What a glorious Spring day it was. Fonthill Abbey Woods looked to be at their best with bright sunshine streaming through the trees seeming to welcome orienteers to a great day’s navigational challenge.
What a glorious Spring day it was. Fonthill Abbey Woods looked to be at their best with bright sunshine streaming through the trees seeming to welcome orienteers to a great day’s navigational challenge. However looks can deceive – as over 200 competitors realised as they suddenly found that they had to navigate through woods that were thick with storm-blown brashings and fallen trees, making for very tough going in many places.
Of course, it’s the same for everyone – but not those with shorter legs or those that don’t bend properly. At least two Sarum runners had painful falls with Gwyn Davies beating Peter Hambleton for the most spectacular face-plant. You should see the bruise on my chest today though! Despite these incidents and a number of retirements most seemed to go home with smiles, rather than blood, on their faces.
Well done to Ben Chesters (Devon) who won the Brown course (wearing a Sarum shirt – for old times’ sake) and to Hugh Holmes of Sarum (10th place). Clive Hallett (BOK) led home the Blue course runners with Neal Jacobs best placed Sarum runner (13th). A very competitive Green course was won by Jackie Hallett (BOK) just under a minute ahead of Sarum’s Andrew Graham. Sarum took the honours on Short Green thanks to Martin Goddard and, of course, best falls of the day. Light Green was won by Andrew Grant (IND), Orange by Max Duncan (Sarum), Yellow by Elara Jacobs and White by Max Landrigan (BOK).
Particular congratulations to Max Duncan who not only won Orange but then went out to for his first try at a Light Green course – and came in fourth, achieving the badge standard time. We are not worthy!
Thanks to Denise Mullins, for organising such lovely weather and a smooth running event; to Planner Dave Mullins for interesting courses and Controller Karen French who ensured the control kites were all visible. Thanks also to the usual willing Sarum Volunteers who all contributed to a good day out.
Click here for full results and enjoy the gallery below, courtesy of Brian Hart.
More photos of runners from other clubs are here .
