Israel O-Championships Festival 2026

Wednesday, March 4 – Beit Keshet (East) Forest

MORNING. Forest courses with electronic timing.
Stay tuned for details.

Wednesday, March 4 – Kibbutz Ein Zivan

EVENING. Sprint courses with electronic timing.
Stay tuned for details.

Thursday, March 5 – Odem Forest

Pre-Championships Training and Model

Prior to the Israel Championships, competitors will be able to orienteer in a non-embargoed area of the forest. The training will include free-choice orienteering with controls marked by small control flags, but no electronic punching. The training will also include a suggested course of about 4-5 km.

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Israel Open Championships – Odem Forest

Event Director: Shalev Feldman

Organizer: Galilee Orienteering Club

Friday, March 6 – Day 1  – Odem North

Course Planner: Dan Chissick

Course Checker: Asaf Avner

Saturday, March 7 – Day 2  – Odem South

Course Planner: Asaf Avner

Course Checker: Dan Chissick

About the Course Planners

Dan Chissick has been at the heart of Israeli orienteering for decades as both an athlete and organizer. He has represented Israel internationally and continues to compete at a high level. Dan has been central in developing orienteering in Israel—mapping new areas, planning courses, organizing events, and promoting the sport to wider audiences. For many years, Dan has written about the sport in his orienteering blog.

Asaf Avner has been competing in the elite category since his teenage years, representing Israel at EYOC, JWOC, EOC, and WOC. He is also active in developing the sport through mapping, organizing events, coaching young athletes, and accompanying national teams at international camps and competitions. Beyond orienteering, Asaf is an accomplished mountain runner and skyrunner.

About Odem Forest

Odem Forest is a remnant of the ancient forest that once that covered most of the Golan Heights. It is covered mainly with evergreen oak trees, along with pine, terebinth, and other native Mediterranean woodland plants. The forest sits on the slopes of an ancient volcano. The ground is scattered with dark basalt boulders and red tuff rock. The forest is filled with numerous rock walls and formations.

 

Driving Directions to Venues

WAZE: TBD
GOOGLE MAPS: TBD

Location overview

Map info:  Map info and previous events
Map scale:  1:10,00 for Long/Medium courses, 1:7500 for Short courses

Arena location: TBD
Parking, toilets and other facilities are located here.

Warmup Area: TBD
Distance from arena to start:  
Finish: 

Start Times

Competition Day 1:  9:00 to 11:00
Competition Day 2:  9:00 to 11:00.
Start lists will be published several days prior to event.

Registration

Details will be published soon.
Registration deadline: February 14, 2026

Punching System

All events will be organized using the SPORTident electronic punching system. Competitors may use their own SI cards. SPORTident Air (SIAC) punching will be supported at all events.

SI cards can also be rented from the organizers. Loss of a rented SI card will result in a charge of €40.

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.

AWARD CEREMONY – Saturday at 12:30

Contact Info

For more information, and to register, send email to: Israel Orienteering Office

Courses & Categories

Age categories for the entire 2025-26 league season, including the Israel Open Championships, are determined by the competitor’s age on 31 December 2025.

D=Women | H= Men

Recreational (family) course during the championships.
On-site registration available, depending on weather conditions.

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O-Training and Travel in Israel

Come and enjoy additional days O-training and sightseeing in Israel. Contact office@nivut.org.il