Border Liners continued their return to competitions with a successful club event on the slopes of Gowbarrow in the Ullswater valley. Organiser Richard Evans planned two super courses making the best of the intricate moorland terrain and only occasionally crossing the popular tourist paths. With the bracken low and the ground generally dry underfoot it was an event to favour stronger runners.
Wainwright record-breaker Steve Birkinshaw of the West Cumberland Orienteering Club (WCOC) was fastest by a clear margin around the 4km (200m climbing) Green course with an outstanding time of 27.25. Three Border Liners then filled the top five with Jeff Powell Davies second (35.26), Keith Tonkin third (37.44) and David Mainwaring fourth (39.21). Susan Skinner (WCOC) was first female finisher in 50.13 with Border Liner Isabel Berry having a good run to finish just behind Susan in 51.24.
Charlotte Somers-Cocks of the Lakeland Orienteering Club took first place on the 2.8km (140m climbing) Short Green course with excellent results from Dave McQuillen (Solway) and Michael Pearson (WCOC) to finish second and third. Their times were 38.04, 47.29 and 50.38 respectively. Making the top ten, Liner Chris Lates took a well-earned seventh place with 57.16.
Border Liners next event is on Saturday 12th June around England’s highest market town. Alston’s industrial heritage of old buildings, open spaces and narrow alleyways make it perfect for tricky urban navigation. Details of the event will be available on Border Liners new website: www.borderlinersorienteering.org
David Rawle
Border Liners Orienteering Club 