SOS - Paddington

The SOS - Paddington event is part of the Saturday Orienteering Series, a casual and beginner-friendly navigation series held in Sydney’s parklands. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the event is designed to accommodate everyone from competitive athletes to families looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure. This specific installment takes place during Term 2 of the series, focusing on park-based navigation near the Centennial Park area.

The event follows a flexible "start window" format, allowing participants to begin their course at any time within a specified 90-minute block. The Help Desk opens at 9:00 AM for registration and inquiries.

The race is centered around Centennial Park in New South Wales, Australia. The terrain is characterized by expansive manicured parklands, ponds, and scattered wooded areas, providing an ideal environment for those new to map-reading. In early May, Sydney typically enjoys mild autumn weather with average temperatures reaching 20°C, making it suitable for activewear without heavy layers. Participants can choose to go solo, team up with friends, or use a "Buddy Ticket" to accompany a younger or inexperienced orienteer at no additional cost. Beginner tips and maps are provided on-site for those without prior experience.

Electronic timing is facilitated through the SPORTident system. Participants who do not own a personal SPORTident card must hire one during the registration process for a small fee. The meeting point and specific What3Words location are typically finalized closer to the event date to accommodate park conditions. Registration stays open until the morning of the event, though a late fee applies to entries made after midday on the Thursday immediately preceding the race. Members of orienteering clubs are eligible for additional discounts using the "ONSW" promo code.

The event is managed by Barbara Hill, who can be reached at 0418270476 for specific inquiries regarding course difficulty or location updates. All entrants are encouraged to bring their own hydration and wear comfortable running or walking shoes suitable for grass and trail surfaces. After finishing, participants often explore local cafes in the Paddington and Centennial Park vicinity.