Discussion: Race classes at the Fin 5 suunnistusviikko

Can someone explain to me the different race classes offered.
Specifically what is the difference between the A, AL, B classes? What are the typical lengths for H45?

A is the longest and technically most challenging. B is both a bit shorter and less difficult. AL, where L stands for short, is shorter than the B-course but technicaly as demanding as the A-course. That's the theory.

In Finland, H45-courses are typically, about 7-8 km. I think the courses indicated for Fin5 are about normal for a multi-day event.

It's interesting that the A and AL have about the same number of competitors. Looks like there is still honor in running the shorter course.
start list

When I was at Fin5 in 2001, there seemed to be a clear unwritten understanding that the A class is for the "studs", and the AL class is for the more average orienteer. Not knowing any better, I signed up for A, and certainly was at or near the bottom of the results list every single day--even days where, by my standards, I made no horrible errors. I certainly wished I had signed up for AL instead, where I would have been more competitive in the overall standings.

No need to prove my studlyness in the finnish woods. Past experience has shown that it takes me a couple of runs on their maps to get used to the terrain. The AL courses sounds like the perfect place to do this... Who knows, I may end up being quite spunky against the lesser studs.