Daylight saving is here, the formal bush season has finished, which means... it's time for the annual summer series to start around the state.
That's when we turn our attention to navigating our way through some of the most scenic parks, reserves and foreshores that our clubs have mapped. Many newcomers are amazed at the views on offer and the areas they discover through our summer series.
As an example, a map from a previous event is here. The maps usually cover an area of 2km x 1km. The fastest runners will often cover 9-10km in 45 minutes, while the more social may do 2-4km.
It's up to you how competitive or social you are. Here's what's on offer:
* On Wednesday, Newcastle gets underway at Raymond Terrace. See their info page for full details. You only get two minutes of planning time, so make full use of it. Newcastle even offer a pram-walking category (see pic)!
* At the same time at Putney, Sydneysiders will number around 200 for the second event in the Sydney Summer Series. You get unlimited planning time (see picture, left, for a family hard at work). This serves a wonderful social purpose as much as maximising your score. This summer we are offering a free, short, off-road MINI course for children at most events.
* On Saturday morning the SOS, run by our partner Bold Horizons, opens for Term 4 at Gore Hill Cemetery. These are mostly 'Sprint' maps focusing on small, mainly urban areas.
* On Sunday mornings in Dec-Jan, the Western SSS in the Hills District is on, while the Southern SSS (now known as the River and Bay Series) is already underway.
* Coffs Harbour (Wed) and Grafton (Fri) start up in late October.
* In November, summer series start up in the Central Coast, Orange, Wagga and our new club at Port Macquarie will have events roughly every two months.
Beginners will get coaching at the events. We hope to see you there.
