Canterbury City Orienteering Race

Event Overview

The Canterbury City Orienteering Race is a new event scheduled for May 2026, organized in partnership with Saxons Orienteering. It features easy navigation courses set in the historic city centre of Canterbury.

Courses

Two distance options are available:

• 5 mile
• 5k

The routes pass through landmarks including Kings School Cathedral grounds, Westgate Gardens, and St Augustine’s Abbey. The finish line is at Canterbury Christ Church University.

Format and Navigation

These courses are designed to be predominantly running races rather than complex navigational challenges. Participants receive a map before the start to review the route and receive basic navigation guidance. The format is an individual time trial where runners pass checkpoints marked on the map. Split times are recorded using a dibber, a finger-mounted SportIdent data stick. The participant with the fastest time wins.

Facilities and Prizes

The venue offers refreshments, sports retailers, music, and commentary. Results are provided via a live feed on the event website. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female finishers, as well as for first male and female in the VET40, VET50, and VET60 age categories.

Additional Races

As part of the race weekend, a Prologue race is held on 22 May starting from Canterbury Christ Church University, and two Orienteering Sprint races are held on 24 May starting from the University of Kent Campus. Entry to these additional races is accessible through the event entry system.

Entry Information

Entry fees for the main race are £14 for early bird registration, £16 from 2nd February, and £18 from 11th May. Advanced entries are accepted via RaceSignup until 11pm the Friday before the event, subject to map availability. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.