SMApp
Get SMApping-
Streets- Map- App- it’s not an ordinary run!
SMApping involves using specially prepared street maps, that are issued at the start of an event, a free-to-download App and your sense of direction and adventure to find a set of pre-defined ‘controls’ or checkpoints that are identified on the map using numbered circles. Think of it as a type of treasure hunt.
SMApp events are organised by the Harlequins Orienteering Club, and form one half of our winter programme. The rest of the time, we’re running in the dark in woods and forests. Look at our Winter Evening Events if this takes your fancy!
We have a series of SMApp events that are usually held every other Thursday evening during the darker nights. The format is a 60 minute score event (in which runners try to find controls, or checkpoints, in any order they want) scoring 10 points for each control visited but losing 10 points per minute (or part) for finishing after 60 minutes.
The order in which the controls are found and the number you find are up to you- and your legs! You can be as competitive, or relaxed, as you like. At each control your phone will ‘beep’ showing that you’ve found it. When you finish, the App will show your route, the number of controls you’ve found, the distance you’ve run or waked and the time you’ve taken. It will also show you the results of other people that have taken part so you can compare your result to your friends’. And you can also load your route and distance directly into Strava.
The App we use is known as MapRun. and is free to download. Garmin and Apple watch users can also use MapRunG or mapRunA. Details are here.
Members of the Harlequins Orienteering Club who take part in SMApp events compete in the club’s Night Street League.
However, newcomers, visitors and non-members are very welcome to take part. If you are new to Orienteering then click here to find out more about the sport.
And if you’d like to have a practice at SMApping at a time to suit yourself, we have a set of permanent courses listed on our Smartphone Orienteering page for you to have a go at.
2026/27 future events:
| Date | Area | Details | Officials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/11/2026 | Dudley / Brierley Hill | Details | John Leeson |
| 19/11/2026 | Wolverhampton | Adrian Bailey | |
| 03/12/2026 | Walsall | Alex Hudson | |
| 17/12/2026 | TBC | ||
| 14/01/2027 | Redditch | Karen Thompson | |
| 28/01/2027 | Ledbury | Colin Palmer | |
| 18/02/2027 | Bournville | David Williams | |
| 04/03/2027 | Worcester | Steve Blackmore | |
| 18/03/2027 | TBC |
2026/27 results:
| Date | Area | Results | Other | Officials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/10/2026 | Shirley | Results | Helen Clare |
Wherever possible the event will be based in a pub, community centre or similar to make the evening more sociable.
A headlamp / torch is needed, but it need not be a full-power one that’s used for night orienteering in a forest. You should also wear a light / reflective top to help ensure you are seen.
There is a fuller explanation of the format here. Most importantly: without volunteers to plan and organise there will be no series. A guide to planning these events is here, with additional support available from the SMApp organiser. The event flyer template for 2025-26 is here. There is also guidance for making events accessible.