Looking ahead to August 2015 and a major International orienteering event in Nairn

The Scottish Orienteering Association tell the Gurn: 

"On 1st August 2015 the opening race of the World Orienteering Championships, a Sprint Relay, will be staged in Nairn. Over the course of the week competitors from over 50 Nations will take part in this exciting athletics competition with other venues including Forres (Sprint Qualifier and Final); Darnaway (Middle Distance and Relay) and Glen Affric (Long Distance). The biennial Scottish 6 Days event www.scottish6days.com/2015 will run in parallel with these Championships, and are expected to bring in nearly 5,000 participants.

Immediately after the Sprint Relay we anticipate upwards of 1,000 competitors of all ages taking part in an additional orienteering sprint race around Nairn, testing themselves against the times set by the world’s best orienteers. Last year’s Scottish 6 Days (badged Moray 2013 but three events staged in Nairnshire) had a major positive impact on the local economy and next year will be even bigger. Hopes for Team GB in the World Orienteering Championships are high on “home” terrain. 

Assistant Event Director for WOC 2015 is the Scottish Orienteering Association’s Professional Officer Colin Matheson based in Nairn. There are significant opportunities for local businesses and suppliers to get involved in what will be one of the biggest events ever staged in the area. The number of “runs” over the week is close to total numbers participating in the London Marathon."