Edinburgh welcomed over 3000 fans across the week to Princes Street, Heriot Watt University, Leith, Wester Hailes and St. John Street. Locals and orienteering fans alike came to cheer on the competitors, marking another successful world event for the country.
Over 250 world class athletes from 45 countries competed in the event and the ‘WOC Tour’ public-participation races also proved a huge success, as 1200 people signed up to take part in multiple events over the course of five days.
The GB team also saw success across the week with Megan Carter Davies competing in the Sprint Knock-out final: she finished fifth narrowly missing out on the medals, while Grace Molloy also secured sixth place in the individual sprint on Friday afternoon.
Andy Mitchelmore, Event Director at WOC 2024, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of WOC 2024. I can’t thank everyone enough for making the last few days an unforgettable experience. To see so many people come out to watch Orienteering in this fantastic city has been overwhelming. Whether that has been just to watch the athletes, compete in our amazing WOC Tour races or to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has played their part.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazingly hard-working staff and all our volunteers who have worked tremendously hard and without whom the event would not have been successful. Also, to all our stakeholders and commercial partners who have played an integral role in bringing this event to life. In particular, Event Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, British Orienteering Federation, Scottish Orienteering Association and the Scottish Orienteering 6-Day Event Company for their unwavering support.
“The mint-green army of volunteers descended on parts of Edinburgh (often ridiculously early in the morning) with enthusiasm and positivity to guard controls, advise spectators, ensure that athletes passed through busy areas without incident, help set-up venues, manage logistics and support championship functions… and after all that, lots of them picked up a map, laced up their trainers and headed out to tackle a WOC Tour event.
“The hope is that we have now created a legacy for the sport’s future and helped put orienteering on the map in Scotland.”
Photo Credit: IOF / Kristina Lindgren
Paul Bush OBE, Visit Scotland’s Director of Events, said: “Edinburgh has provided the perfect stage for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024. Our capital city has certainly never seen anything like this before as athletes raced through our medieval tenements, narrow and intricate alleys and sweeping landscapes in search of World Championships glory.
“Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and the successful delivery of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships reinforces our reputation for delivering innovative and world-class events.
“Thank you to the organisers, partners, volunteers and most importantly the athletes for making this a truly memorable event.”
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “It has been a delight to welcome, and to watch, the world’s best orienteers compete in elite sprint races across our city. Hosting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships has not only showcased Edinburgh to the world but also the wonderful, exciting, outdoor sport of orienteering – the mental and physical skills it involves, and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants of all ages and abilities.
“I hope Edinburgh residents, visitors and spectators alike will have been inspired to give orienteering a go. My warmest congratulations and gratitude go to all the competitors, medallists, and everyone involved in making WOC 2024 such a terrific success.”
Photo Credit: IOF / Henrik Eiliasson
The activity across the week has also seen Scotland embrace the family feel the event has brought to the city, with free activities on offer throughout the week, including orienteering mazes, fun ‘come and try’ races and all the action being shown on live screens in major locations across the city.
The event has been hugely successful in attracting commercial partners across the city and beyond. Many of which provided the base for the event to be a success.
1500 sandwiches were provided by Scotmid Co-op, 2200 snack bars by nairn’s, 4000 water bottles from Actiph Water and 1500 Sausage rolls were given to the event from PieSports.com. Eight kilt sets for ceremonies were also provided by Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers, while SOS provided all the essential printing requirements for the event. Cullen Property also supported the event throughout.
We hope you enjoyed your visit to Edinburgh and we look forward to welcoming you back to Scotland next year to take part in the 2025 Scottish 6-Days Orienteering Event.
We looking forward to seeing you again in stunning Royal Deeside next summer from Sunday 27th July to Friday 1st August 2025.
Entries open on 1 December 2024.