South Channel. An orienteering race between town and forest in Mortain

See my news
Follow La Gazette de la Manche

80 markers spread over an area going from Romagny-Fontenay to Mortain (South Manche), via Neufbourg, and a simple map to find your way. Here is the challenge proposed by the Vik'Azim sports association, specialized in orienteering. Saturday November 23, the Caen club is organizing the eighth edition of the Mortainaise, which brings together around 300 people, novices or experts, each year.

A strategy game

The aim of the game: find as many beacons as possible in a given time using the map indicating the points where they are located. “This event is accessible from 11 years old. It is played by two or three. We offer three circuits of 1 hour 30 minutes, 2 hours 30 minutes or 3 hours 30 minutes,” says Vincent Voivenel, Vik’Azim member and race director. Each beacon found earns one or two points depending on the difficulty of access.

The team with the most points at the end of the allotted time wins the event. The courses can be done by running or walking according to everyone's desires: performance or discovery. “Orienteering actually requires a lot of strategy, which is what makes it interesting. At the start, many teams take the time to establish their route to reach as many milestones as possible,” analyzes Vincent Voivenel. Each team is equipped with a chip to validate their passage over the marker.

Mortain and its surroundings prove to be favorable terrain for the organization of orienteering races. “The ideal for this discipline is to have a mix between urban terrain and forest areas, with some elevation. Mortain meets these conditions,” explains the race director. The start of the Mortainaise is also given from the summit of hill 314. But the preparation of the runners takes place at the Mortain – Lebigot gymnasium, 30 minutes before. Each circuit begins at a different time: 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., or 3:30 p.m. Around thirty volunteers take care of the organization, whether to place markers or secure the passage of runners on the roads.

A well-organized sport

Vincent Voivenel has been practicing orienteering for more than ten years. He has been licensed at Vik'Azim since 2015. This sport has found its audience for around twenty years. “We have our own federation with 10,000 members. There are French, European and even world championships. It is a very organized discipline. » The curious can therefore try this sport on November 23, in Mortain.

Mortainaise 2025: Saturday November 23 from 2 p.m. Departures from hill 314. Preparation at the Lebigot gymnasium. Teams of 2 or 3 people from 11 years old. Prices: €9 for 1.5 hours, €12 for 2.5 hours and €14 for 3.5 hours, per person. Information and registrations on vikazim.fr. Registration deadline: Wednesday November 20.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.