Warminster’s first ever urban orienteering event, run by Sarum Orienteers, saw 135 runners tackle one of eight different courses around the streets, shopping centres and open land in the historic west Wiltshire town.
Planner Carolyn Dent, supported by the experience of Controller Chris Branford, provided some interesting challenges for competitors on a sunny Spring Sunday. From the comments received at the end just about everyone enjoyed themselves, even if some wish they had run just that little bit harder at the end.
Organiser Liz Yeadon did a great job liaising with the local Council, Police and others to ensure that the event went off smoothly and that we were accommodated in the rather plush surroundings of Warminster Sports Centre which made the Computer Team feel rather well looked after, even if they didn’t get to see much of the lovely sunshine.
Thanks must also go to the efficient Start and Finish Teams and the First Aid crew for all their hard work.
For many this was an opportunity to get their street running practice started ahead of the Salisbury City Urban Race which will be run on November 5th in combination with SOC’s November Classic event the following Day. This should be a memorable weekend’s orienteering so put the dates in your diary and spread the word.
The Men’s Open course saw Tom Dobra (M21) of Bristol University OC complete the 7.3k course in just 42:36min. Just over a minute ahead of Mark Burley (M21) of Bristol OK. Jane Baldock (W21) of BOK won the Women’s Open course just 11 seconds ahead of Jo Pickering of Wimborne.
The Women’s Vet. race was won by Wendy Bullen (WIM), Lucy Paton (Souther Navigators) was leading Women’s Super Vet and Sue Hands (WIM) the Women’s Ultra Vet. Winner.
The Junior Women’s race was won by Ella May Rush (W10; BOK), 2 minutes ahead of Lucy Wilkinson (W14; Sarum) who beat fellow club member Matilda Thirkell (W12) by 2 seconds. Paul Gebbet M45; BOK) was leading Men’s Vet, best Men’s Super Vet was Alun Jones (M60; Thames Valley OC) and Philip Gristwood (M60; Mole Valley) best Men’s Ultra Vet.
Barney Steventon-Barnes (M12; SUFFOC) won the Junior Men’s class with Dad Jeremy winning the adult Novice course.
Full results, Splits and Route Gadget
Gallery (Photos by Shane Wilkinson)