My first orienteering meet was an experience. I went to it so I could write about it without appearing to be too ignorant. I paid careful attention to the clinic given to all newcomers before each event. I clutched the compass to the detailed map and watched a few of the competitors start out on the course when given the signal. Then it was my turn.
Participants start every minute, as needed, through the morning.
There are usually five levels of competition with courses of various lengths and difficulty. With different start times and courses, you might see other competitors in the woods or prairies, but they are headed in other directions. My first effort on the beginner course was fun. It took almost two hours for me to find all the control points on the course, which was less than two miles. But I was hooked.