Vyšší Brod will host one of the most important sporting events ever held in the region. Approximately 350 elite orienteers from around the world will head to the town and its surrounding forests, accompanied by hundreds of coaches, entourage and fans.
The entire competition center will be located directly in Vyšší Brod - from the competition office to the competitors' accommodation to the accompanying program for the public. The competition arena itself will be built on a meadow in the former settlement of Martínkov , from where the competitors will set off on challenging tracks in the surrounding forests.
The World Cup program will include four races – one qualifying and three finals . All races will be filmed by Czech Television cameras and live broadcasts will reach millions of viewers in many European countries. The Czech national team is among the favorites – at the last home World Cup race in Česká Lípa, the Czech sprint relay team won silver medals.
Before the World Cup itself , a preparatory race will also take place in Vyšší Brod on April 26 , which will be open not only to orienteering fans, but also to hobby competitors and beginners.
The event will also include accompanying GAPP Czech O-Tour races, intended for the general public. The organizers expect up to 2,000 participants of all ages from the Czech Republic and abroad .
"We want to offer quality races not only for elite runners, but also for hobbyists or complete beginners. Orienteering is a family sport and everyone will be able to try running where the best in the world compete. Maybe even for the first time in their life, there is nothing to be afraid of," invites Jan Picek , chairman of the organizing committee and the Czech Orienteering Association.
Spectators and participants can also look forward to a rich accompanying program directly in the competition arena. There will be a large screen, activities for children with the Kubík brand, autograph sessions by Czech representatives, a stand "How to start orienteering", a charity bazaar, activities with Lucifer headlamps and local quality refreshments .
The program will also include evening concerts in the Monastery Garden , which will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8. The World Orienteering Cup will bring not only top-class sport to Vyšší Brod, but also a unique opportunity for the public to experience the atmosphere of an international sporting event right in the heart of Šumava.
website: OWC 2026 Czechia
This page has been partially translated by Google
