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It was a real learning experience to navigate between the buildings at UWS Campbelltown at SHOO's most recent Summer Saturday. Narrow paths and a chequerboard of gardens required plenty of planning before the run to make the most of the course set by Stephan Wagner.
Several runners were disappointed when after getting back within the time limit, they discovered they had missed a control. Control 19 right out on the edge of the map, and control 4 square in the middle of the map were easily overlooked and it was difficult to fit them into a planned course flow. Others were puzzled when the sculpture of a rabbit, such a perfect place to put a control, was bereft of an SI box. It was so tempting they ran there anyway. A good example of not trying to second guess the planner but to read the map really carefully.
Patrik Gunnarsson (BF) again showed his speed and cunning to get around the course within time and with maximum points. He was closely followed by Lawrence Jones (UR) who was a victim of Control 4. Steve Cooper (SH) is creeping up the places after a strong run, taking advantage of the new part of the map to catch up some speed. Sheena Robertson (NC) was very pleased with her run and is currently well ahead in the Women's competition. Lyn Malmgron is coming a not-too-close second.
Jai Cooper (SH) again showed his speed and came first with Lachlan Brooks (SH) close behind. Jai was also a big help bringing in controls. After his achievements in running the Easy course on his own, Lachlan wanted more so out he went out on the Score course in far more technical terrain and managed to beat 5 other seasoned orienteers. It will pay to watch both of these boys as their skills develop.
Hannah Davey (SH) is a clear winner in the Girls Easy course and her map reading skills will soon allow her to attempt some parts of the course on her own. Two more events to go before event presentation. Prizes go to best 5 out of 6 results. See the SHOO web site for current placings.
As well as all the skill on show, SHOO running were also sporting their new club shirts. Produced by SIVEN these shirts are unlikely to last any international matches as they will be a target for 'would you like to swap with me' conversations!
Next Saturday 2nd February SHOO's Summer Saturday will be at Picton. This map has been rescaled to allow for even more detail. It should prove a challenge for most runners.
Uringa club members were out in force to cope with the large crowds expected, and delivered, at the recent Sydney Summer Series event on Wednesday. Some 250+ runners of all ages came along, with families, elites and diehards all rubbing shoulders at the start. The map was named 'Snail's Bay' but there was nothing sluggish about winners Andrew Hill and Richard Green who both got 600 points in the allotted 45 minutes. With 54 of the runners getting 500 points or over it was a course for fast thinking and quicker legs.
Wendy Stevenson, who last year scored an amazing 1200 points to win the Veteran Women's category with an unsurpassed 100 point average over 26 events, is this year appearing in the Walker's category due to some injury problems. ONSW Comms predicts that this speedster will be back on sparkling form soon, but in the meantime Michelle Povah of Bennelong is doing a good job of showing Wendy how it is done in the Walking category.
Space Racing has had a successful maiden launch on Sydney's northern beaches at Curl Curl. 28 official entries plus at least another 20 younger siblings tagging along, were met with temperatures in the mid-20s (so about 20 degrees cooler than last Friday at Centennial Park), a flat course entirely off-road, and lots of lovely bushy stretches among the hockey, football, cricket and netball fields of John Fisher Park.
4km was needed to get the lot, and that's what 8 entries did under time. Big Foot's Ewan Shingler flew around in 27m18s, exactly 1 minute ahead of early pacesetter Joanna Hill of Garingal (the new W12A Oceania champion). The long trek from 'the other side' was worth it for IKO's Dominic Lane, an old hand at this format, who was third in 34m12s. There were 5 clubs represented in the first 7 placegetters, and 6 clubs all up. About half a dozen local mums and more than a dozen of their 20 kids turned up at 9.30am for their first taste of Space Racing and left asking when our next adventure is. Some of the mums are even keen to do a SSS soon. Later entrants were happy to take their time and not worry about scores, ensuring a stress-free outing in a beautiful location. Thanks again to all the volunteer coaches and helpers on the day - you help us present our sport in the best possible light to new audiences.
Our winter dates are April 17 (Bicentennial Park, SOP), July 2 (Fred Caterson Reserve, Castle Hill) and Sep 24 (Bicentennial Park, SOP). Sydney clubs - please spread the word among your members about these adventures for juniors.
NSW Junior Elites are giving away their secrets this February and running an orienteering training course. Over four weeks, they will teach the skills required to succeed in the bush. In addition, the Captains of the 2012 NSW Schools Team, Matt Hill and Michele Dawson, will run a 5th session at the first Metro League of the year at Mitchell Park in order to help you get accustomed to the bush.
This course is open to both newcomers to the sport and those who are experienced in the Sydney urban events. It will take place from 8-10am on Saturday mornings, mostly on the North Shore.
If you have ever wanted to move from the streets into the bush, now is the time!
Price (covers all sessions and includes free entry to Mitchell Park event):
$75 for individuals (or $25 a week)
$100 for families
For more details, contact Matthew Hill on 0466 878 679. Pre-registration for sessions essential
