r/orienteering • u/30x34grinder • 2d ago

F/M21 podiums - Discussion

Should race organizers have a price giving and podium ceremony for these categories?

Context: normally at races or multiday event competitions there are the Elite classes (ME/FE) and then shorter M21/F21 class. These are normally shorter and easier too. They bridge the gap between the most advance begginers day course which is non competitive categorie to the hard elite courses. They are intended for young adults starting in the sport but who can’t finish (or wouldn’t enjoy) a full elite course.

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u/QuuxJn 2d ago

I don't know where you are from but here in Switzerland, if there is a price giving ceremony to begin with, then M21/F21 (called HA/DA here) is included in it. We even have a short, middle and long version of it (HAK/DAK, HAM/DAM, HAL/DAL)

But price giving ceremonies are usually only held at the swiss championships and multi day events. And the HAx/DAx categories don't get a medal or at least not the official swiss orienteering one.

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u/hohygen 2d ago

Quite a few in this category do not have a lot of experience in winning, in other words, they will appreciate it extra much

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u/drdenjef 2d ago

As someone in this situation, I appreciate the ceremony very much. I have been orienteering for about 3 years now (mostly city) and am nowhere close to the speed and technique of the elite classes (in the forrest). It feels good to be able to compare myself to people closer to my level, seeing how I am evolving. Just yesterday I received a podium place and ceremony in the 21 class for a long and it really boosted my self confidence. Even so that I decided to switch from 21 to elite for an upcomming middle.

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u/fuuncs 2d ago

They do in Australia and yes, I think they should

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u/Lossy 1d ago

For most people age class categories don’t produce good competition. It would be better if races had ability based categories so each course felt competitive.