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The 2011 Sydney Sprint Series kicked off under grey skies at Manly Dam yesterday.
But the cooler than normal weather did not deter the 70 runners who turned up for the first event. There were some notable participants for the 2.7Km run including current Australian Mens elite champion Julian Dent, and another Canberra resident women's elite orienteer, Shannon Jones. The competition was made even more interesting with the Blatchford family making the drive down from Newcastle for the event. The field was also given an international flavour with a number of Swedish orienteers also competing.
The uphill start for the first few controls might have slowed some competitors but the path network around number 5 appears to have caused most problems. With a long leg from 6 to 7 to the NW limit of the map, competitors then made a dash to the finish picking up the last 4 controls along the edge of the dam. It was a close race with Julian winning in 16 minutes, getting the better of Josh (Blatchford) by 2 minutes. Shannon Jones came in third a further 1 minute 26secs behind Josh.
Thanks to Terry Bluett for the first event of the Series. Next week sees the 2nd round being competed in and around Bicentennial Park at Olympic Park, Homebush.
Results and splits for round 1 can be found here .
A short first leg threw a few competitors on this 3.2km sprint course. Planner Mark Shingler was delighted to see Josh Blatchford win the event in a little over 15 minutes, whilst Catherine Murphy (18:46) led home such a large pack of women, the guys will be asking for shorter courses.
Results are here, and Route Gadget with Splitalyzer are here for those with time on their hands.
A minute behind Josh Blatchford was Andy Hill, who did horrible things to his leg during the last sprint that Big Foot organised.
The repaired leg was quick enough to keep him ahead of the first of some flying juniors as Matthew Hill clocked a mean 17:12. He had an excuse with Barbara Hill running the second fastest time for the women, taking 18:53. Splitalyzer shows that Barbara was only 5 seconds behind Matt at number 13, but then lost a minute on 14.
Third fastest woman was Malin Andersson 15 second behind Barbara, and leading in a pack of 5 women.
Thanks to the Shingler family for planning and organising, SOPA for access, Andrew for the recent field work and to the 77 people who came for coming.
Young orienteers can sneak in some school holiday fun at Space Racing on Tuesday 18 January. Space Racing is a challenging but enjoyable form of orienteering that is an ideal introduction to the sport for 9 to 12 year olds. The event will be based adjacent to Lilies on the Park cafe at Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park. Entry will be available between 10am and 1pm. Entry is $10 with newcomers most welcome and families encouraged to tag along and join in the fun! Free introductory coaching will be available on the day.
The traditional season-opening O'Shea 2 days is coming up on 26th and 27th February.
Central Coast Orienteers invite you to two days of orienteering with lots of variety where you can warm up for the coming season. This is an event for PAIRS with three events in one. Saturday afternoon is a Pairs Relay with a long and a short leg. Saturday night is a Line Course for both or one of the pairs (best time to count) and on Sunday morning there is a Score Event.
Sportident timing will be used this year. SI sticks will be available to hire if you don’t have your own.
See the Central Coast website for full details and the entry form.
