Helyszín címkék:
A play of mind on the scenery of nature: the world through the eyes of an orienteer
Szabó Sára
What is orienteering?
The aim of the orienteering race is to “collect” the given checkpoints in the correct order and as quickly as possible, using a map and a compass, in given terrain conditions. The route between the points is chosen by the athlete, so a race is not only a physical challenge, but also a serious mental one. And the terrain can be forest, field, mountain and valley, dense bush or even built environment, park or city. Although orienteering requires understanding and reading a map and using a compass, basically anyone can be an orienteer, and this ‘green’ sport is an especially family activity – but more on that later.
Gyula Kóger, the head of the orienteering division of the Pécs Red Meteor Sport Club, says that the Hungarian races are extremely varied, both in terms of distance and terrain. In our country, championships take place in forests and cities, from short distances to ultra-long distances, and even national championships at night.
“A normal orienteer is not normal," we usually say jokingly, because we don’t care about the weather or the terrain when it comes to running. You could say that we are undeterred: if there is competition, there is competition.”
– says the orienteer, who has been competing for no less than 55 years.
The Szuadó – full of slopes – in Mecsek, the ancient pine forests of the lowlands and the Gerecse, rich in stone fields
One of the most interesting parts of the Western Mecsek Landscape Conservation Area is the Szuadó Valley, which is unique in Europe. The gorge-like valley is a terrain rich in gullies, slopes and springs, and is a young, evenly spaced forest thanks to the deforestation of the 1920’s and 1930’s. It offers almost unobstructed running with no bushes in your way – of course, this is most enjoyable when you are running through the trees like an orienteer. And the Szuadó Valley is worth a visit not only for the beauty of the forests, but also for the cave system! The Mecsek Háza Egyesület (House of Mecsek Association) regularly organises cave tours in the Orfű area, which are open to everyone from the youngest to the oldest.
Few people know, for example, that there is a protected natural area of national importance in the middle of the Great Plain: the world-unique juniper-field in Bugac. This area is a real wonder: the Kiskunság National Park’s sandy, boggy sand dunes region is a real challenge for runners, but if you are not going for a run, the unique juniper forest is a great photo opportunity!
A tip by Hello Hungary: an exciting nature trail starts from the Karikás Tavern in Bugac, along which you can not only learn about the flora and fauna of the region, but also visit the Pásztormúzeum (Shephers’ Museum) and the domestic animal show in exchange for your ticket.
The varied Vértes, made up of flat-topped, scattered woodlands, is more gentle but also full of surprises. The Bakony is a real wilderness, the Gerecse is rich in rocky fields, and the Mátra is rich in depths and heights.
I also really love Veszprém, but the city centre of Miskolc, the Nagyerdő (Great Forest) in Debrecen, the juniper-clad Bócsa and the wild forests of Kunság are also close to my heart. Still, as a Pécs resident, I have to say that the Mecsek is one of the most beautiful terrains in the world, says Gyula Kóger.
It is interesting to note that there are many races not only in Hungary, but also outside the borders of Hungary, where it is worth making a trip to, adds the orienteer. For example, the World Senior Championships (WMOC) are organised by a different country every year: In 2024, it will be held in Turku, Finland, and next year in Catalonia. These competitions attract up to 5-6 thousand people worldwide. Hungary has hosted the World Championship several times, with WMOCs in Pécs and Venice.
A real family sport
“My experience is that if one member of the family becomes an orienteer, sooner or later the others will also try the sport. Because travelling to championships is so common, it is also common for runners to travel with their families – and in the long run, this means that the rest of the family gets involved in the running. Of course, anyone can do this. Before competing in the appropriate age group, you can try your hand in the so-called open category or on a taped course (where the route is marked out in advance),” adds the head of the division.
He says that young digital nomads, as soon as they become orienteers, interestingly don’t even take out their phones, and for the older generation it is a great brain and muscle exercise. The Pécs club also has competitors from 8 years old to 78 years old. Finally, he adds that you don’t need any previous training to orienteer; anyone can start at any time – but beware, you may not be able to stop!
