Evaluating the Organization of the 2024 Bulgarian Orienteering Championships: A Focus on Forest Distances
Evaluating the Organization of the 2024 Bulgarian Orienteering Championships: A Focus on Forest Distances

Summary/Abstract: The 2024 Bulgarian Orienteering Championships included seven national forest events, providing insight into the quality of event organization from athletes’ and coaches’ perspectives. A structured questionnaire assessed seven dimensions: map accuracy, map legibility, course design, arena setup, parking, preliminary information, and overall organization, with responses from 40 participants. Results revealed clear differences between locations. Dryanovo events received the highest ratings (4.44–4.58), reflecting excellent coordination, course planning, and athlete-centered logistics. Byala events followed closely (4.01–4.06), with strong mapping and pre-event communication. Hisarya events were competent but less innovative (3.94–3.95), mainly due to lower course design scores, while Govedartsi received the lowest overall rating (3.61) because of arena and infrastructure limitations. Across all events, mapping quality was consistently high (map accuracy 4.23, legibility 4.03), whereas course design showed the greatest variability. Logistical aspects, especially arena setup and preliminary information, significantly influenced overall participant satisfaction. The study highlights a maturing organizational culture in Bulgarian orienteering, with technical competence and communication as established strengths, while technical creativity, infrastructure, and participant-focused design remain key areas for improvement to reach higher national and international standards.

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