The North American Orienteering Championships are coming to Kimberley and Cranbrook, July 1 to 4, 2010, and it’s already looking like the event will be a huge success.

Jim Webster of Kimberley, who is organizing the event locally says there are already 220 registrants from 15 countries including: Canada, USA, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Mongolia, Ukraine, Russia, Bulgaria, Switzerland.

“We are anticipating 350 to 400 registrants plus volunteers,” he said.

One of the great things about orienteering is that it can involve people of all ages and the upcoming championships do. Entrants range from eight years to 80 years in age classes from 10 and under to 80 plus, Webster says.

Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It’s easy to learn, but always challenging, according to the Canadian Orienteering Federation.

The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes — both on and off trail — that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches or electronic devices, so you can prove you’ve been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.

These championships are a big deal, Webster says and members of both the US and Canadian national teams will be there hoping to grab the title in both male and female classes.

But you don’t have to be a top tier orienteering expert to enjoy the championships.

“In addition to classes for top level orienteers, the events will all offer open classes suitable for locals who wish to try orienteering and come out and join the fun of a large international sporting event,” said Webster. “We have added an Adventure Runner category, specifically targeting runners who have little or no orienteering experience but have some map reading skills, such as a topo or Nature Park map. It will be like a cross country trail run but they will need to follow a map to find 10 to 12 check points.”

There are several different event lengths; spring, middle distance and long distance to determine the North American champion in a variety of classes.

July 2 the Middle distance will be run in the Cranbrook Community Forest, July 3 is the Long Distance in the Cranbrook Community Forest and July 4 will be the sprint at the College of the Rockies track.

In conjunction with the events a junior training camp for kids who would like to learn more about orienteering will be offered.

There are already 20 registrants from a number of countries and the cost for the three day clinic is $45.

It runs July 1, 5 - 6 and will have some top level orienteering coaches.

As with any event of this magnitude, volunteers are needed. Please contact Jim if interested or for more details email info@naoc2010.com or call 250-427-0585. A volunteer workshop will be held in April so no experience is necessary, Webster said.

“As most events should wrap up by noon or 1:00 pm, the visitors will have ample time to explore everything that the region has to offer. This should provide an excellent opportunity for local businesses, and outdoor adventure companies to offer services and products to the orienteers and their families.”

Any business which would like to learn about advertising or contributing to the event in some other way are encouraged to contact Jim. Some opportunities: services, donations, prizes. It is also a great chance to showcase local products.”

The host Kootenay Orienteering Club will be offering a number “Come and Try it” and training opportunities for local residents during May and June. Membership is available in the club for only $5 per person.

Visit www.naoc2010.com for more information.