CLEVELAND — When people think of a race, they often think of time and speed, but in orienteering, how you get to the finish line is just as important
An orienteering race for the Pan American Masters Games was held at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Tuesday.
Long after the race has ended, the competitors are still debating which was the best route to take on their course.
In the race, how you chose to get to the finish line in orienteering, or route choice as it’s referred to, is just as important as your finish time.
The orienteers start off by stretching and punching with gadgets known as control punches strapped to their hands.
The sport is more popular in Scandinavian countries.
Emily Kullman is an Ohio native and participated in the race.
“I’m just excited to see how the course is set up,” Kullman said.
GPS is not allowed. The participants headed into the course with a map and a compass.
People of all ages take part. The youngest age group started at age 35. One 79-year-old woman, Sharon Crawford, has been doing the sport for 50 years.
“I’ve been doing this since maps were black and white,” Crawford said with a laugh.
Orienteers are given staggered start times. The goal is to get to control points on the map and punch in with a control punch to register your time. But there’s no right or wrong way to get through the course.
Kullman received 3rd place for her effort and was happy just to be out in nature.
“Sometimes you see an old car in the middle of the woods. That’s part of the sport. You see some really cool things out there,” she said.