Orienteering in the Middle East — where the only conflict is route choice!
The ISOA is pleased to announce the first annual Middle East Cup, a 2-day championship in northern Israel.
Location – Ramat Hagolan
18 Nov – Competition Day 1 – Odem Forest West
19 Nov – Competition Day 2 – Odem Forest East
Headcam video of orienteering in Odem Forest. Map and video produced by Dan Chissick
[youtube=htpp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPDhmhm-a0Q]
Courses & Categories
Recreational
Shorty (1.5-2 km) Boys/Girls
Short (3-4 km) – F13, M13
Short+ Women (3.5 km) – F15, F21C, F40, F45, F50, F55, F60, F65, F75
Short+ Men (3.5 km) – M55, M60, M65, M70, M75, M80
Medium A (5-6 km) – F21B, F35, M45, M50
Medium B (5-6 km) – M15, M21C, M35B
Medium+ (6-7 km) – F21A, M17, M21B, M40
Long (7-9 km) – M21A, M35
Map and Photos
Odem Forest
Start Times
Competition Day 1: (18 Nov) 9:00 to 11:00
Competition Day 2: (19 Nov) 9:00 to 11:00.
Start lists will be published several days prior to event.
Registration
50 NIS per event, includes EMIT card rental
To guarantee your start time and use of an electronic punch, you must register no later than 4 days prior to the event.
Health and Safety
ISOA will provide first-aid at each competition site. Emergency care and major hospitals are within a 60-minute drive from the competition sites. ISOA will not bear responsibility related to medical costs for participants.
Awards Ceremony
Winning scores are a cumulative two-day total. Medals will be awarded for each category at the conclusion of the second day of competition.
Contact Info
For more information, and to register, send email to: ISOA Info/Registration
Getting there
Heading north, follow routes 91, 978 and 9799.
Click map for large view
More Info
Odem Forest is a beautiful remnant of the ancient forest that once that covered most of Ramat Hagolan (the Golan Heights). It is mostly natural woods, with primarily oak and pistachio. Over time the trees have been trimmed and reduced due to human activities and animal grazing. Odem means ruby, representing the color red. Odem refers to the color of the rocks of Mount Odem, an extinct volcano.
The area is covered with some 20 guba, or volcanic crater, with the largest about 250 meters in diameter. It is believed they were formed by either air or water that was trapped under the lava and eventually disappeared, leaving behind a big hole.
Near Odem Forest you can also see Rujum al-Hiri (Circle of Ghosts), a Megalithic structure about 5,000 years old that researchers believe was used for ritual purposes, burial or as an astronomy observatory.
2010 National O-League Event at Odem Forest
Clips from a hidden video camera at control 58
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEyQ0Cr_EWQ]