Kurzemes Pavasaris 2027

3 - 4 April

📍 Īle, Spārnu ezers 📍 Biksti, Zebrus ezers News Instagram

ORGANISERS

• Orienteering Club "Saldus"
• Latvian Orienteering Federation

TEAM

Event director: Oskars Zērnis
Results: Toms Baltacis
Start: Dainis Priedītis
Secretariat: Maira Zērne, Inga Jukņeviča

EVENT CONTROL

WRE Event Adviser: Aigars Leiboms
National Event Controller: Edmunds Zvaigzne

COMPETITION CENTRE

Day 1, 03.04.2027. The competition centre is located near the former Īle sanatorium. The middle distance competition centre is 96 km from Riga and 20 km from Dobele. Google maps.

Day 2, 04.04.2027. The competition centre is located at the "Niedras" holiday complex. The long distance competition centre is 90 km from Riga and 25 km from Dobele. Google maps.

WELCOME TO KURZEME!

Dear orienteering friends!

For the 2027 competitions we have prepared a long-unused area for the middle distance near Īle by Lake Spārnu, which will be a test for everyone. For the long distance we will enjoy truly challenging terrain in Biksti, around Lake Zebrus, where Kurzemes Pavasaris returns after an 11-year break.

Start preparing, and see you very soon!

/Oskars Zērnis

CAMP COURLAND

Training sessions will be offered throughout the week. Everyone is welcome to join. You can train at a time and place that suits you, using the orienteering training bank we provide.

4 different orienteering trainings will be offered in similar terrain. More information will follow.

KURZEMES PAVASARIS 2027

02.04.2027 Official training - Īle, Spārnu ezers
Training in similar terrain with controls set out.

03.04.2027 Īle, Spārnu ezers - middle distance
World Ranking Event (WRE) for MW21E classes.

• 11:00 Opening ceremony
• 12:00 Middle distance start

04.04.2027 Biksti, Zebrus ezers - long distance
World Ranking Event (WRE) for MW21E classes.

• 10:00 Long distance start
• ~13:30 Prize giving

TERRAIN

Middle distance

On the middle distance you will be challenged by classic Latvian orienteering terrain in Īle, Dobele Municipality. Distinct landforms alternate with detailed microrelief areas, especially around Lake Spārnu in the eastern part of the map, where finely divided hills and depressions demand precise navigation. In the western and southwestern parts of the map there is a wide, even ridge with large-scale relief, where navigation is simpler and runnability is better.

The area is mostly covered by mixed forest with variable runnability. In places there are thicker green sections that slow movement considerably, while in the white forest areas runnability is good. In some spots there are fallen trees that limit speed. Considering that the competition takes place in early spring, overall runnability is good to medium.

The terrain contains both large and small marshy areas with varying runnability, as well as small water features. There is a regular network of roads and paths. The greatest height difference in the area is 45 metres.

Long distance

The long distance terrain stretches from northwest to southeast, and its southern edge is bounded by Lake Zebrus. The relief is moderate overall, with moderately pronounced landforms and detailed microrelief areas, especially in the central and southeastern parts of the map.

In the northern part of the terrain, pine and spruce forests dominate, with very good runnability and wide visibility. In the middle of the map and in the southeast the forest becomes more varied. Mixed forest areas with variable runnability alternate with thicker green sections that slow movement considerably.

Logging has taken place in the forest, and clearings and young stands of various ages can be found in the area. Considering that the competition takes place in early spring, overall runnability is from very good to medium.

The area has a dense network of roads and paths. The greatest height difference in the area is 25 metres.

MAP

Middle distance map - Īle. Prepared between June 2025 and February 2027, using laser scanning data and following the ISOM 2017-2 map specification.

Map author: Ilgvars Caune
Contour interval: 2.5 m

Map samples Īle (2026):

The last version of the Īle (2006) map is available here.

Long distance map - Zebrus ezers. Prepared between October 2026 and February 2027, using laser scanning data and following the ISOM 2017-2 map specification.

Map author: Leonīds Malankovs
Contour interval: 2.5 m

Map samples Zebrus ezers (2015):

The last version of the Zebrus ezers (2015) map is available here.

EMBARGOED AREAS

The embargoed area map is available here.
Competitors, club representatives and supporters who could influence the competition results by being in an embargoed area are not allowed to enter the marked area.

CLASSES

Classes: MW 8*, 10*, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21E, 21A, 21B**, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, OPEN-Short, OPEN-Long, EASY

Notes:
*Marked course - the marking is shown on the map as a red line and in the terrain with plastic tape. Controls are located on the marking.
** MW21B - technically easy course.
OPEN-Short - technically difficult, short course
OPEN-Long - technically difficult, long course
EASY - try orienteering! Technically easy course, suitable for beginners.

Entries in OPEN and EASY classes can be made in advance through the entry system or on the competition day in the competition centre.

COURSES

Middle distance - 03.04.2027
Course planners: Oskars Zērnis, Rūdolfs Zērnis
Scale: 1:7 500 - MW 8*, 10*, 12, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, EASY
Scale: 1:10 000 - MW 14, 16, 18, 20, 21E, 21A, 21B, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, OPEN-Short, OPEN-Long

Long distance - 04.04.2027
Course planners: Oskars Zērnis, Rūdolfs Zērnis
Scale: 1:7 500 - MW 8*, 10*, 12, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, EASY
Scale: 1:10 000 - MW 14, 21B, 40, 45, 50, 55, OPEN-Short, OPEN-Long
Scale: 1:15 000 - MW 16, 18, 20, 21E, 21A, 35

APPROXIMATE COURSE LENGTHS (KM)

Planned winning times are based on LOF and IOF (MW21E) rules.

INFORMATION FOR MW21E COMPETITORS

In the MW21E classes the start draw for both competition days will be based on the IOF World Ranking (WRE) points on 29 March 2027. Competitors will be divided into three or more start groups. The start groups will be formed based on World Ranking points. The start list will be made by drawing competitors within the start groups. The start group with the best ranking points starts last.
Additional information for elite competitors regarding competition rules, the allocation of GPS devices and so on will be published in a separate document a few days before the competition.

ENTRIES AND ENTRY FEES

Entries in all classes through the LOF entry system.
Competitors must provide first name, surname, class, club, ODB number and personal SPORTident card number (or state that an SI card will be rented). MW21E competitors must provide their IOF ID number.
Entry fee payments must be made by the deadline: 28.03.2027.

Entry fees and deadlines:

Entries after 28.03.2027 cost +50%.
Changing a competitor's registration details on the competition day costs 2 EUR.
Until 02.04.2027 changes can be made free of charge by contacting: tomsbaltacis@gmail.com.

In the OPEN and EASY classes the entry fee is 15 EUR per day. If you enter on the competition day, the entry fee in the OPEN and EASY classes does not change. Entry fees must be paid to the OK Saldus bank account. In the payment details, please state the information about the competitor (or competitors) for whom the entry fee is being paid.

SIAC cards can be rented from the organisers: 2 EUR per day. The need to rent must be marked at registration. If a rented card is lost, its value must be paid back (85 EUR).

ORGANISER INFORMATION AND BANK DETAILS

Orienteering Club "Saldus"
Kalnsētas iela 6-1, Saldus, LV-3801
Registration number: 50008089151

Bank account information:
Bank: Swedbank
Account no.: LV77HABA0551009645960
BIC/S.W.I.F.T.: HABALV22

ELECTRONIC PUNCHING SYSTEM

The SPORTident AIR+ electronic punching system will be used at the competition. The controls will work in both classic contact mode and contactless mode. Competitors who have a personal SportIdent or SIAC card must give its number in their entry. SIAC cards can be rented from the organisers: 2 EUR per day. The need to rent must be marked in the entry system at registration. If an SI card is lost, the competitor must pay the organisers its full value (85 EUR).

PRIZE GIVING

• On both competition days, the 1st to 3rd place finishers in MW21E receive prizes.
• In the overall two-day results, the top three competitors in each class receive prizes provided by sponsors.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall in the MW21E classes.
1st place - 200 EUR
2nd place - 100 EUR
3rd place - 50 EUR

SERVICES AT THE COMPETITION CENTRE

• First aid
• Water
• WC
• Shops
• Café
• Kindergarten

COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITY

By taking part in the competition, competitors are themselves responsible for all kinds of risks. During the competition, each competitor takes full responsibility for their own actions and state of health. For competitors under 18 years of age, and for their actions in the competition arena as well as during the course, their parents or the person responsible at that moment are responsible. By entering the competition, competitors confirm that they do not object to photos and video material taken during the Kurzemes Pavasaris orienteering competition being used for any marketing and advertising activities, and that they do not object to their personal data (first name, surname) being published in the start list and the results.

Representatives of Belarus and Russia cannot take part in this competition. More information here.

GETTING TO THE COMPETITION CENTRE

Day 1, 03.04.2027. The competition centre is located near the former Īle sanatorium, 96 km from Riga and 20 km from Dobele. Google maps. There is no public transport near the Īle sanatorium, so competitors can only arrive by their own car.

Day 2, 04.04.2027. The competition centre is located at the "Niedras" holiday complex, 90 km from Riga and 25 km from Dobele. Google maps. There is no public transport near the "Niedras" holiday complex, so competitors can only arrive by their own car.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

Various hotels, hostels and guest houses are available in the town of Dobele and nearby. Dobele is a 14-minute drive from the first day competition centre and is known for its wide tourism offer. Additional information about accommodation in Dobele, tourism and cafés is available at Visit Dobele.

Various hotels, hostels and guest houses are available in the town of Saldus and nearby. Saldus is a 45-minute drive from the first day competition centre. Additional information about accommodation in Saldus, tourism and cafés is available at Saldus tourism.

CLIMATE

In early April the average air temperature around Īle and Biksti usually ranges between +1°C and +15°C. The chance of snow in the terrain at this time of the year is very low.

OTHER INFORMATION

• Participants in Kurzemes Pavasaris must follow the IOF Anti-Doping Rules.
• The competition takes place at a time when there is a risk of tick activity. Be careful and read the IOF information and recommendations.

CONTACTS

Oskars Zērnis
Phone: +371 29455360
Email: oskars9@inbox.lv

Emīls Zērnis
Phone: +358 401446902
Email: emils.zernis@gmail.com