After the Tasmanian long distance championships were held at Russell Plains in Rocherlea on Saturday, the Cataract Gorge grabbed the limelight on Sunday for the state sprint relay championships.

About 80 entrants set off around the First Basin at 10.30am as the miserable overnight weather gave way to a delightful sunny morning.

The event involved teams of four, with two relay team members competing on a medium-length course and the remaining pair taking to the longer course.

Teams were randomly selected based on approximate running times with the intention of creating a mix of ages, clubs and ability.

Dirk and Kim Nankervis organised the event on behalf of Esk Valley Orienteering Club.

Matthew Patten (Esk Valley, 1:15:03) and Quinn Bissett (Pathfinders, 1:52:48) won the open categories at Saturday's long distance championships.

With the sport back up and running following the COVID-19 shutdowns, the next major event will be at St Helens.

An exciting range of events has been put together to ensure competitors get their fix of orienteering action during the traditional national championships week.

Over the course of 10 days they can complete a fun local event, a night event, a rogaine and three training activities.

The events begin on Saturday, September 26.

Entries close on Friday, September 18.