You mark your own course from a master map after the start. Badge events are larger, and attract competitors from further away. They must usually be entered at least two weeks in advance. Here you'll find yourself entering courses by age class, so that you compete directly against your peers. Within each class there are long and short courses, the short being about two thirds the length of the long.
Maps are usually pre-marked and sealed in plastic bags.
Below Colour Coded events are local and fun events, which take place on small areas such as Coe Fen. There are often different rules to make small areas more challenging, such as having to remember your route and complete the course without a map. At the top level, there are about six National Events a year, which attract competitors from all over the country, and have separate longer and harder courses for the very best orienteers. There is also the two-day Jan Kjellstrom event at Easter, and the British Championships in late spring. Over the summer there is a multi-day event in either Scotland, Wales or the Lake District, and there are many similar summer events all around Europe if you're feeling adventurous.