What is MapRun?

MapRun course on a smartphone

MapRun is a fantastic way to enjoy orienteering in your own time or at one of our social Wednesday MapRun League Events. To take part you just need to download a free app onto your smartphone and print a course map (though we print those for you at League Events).

For MapRun orienteering you follow a printed map (which we recommend, although the app can display the map on the smartphone). There aren't actual orienteering markers on the ground, but your smartphone app (or compatible watch) will use GPS to track that you have visited each checkpoint – your phone/watch beeps to let you know when you’ve reached a control. You can see your result once you have finished, and compare your time with others.

To find events and download maps for printing, visit https://waoc.maprun.uk which also shows you the different courses available and full details about the start location and parking. You can see courses from other orienteering clubs as well, using the drop-down menu.

Here's an easy step by step guide on how to try MapRun orienteering:

1. Download the free MapRun app to your smart mobile phone, open up the app and click on Name to enter your details, including your Club. Be careful to avoid spaces at the end of each line
2. Visit here in advance to find the right course, download and print the map to take with you. Take a note of the start location on the same information page. [Remember - Please do check the printable map for out of bounds areas even if you run only using the app]
3. The MapRun.uk page for each event has a MapRunLink for each course that you can click on to load the course into your phone. You can do this at home before setting off
4. When you want to head out, make sure your phone has a good amount of charge
5. When you're ready to set off, click Go to start. Wait for the GPS indicator at the bottom of the screen to go green and then head towards the start location. When you get to the start location, your phone will buzz and the clock will start running, so off you go!
6. As you reach each control, your phone will buzz to tell you you've got there. It will also do so at the finish and automatically upload your results

Owners of Garmin GPS watches can use an app called MapRunG on their watches instead of having to carry a phone while running. Similarly, Apple Watch owners can use MapRunA. MapRun on your phone will upload your chosen course onto your watch and then retrieve your results and upload them afterwards.

For full instructions on using MapRun, see the MapRun.uk site here or the main MapRun pages here