There are a variety of races. The beginning of the week sets up the qualifiers. Then a small group races for the championship. There are short, middle, and long distance races, as well as multi-day races and relays. Some are in wilderness areas; others are actually mixed open fields and urban. The point is that the "shortest distance" is not always the fastest route--and that is the navigation challenge. You have to plan the route off the topographical map while you are moving forward.