The International Orienteering Federation (IOF) has unveiled a new premium label for World Ranking Events, introducing the Gold World Ranking Event (Gold WRE) status from 2026 and onwards as a major step toward strengthening elite competition and athlete support worldwide.
Each year more than 200 WREs take place across over 35 countries, but the new Gold WRE designation aims to highlight the most prestigious races while helping athletes access high-quality terrains, enhanced visibility, and competing in a strong field of other elite athletes. Often, racing in Gold WRE events will be relevant in the preparations for major, upcoming IOF Events.
Athletes stand to benefit from a clearer overview of events offering financial incentives and strong international fields—particularly appealing for emerging elites not yet competing regularly at WOC or World Cup level.
For organisers, the new label promises boosted publicity through IOF channels, improved sponsorship opportunities, and a potential stepping-stone toward hosting World Cup rounds or even the World Orienteering Championships. The IOF has a selection process where 10 to 15 organisers of Gold WREs weekends annually will be shortlisted.
Link to IOF Eventor Overview of the GOLD WRE Calendar. By establishing the Gold WRE series, the IOF hopes to raise the sport’s profile, strengthen competitive depth, and make elite orienteering more accessible to athletes around the world.
Preliminary GOLD WRE Calendar
The Events below are confirmed to be GOLD WREs in 2026, however more events are expected to be added to the list in the near future. Especially events held in the later parts of 2026.