Ultralong
UCOC Ultralong 2026
We’re back baby! After some crazy weather and a disappointing cancellation in 2025 – Ultralong is back and better than ever in 2026! Our planner and controller have been cooking up some excellent courses designed to test your nav skills and endurance. This year Ultralong will be held at the notorious Laidmore map! From complex gullies to rocky slopes and lots of bush in-between, you will be sure to hit your weekly strava elevation goal.
Alongside the Ultralong courses, there are also plenty of courses for people who would prefer a slightly less insane day out in the forest, or for those who are still beginning their orienteering journey.
2026 details:
When? Saturday May 16th (First start timings TBC)
Where? Laidmore (Further details will be emailed to competitors after entering)
Where can I enter? Enter O entries will be opening soon and posted on UCOC socials and this page.
Who is this for? Everyone! Whether you’re a UCOC member, PAPO member, or a member of neither, everyone is welcome. A reasonably good level of fitness and orienteering navigation skill is required to complete the Ultralong courses, however we do have other courses for all abilities!
What should I bring? Compass, ident (can be rented), leg protection, trail/orienteering shoes (a thermal layer may be required depending on weather conditions)
Please email info@ucoc.nz if you are a UCOC member and would like to borrow a compass for Ultralong.
What is Ultralong?
It’s in the name! Ultralong is an annual event where UCOC coordinates with PAPO to provide the most spectacular long orienteering course of the year! Courses can range in length all the way up to 14km on gruelling terrain. It’s an epic challenge for anyone who’s keen to test their orienteering skills to the limit! At UCOC, spending quality time lost in the forest is our favourite activity – enter Ultralong and make it yours too! Don’t worry, for those who would prefer a slightly shorter course, we have a great range of courses to choose from that will still put your orienteering skills to the test!
New to orienteering? There will be a range of courses available for all abilities so please feel free to come along and use this event is a training opportunity! There will still be people around to give you tips and this is a great opportunity to experience orienteering using an electronic timing system (so yes we do know if you go to each control or not!). Nothing beats a Sunday spent out in the forest, so what are you waiting for?? Sign up and bring your friends too! (You don’t have to be a UCOC member to come)