O-Ringen has been an annual 5-day Orienteering event in Sweden since 1965. From small Beginnings it grew to over 15000 participants by 1978. It’s been as high as 25000, but rarely less than 13000. A lot of Swedes bring their tent or caravan. Huge camping areas with water piped across the fields to washing and toilet areas etc. and people encouraged not to drive to the events (so huge parking areas not needed there). They bring bicycles to get around the vast areas of the site
This year there are over 15,000 (with about 350 in the MTBO races). There have been 85 buses to get people to the arena on the first 2 days. Guess there will be more in the next two days when there isn’t space for parking.
On Tuesday I got to the arena at 9am and already there were runners finishing. At 12:30 there were still people heading to their starts. So many people!
Each night there is a prize giving ceremony for the winners of 118 foot and MTBO classes for that day, in three groups . Prior to your group being called up (one by one), you are served drinks and nibbles in the hospitality tent!
Because I am the only rider in my class, I am a ‘winner’ provided I successfully finish the course. On Day 1, the prize (given to each winner), was a glass bowl. I skipped that one – reckon I didn’t deserve to be a winner but glad not to get a glass bowl! I did go on Day 2 a nice couple of embroided tea towels.
i first came to O-Ringen in 1992 at that stage there was a serious effort to embrace ‘incomers’: information book in English as well as Swedish. Much of the commentary in English. My perception is that they’ve gone back to their roots. Virtually nothing In English. If you don’t understand Swedish, too bad. And fewer non-scandinavians than in earlier years. Some essential event signage has English (but not all). But of course most of the organisers now Speak reasonable English so help can be obtained if you know what question to ask.
10 different starts, each start has a different finish chute
travellingkathy 