Preston Guild event 2

The second of the Preston Guild Street League took place last night in less than ideal conditions - the early runners got quite a soaking - but came back declaring wet but warm which I suppose was some consolation (how did the Lancastrians know that it was going to be wet in Preston?) The pleasing aspect was that rather than putting people off we actually had an increase in numbers with more newcomers arriving as a result of being 'Facebooked' by friends who had enjoyed the previous week. The post event chats indicated that everyone enjoyed themselves despite the soggy conditions and was looking forward to the next event in a fortnights time at The Continental - see you there. Bob Nash.  For results follow this link.

More on the Summer Sprint Series

RouteGadget for the Prologue and Final are now available. Also the league tables after the first two events are now published here. Any omissions (such as club or age class) to summersprints@sroc.org please.

Summer Sprint Series - event 2 results

The second event in the sprint series saw a massive turnout in Williamson Park today. Ideal conditions prevailed, sunny but not too warm and very dry underfoot. The intricate path system and many steep slopes caught some people out as always in this challenging area. The new ISSOM map seemed well received, and Jeff Ball's courses were a credit to him as a new planner. Results are now on-line and accessible via the Summer Sprint Series page; click on the icon on the left. Quentin declared himself non-competitive because of his close involvement in the late stages of course planning, and Mike Johnson gallantly disqualified himself in the Final because he transgressed by crossing an uncrossable wall.

Preston Guild street O event 2

The next event in the Preston Series is tomorrow, Wednesday, in Fulwood. The venue is the Sherwood - see the map accessible from the fixtures page. Please note that this is not the location advertised in the paper North West fixtures list.

Summer Sprint Format

Following a request for more information on the sprint series for newcomers over on the SROC Facebook group, here are a few notes which may help explain what we are up to:

The basic format is borrowed more or less from the major Sprint Orienteering events such as the British Champs. In essence there are two separate races, each quite short (though not as short as a sprint on the track!). The first is a qualifier or prologue, and in the British Champs the results from this determine which of several finals you qualify for. Because our events have much smaller numbers of competitors we have just one final. The qualifier is used to determine the start order in the final, with fastest starting last. We use shorter time intervals (15-30 seconds at the discretion of the organiser) in the final and the course has two or more variants. This means that you can't just rely on following the man or woman in front of you since they will probably be taking the controls in a different order. Unlike score events you must follow the order of controls as marked on your map. Everyone ends up doing the same course but parts will have been taken in a different sequence. Overall results (for our events) are simply the total time taken, adding both races together. Straight line distances are typically around 2-3 km and probable winning times are 10 mins and 15 mins for the two races. However some folk will take a lot longer. Everyone is welcome and help is always at hand.

Summer Sprint Series event two

The next exciting instalment in the Summer Sprint Series is to be held on Tuesday 29th May in Williamson Park. Details of where to park etc. have been added to the fixtures page. Please note that we will be based around the butterfly house area, not in the usual spot at the bottom car park. League tables will be published after event 2. With a total of five events in the series, results will be based on a runner's best three scores. There will be prizes for several categories, the same as last year. These will be Men's and Women's Open, Junior Men and Women (M/W14-) and Veteran Men and Women (M/W 55+).

Preston Guild event one

The Preston Guild street orienteering series got off to a great start this evening, revisiting a venue from last Summer's series. Bob Nash once again provided an excellent course using his own map of Ribbleton. RouteGadget is ready to receive routes and the results will be published as soon as possible, and will accessible via this link.

SROC Northern Champions

Congratulations to the new Northern Champions crowned at the event held on High Dam today: Finlay Johnson (M10A), Lawrence Johnson (M14A), Zoe Harding (W18E) and Quentin Harding (M50L). Other notable performances include Miriam Rosen's 3rd in W60L and Sue Roome's 1st in W60S. Also Dick Collins and Philip Gager were 1st and 2nd respectively in M65S. More results at http://www.mdoc.org.uk/tp2012/

Preston Guild 2012 street orienteering series

A reminder that street orienteering returns to the streets of Preston this summer. This is a special series to celebrate the Preston Guild which only occurs every 20 years so this is an unique opportunity to compete for the Preston Guild Trophy. The series begins next Wednesday, 23rd May. More information can be obtained by clicking on the Guild tab on the left hand side of this page. Bob Nash - Series Organiser.

European Orienteering Championships

Follow SROC’s own Heather Gardner representing Great Britain at the European Championships on http://www.eoc2012.se/ There is live streaming so you can follow her real time via her GPS tracker. Yesterday was the middle heats and the competition was stronger than in the World Champs (as the worlds elite are mostly European and there are up to 6 running from each country). Today was the classic qualification and Heather is through to Friday's final!

Summer Sprint Series

The first Summer Sprint Series event wa s held on the popular tricky area of Salt Ayre and Scale Hall this evening. Glenys Ferguson found some new route choice challenges and managed an interesting Prologue and exciting Final. AIRE visitor Leon Foster was a clear winner on both courses. All results are now available via the series webpage and RouteGadget is also available for both halves.

Sizergh POC launch event results

The new permanent course at Sizergh was launched with due ceremony last evening. Members of Silverdale Scouts and Beavers plus a few seasoned orienteers and adult newcomers enjoyed the sunshine and the challenge set out by Julian Lailey. British Champions Quentin Harding and Natalie Beadle were on hand to present certificates to finishers. Results from Sizergh may be viewed here.

Missing Club equipment

Could members, particularly those who have organised events this year, please look to see if they have any club equipment as there are some items missing. Missing items include one of the blue folding picnic tables, and signs including 'Download'. Please contact Peter Knott if you have any items. The amnesty period will last for a week or so !

Silverdale to Flookburgh Cross Bay Walk Sunday 27th May

In our quest to bring you new adventures, SROC invites you to join this official walk led by guide Alan Sledmore. The walk starts from Gibraltar Farm Caravan Site at 10.30. Martyn and Sue Roome have already booked on to it, so please book directly as indicated below and let Martyn and Sue Martyn@mroome.myzen.co.uk know you are attending. Those who have done it say that it is an experience not to be missed, so come along!

SROC Summer Sprint series starts soon

The 2012 summer sprint series starts on Monday 14th May at Salt Ayre, Lancaster. The other four events in the series will be held on Tuesday evenings over the next few weeks. Each event consists of two races: a prologue, with start times of 18.30-19.00, swiftly followed by a reverse order final with short start intervals and gaffling/butterflies. The intention is to recreate a full sprint format event in miniature, with the chance to socialise during and after. All five events will be on ISSOM standard maps. fees are £3/£1 and once again we are offering a discount if the whole series is entered in advance. More details on the Sprint Series webpage and the fixture list.

Beginners Very Welcome. The event is very suitable for complete beginners as you can walk/take it at your own pace and as with almost all orienteering there is no mass start, so you will not feel pressured by others. Full help and guidance will be given prior to the first start time of 6.30pm. Beginners can contact Martyn Roome on Martyn@mroome,myzen.co.uk if they want more information.

New POC launch

There will be a special event to launch the new Permanent Orienteering Course created at Sizergh Castle on Tuesday evening, 8th May. Starts are from 18.15 and the event will use SI electronic punching. This event replaces the regular Tuesday club training session, but fear not, there will be a session organised at Sizergh after you have had a chance to run! This will include the increasingly popular Ultimate Frisbee match. All welcome!

British Relays medal haul

Many congratulations to the victorious W50 team of Karen Nash, Mary Ockenden and Sue Harding at the British Relay Champs held on the SROC area of Helsington Barrows today. Impressive performances also from Heather Gardner, Katrin Harding and Zoe Harding (2nd in Women's Premier), Andy Quickfall, Gavin Smith and Quentin Harding (2nd M50), Julian Lailey, Brian Jackson and Martyn Roome (2nd M60) and Helen Ockenden, Annie Ockenden and Kira Browne (3rd W18). More results on the BOC 2012 website.

Three Golds for Hardings at the British Championships!

Quentin Harding overcame a throat infection earlier in the week to claim another British title in M50L in Eskdale today. Sisters Zoe and Katrin also claimed 1st place in W18E and W20E. Other notable results were Heather Gardner's 2nd place in W21E, Finlay Johnson's 3rd in M10A and Mike Ormerod's and Sue Roome's wins in M65S and W60S. Sarah Watkins was 2nd in W35S, Philip Gager was 3rd in M65S and Niamh Marlow finished 3rd in W12B. Other top ten results went to Mike Johnson (8th M50L), Jon Carberry (8th M50S), Karen Quickfall (4th W45S), Karen Nash (6th W50L), Mary Ockenden (10th W50L). Full results on the BOC 2012 website.