Easter done right – the JK Festival 2025

This Easter, more than 2,600 orienteers from 140 clubs and 28 countries descended on South Yorkshire for the JK International Orienteering Festival 2025. But while elite competition and challenging terrain were certainly part of the draw, it was the inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere that truly defined the weekend.

Hosted by South Yorkshire Orienteers (SYO), the four-day event brought together seasoned veterans and enthusiastic first-timers in a celebration of adventure, community, and outdoor fun. For many Scottish orienteers, the JK 2025 was more than just a competition—it was a chance to spend time with family and friends, discover new places, and feel part of a community united by a shared love of orienteering and the great outdoors.

Rebecca Morris (BASOC) captured the spirit of the festival beautifully:

“As a newcomer to the sport, I love the fun and welcoming atmosphere of orienteering events and felt that this year’s JK perfectly captured its inclusive spirit. Day 1 featured a dynamic urban sprint through Sheffield City Centre, where competitors navigated a mix of historic architecture, narrow passageways, and modern developments. The finish was located in the iconic Peace Gardens, where the wonderful atmosphere was boosted by spectators who lined the run in, cheering runners of every age and ability as they raced home. Day 2’s middle-distance took competitors to Tankersley, a small but intricate woodland on old mining land, filled with pits and winding paths. The northern Scottish clubs made their base at the top of the arena hill, enjoying a superb view of the downhill finish run-in. Day 3 saw the sun shining over Wharncliffe, where challenging courses tested competitors across a wide variety of terrain, from open moorland to complex, wooded, rocky slopes. The festival concluded with the relays on Day 4 at Middleton Park where damp conditions didn’t dampen team spirits. Runners were enthusiastically cheered through the long arena passage rounding off a vibrant weekend that celebrated diversity, challenge, teamwork and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time newcomer, there’s always someone ready with a smile, friendly advice, or a supportive cheer at the finish.”

From the high-energy sprint through Sheffield City Centre on Day 1, to the wooded intricacies of Tankersley and the sun-dappled slopes of Wharncliffe, every venue brought a new type of terrain and a new challenge. The relays at Middleton Park rounded things off with damp enthusiasm and team spirit to spare.

Nine-year-old Kirsten Tinsley (ESOC) attended her first JK this year and found plenty to enjoy:

“I went to my first JK this year and it was such a great experience. The atmosphere was really exciting and fun, really enjoyable for everyone from a young beginner to an elite. The courses were fun with just the right amount of challenge and the areas they were in were perfect. It was a great way to get to know people better and to chat with them. The huge arena was very exciting too, with a really exciting feel, a really cool place to finish. There were also lots of stalls selling orienteering equipment and yummy food which was great. It was really inspiring to go to the JK and my family and I had a really good time. We will definitely be back!.”

Her family, like many others, found the weekend to be a perfect mix of action and holiday fun. Stalls, food trucks, friendly faces, and even a few Easter eggs added to the festive vibe. With carefully designed junior courses and plenty of support, children like Kirsten and her peers were given the space and confidence to navigate independently and safely.

The Baikie family from Forth Valley Orienteers (FVO) exemplified how the JK brings people together—often in unexpected ways:

“We are relative newcomers to orienteering with Lucas (our eldest) trying his hand at the 2023
Scottish Schools event. Slowly, the four other members of our family have been sucked in!
As there were several other FVO families heading south to Sheffield and with a bit of WhatsApp
toing and froing we descended on the Dearne Valley Premier Inn for Easter weekend. We had a
little apprehension about letting Ethan, our nine year old, loose and unsupervised on the
Sheffield public. However, there were tons of marshals, and the routes were well-planned and
thought through for juniors. The organising clubs had clearly put great effort into making each of
the four days easy for families – close parking; climbing walls……..and Easter eggs for those
lucky enough to podium. The whole family had a great experience at this year’s JK and we would whole-heartedly recommend other families give it a go. We look forward to doing it all again next year, this time at
home in Scotland!“

The camaraderie extended beyond the courses, with many Scottish clubs camping, car-sharing, and socialising together, turning the weekend into a full-fledged mini-break. Whether exploring the terrain, browsing stalls, or cheering teammates through the finish chute, there was something for everyone—regardless of age or experience.

For orienteers new and old, the JK remains a highlight of the UK calendar—not just because of the competition, but because it showcases the best of what our sport has to offer: inclusivity, adventure, connection, and fun!

And with the JK coming to Scotland next year, there’s no better time for families to get involved! Find your local club and your next local event here.

A huge thank you to Rebecca, Kirsten and the Baikies for contributing to this article.

Photo Credits: Wendy Carlyle and Rob Lines