Park O events are carried out on foot in suburban parks. Solo, Families and teams of two to five people are given a detailed orienteering map (with checkpoints marked on it) and a clue sheet and then have one hour to walk, jog or run to as many checkpoints as possible.

What’s the catch? The map has no street names or identifying words to guide you! However the map will be coloured and include detail such as individual trees, tables, BBQ’s gardens, paths, rocks and much more. The trick will be to be able to read and interpret the map information as you walk or run. Competitors must use basic navigation skills to locate the checkpoints using the clues provided… no compasses required (but you can use them if you want too).

While there’s a late penalty for each minute that teams finish past the deadline, refreshing cold drinks and lollies are shared at the end of the event. Don’t forget to look out for your team’s placing when the results are emailed the following week.

So get a group together – whether it’s made up of parents, kids, friends, teenagers, fun-loving seniors, gun athletes or mums with strollers – and have a go today!

2012 Park O events are on Thursday August 16, 23, 30, September 6, 13.