Edinburgh to host the World Orienteering Championships this July

Opportunities for all to watch and try orienteering in the Scottish capital this summer

Ahead of what is set to be an exciting summer of sport in Scotland, Edinburgh plays host to the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) from 12-16 July 2024.

For Edinburgh locals and tourists alike, the elite races will showcase the fast-paced sport of orienteering in the centre of the capital. Meanwhile, for amateur competitors of all levels, there is the chance to take part in an orienteering race as part of the WOC Tour. 

Often thought of as a countryside sport, WOC 2024 races will all be staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

Fans will be thrilled to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions. Narrow vennels, steep slopes and narrow stairways will challenge even the world’s best orienteers, as they try and seek out the fastest routes in pursuit of victory. 

With Great Britain second in the medal table at the last Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Denmark in 2022, the host nation will be looking to go one better and top the table. One of the nation’s best hopes will be Megan Carter-Davies who is the reigning Sprint World Champion and is expected to defend her title in Edinburgh this July.

As well as opportunities to spectate across the city and watch the finishes of the elite races, there will also be the chance for people to take part in orienteering races themselves as part of the WOC Tour.

Orienteering is for everyone, with races in the WOC Tour open to all ages, from under 10 upwards. Six varied races will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering. The Tour will be fully integrated into the WOC 2024 programme and will use some of the areas mapped for WOC 2024.

“The prospect of a World Championships on the streets of one of the world’s most recognisable cities is truly exciting,” said Andy Mitchelmore, WOC 2024 Event Director.

“We are confident that we will provide high quality and challenging orienteering in a variety of terrains with finish locations that have been chosen to maximise the exposure of the sport and provide an incredible atmosphere.

“The accompanying WOC Tour races are sure to deliver a similarly immersive and inspiring experience, with courses taking in iconic sights and landmarks in Scotland’s capital. We cannot wait to share the WOC experience and welcome orienteering to Edinburgh in July 2024.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes and fans to Edinburgh this July for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships.

“Edinburgh, with its rich architecture and diverse terrain, is the perfect stage for the Championships and will provide a memorable experience for all competitors from beginners to elites.

“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships as part of an exciting portfolio of events taking place across the country this year.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It’s really exciting to see the Sprint World Orienteering Championships come to Edinburgh this summer.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the world’s best events to the Capital and I’m sure this will be a thrilling spectacle for our residents and visitors to enjoy. 

“I’d like to thank the organisers and of course our Council colleagues who have been working hard on this event and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.” 

WOC 2024 is organised by Scottish 6 Days Orienteering in conjunction with Scottish Orienteering, British Orienteering and the International Orienteering Federation, with primary event partners EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and The City of Edinburgh Council.

 Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.