultat.oringen.se. The start time shown in the start list is the “step forward” time for the competitor.
Late start is allowed to 30 minutes after assigned start time and should be made at the sign “Sen start” (late start). Running time is always counted from the assigned start time.
Open minute start
For DH21 Kort and up to and including DH75 Kort in 5-days stage 1–4. Open minute start means that the competitor, on arrival at start, gets to choose an available start time by taking a sticker and putting it on their number tag. The time chosen is the “step forward” time for the competitor. The start intervals within a given class is normally one minute. When needed, the start official in charge can decide to shorten this start interval. You can start from 08:30 till 13:30. Timing starts when the competitor punches at start. It is the responsibility of the competitor to punch for start.
Open start
For the classes Inskolning, Utveckling (U), Motion and all open classes open start is used at all stages. Open start means that the competitor chooses a start time freely. Start intervals are not controlled. You can start from 08:30 till 13:30. Timing starts when the competitor punches at start. It is the responsibility of the competitor to punch for start.
Chasing start
For Elite tour and 5-days (main classes and short classes) in stage 5, except DH10, DH11, DH12 and DH12 kort that have assigned starts in stage 5 as well. Chasing start means that the competitor with the best total time starts first. The rest of the class starts thereafter in the order of time after the leading time. After them, competitors who are more than 90 minutes behind the leader or do not have a total result starts with an interval of 15 seconds. The first 15 who starts in each class with chasing start shall wear a number tag with class code and a number that is the same as their place in the start order after four stages. This number tag is received at the start place at stage 5. You do not need to bring your old number tag, but you do need to bring your own safety pins.
3–5 minutes before starting your name will be called for roll call. Then you continue forward to get your map and control description. You then move on and hold the map along your leg until start. When your start time (hour, minute and second) is shown on the start display you will be allowed to start running.
Shadowing
Shadowing and running together is allowed in the classes Inskolning and Utveckling, in all open classes and in Stage start. Shadowing before your own race is not allowed for runners in the ranked classes i.e., DH18, DH20 and DH21. Shadowing maps are provided for the classes Inskolning and Utveckling but not for open classes or Stage start.
Punching system
The system used is the Sportident system for electronic timing and punching. All types of Sportident punching cards can be used, but there is no touch free functionality in the punching units.
Card number that are registered with the Swedish Orienteering Federation (SOFT) competitions system Eventor have been retrieved and linked to the registered competitor by O-Ringen before the competition. You can easily check your card number in the start list at resultat.oringen.se.
If you need to change the number on the punching car you can do so free of charge and at any time via oringen.se/bytbricka or at Red start by the verification station on the way to start.
A punching card can only be used for one competitor/one start in a given stage. That means that you cannot lend your punching card to any else if you are using it yourself. Competitors who use a punching card that have already been used in the current stage will be disqualified.
It is the responsibility of the competitor to bring a punching card to start. The card will be checked in the verification station in the passage out from the arena on the way to start, see more information in the section Start.
Punching at control points
It is the responsibility of the competitor to verify that signals, sound, and light, are received from the punching unit. Be especially alert if another runner is punching in at another punching unit in the vicinity so that you do not mistake that signal as a verification of your own control punch. If no sound or light signal is received after repeated attempts, you should use the needle punch on the control stand. The needle punch should then be used to punch the reserve box on the map and then show this at Red exit after finish. Remember to punch the last control point, located close to the entrance to the finish line.
The punching must be carried for the duration of the route. If you do not have your punching card with you at finish you will be disqualified. This also applies if you have used the needle punches on the control points you visited after losing your card.
Renting a punching card
Pre-rented punching cards can be collected at Competitor services O-Ringen square until 21:00 on Sunday July 24th. After that time pre-rented punching cards can be collected at Competitor services at the arena. Punching cards can also be rented at Competitor services O-Ringen square or Competitor services at the arenas.
Returning a punching card
A competitor with a rented punching card is responsible for returning the card after the last stage for which it was used. This is done in conjunction with the card readout.
Failure to return a punching card
Competitors who do not return their punching card will be charged a cost of 600 SEK. A rented punching card that is not returned will be registered on the Sportident registry of lost punching cards and will not be usable in future events.
Finish
The home straight is divided into eight lanes and competitors must finish in the correct lane. This lane is printed on the number tag. Finish time is taken when the competitor punches in at the finish line, situated circa 10-15 metres in front of the finish tent.
At stages 4 and 5, between the next to the penultimate control point and the last control point, the competitors will pass a major road. The road is closed for general traffic, but emergency vehicles must be able to pass in the event of an emergency.
Competitor responsibilities at finish
- To run to the finish line in the right lane. The name of the lane is printed on the number tag.
- To punch in at the finish line at the end of the lane.
- To get a readout of the punching card, even if the race was interrupted.
- To return a rented punching card.
- To make sure that any punched reserve boxes are checked at Red exit.
Redout of punching card
After punching at the finish line the competitors shall continue forward to make a readout of their punching cards. At this time the runners will get a printout of their distance running times.
Special finish for DH80 and older
For the classes DH80, DH80 recreation and older, time is taken when punching the last of the control points at stages 1-4. Competitors shall after that continue in their finish lane, punch in at the finish line and punch out, but the time from the last control point to the finish does not affect the stage time. Stage 5 however does have a normal chasing start finish like in other competition classes.
Finish after chasing start at stage 5
For classes with chasing start the placing at the finish line is the one that counts. The finish line is situated circa 15–20 metres in front of the finish tent and the finish punching unit a few metres further on. In very close sprints the finish line judges decide in which order finish line punching shall be made. Unofficial sprinting contests are discouraged at the last stage since they can make it harder to control the sequence between the finish line and the punching in at the finish. The lanes for the elite classes are divided into two lines to allow fair sprint duels. The runners choose the left or right line and are not allowed to change after the choice has been made.
Red exit
If data on the punching card shows that not all control points have been visited, or if the readout shows that the wrong control point have been punched, and the competitor feels that this is incorrect they are referred to Red exit in the finish tent to clarify the issue. If you have punched a control point with a needle punch, you must go to Red exit where the punch card can be checked manually. Red exit is also used if you need to point out any technical problems during the competition, such as a malfunctioning punching unit, or if you need to report wild game or any violations of the competition rules.
Interrupted race
Competitors who interrupt their race shall, if possible, pass the finish line and get their punching card read there. If the competitor for any reason, such as an accident, cannot get their punching card read, their start number should be communicated as soon as possible to the stage race office (phone 0703-12 85 66) or to Competitor services at O-Ringen city. The race administration will organise a search for any missing people after the competition time is over.
Results
Current results are presented at resultat.oringen.se. At resultat.oringen.se you can easily follow your own and others results on the mobile phone or on a computer. Internet access via WiFi and 4G will be available at the arenas.
- A list of stage winners in all classes with an awards ceremony will be presented around 17:30 on the results board at O-Ringen square.
- Complete results lists will be presented no later than 19:00 on the results board at O-Ringen square.
- Results lists and distance times are published at Eventor and WinSplits respectively no later than 20:00 on the current competition day.
Awards ceremony
See information in the programme magazine and the memo for the elite tour.
Reporting wild game
Competitors who saw wild game during the competition should report this to Wild game/Viltrapport after finish. This can be done near Red exit in the finish tent. Game that should be reported include moose, deer, roe deer, wild boar, and possible predators.
Lavatories
Lavatories are available at the arena and on the way to start for all stages. For more information about the lavatories on the way to start, se the map in the stage information in the programme magazine.
Showers
Temperate outdoor showers are available at all competition arenas. See arena map.
Miniknat
Miniknat offers string courses for the youngest (ages 3-8). Loan of punching card included. No competition, marked course, prizes for everyone, every day. Bookings are made via oringen.se or at Competitor services Arena.
Childcare
Childcare is available at all the competition arenas and can be booked via oringen.se or Competitor services.
Maximum time
The maximum allowed competition time on stage 2, 3 and 5 is 2,5 hours. On stage 1 and 4 (middle-distance) the maximum time allowed is 2 hours. If you take longer than that, you are out of the competition.
Search
The race administration will organise a search for those who have not punched out or given notice about interrupted race after the competition has ended. We ask that family members and club mates of the missing competitor assist the race administration with information relevant for the search. The phone number for Kvar i skogen/Left in the woods is 0703-12 85 66.
Missing control point registration
If a competitor feels that they are missing a control point that they did punch, this can be reported at Red exit in the finish tent. The control unit in question will be read and checked after the finished competitions since there is, due to a fault in the electronic punching system, a small possibility that the registration was made on the unit without being registered on the runner. If the card number is registered in the control unit, the competitor will be approved.
Reporting rule violations
A report about rule violations must be made, in writing, to the race administration or at Red exit within two hours after the end of the competition.
Protester
Protests against race administration decisions about rule violations must be lodged, in writing, at Red exit in the finish tent or at Competitor services at O-Ringen city, within two hours of the announcement of the decision.
Competition jury
Johan Näslund, Director race administration O-Ringen Åre 2023 (convener)
Johan Andersson, Race director O-Ringen Smålandskusten 2024
Helen Hanstock, Race director MTBO O-Ringen Åre 2023
Magnus Svensson, O-Ringen Jönköping 2025 (stage 1)
Gunnar A Johansson, O-Ringen Jönköping 2025 (stage 2)
Vivian Lindstam, O-Ringen Jönköping 2025 (stage 3)
Tobias den Bravar, O-Ringen Jönköping 2025 (stage 4 and 5)
Race directors OL/FootO
Bo Strand, Race director O-Ringen Uppsala
Mats Tibell, Race director OL O-Ringen Uppsala
Ross Smith, Director race administration O-Ringen Uppsala
Magnus Johansson, Race director O-Ringen AB
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SCHEDULE 5-DAY OL/FootO
STAGE 1 Monday July 25th, Extended middle-distance, Arena Pattons Hage
STAGE 2 Tuesday July 26th, Long-distance, Arena Pattons Hage
STAGE 3 Thursday July 28th, Long-distance, Arena Sävja
STAGE 4 Friday July 29thi, Middle-distance, Arena Flottsund
STAGE 5 Saturday July 30th, Long-distance, Arena Flottsund