The World Orienteering Championships were first held in 1966. They were held biennially up to 2003 (with the exception of 1977 and 1978). Since 2003, competitions have been held annually.
Originally there were only two competitions: an individual race and a relay. In 1991 a short distance race (roughly 25 minutes) was added and a sprint race was added in 2001.
The current championship events are therefore:
- Relay - for three-person teams
- Long distance - previously called classic distance
- Middle distance - previously called short distance
- Sprint
Read more about World Orienteering Championships: Venues, Individual/Classic/Long, Short
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