The first event in Border Liners Saturday Series 2026 took place on Sunday (sic) 1st February at Hammond’s Pond, a.k.a. Upperby Park, Carlisle. A petite area, new to most people, it had been mapped by Keith who also planned some fine Sprint Courses for experienced orienteers plus the usual Beginners course. Being a nice sunny day, the park was a hive of activity. In addition to orienteers there was football, dog walking, a very fine and busy play area and one very cross swan defending its favourite bit of path.
Both the long and short courses looped multiple times round the area with many twists and turns, making planning your exit route from a checkpoint just as important as actually finding it. Jeff PD took an easy win on the long course (4.2km) taking just 24.20, 3 miniutes ahead of the next 3 closely packed runners – Phil Newall (WCOC) and Border Liners Isabel and Dan. The short course (2.5km) was won by Border Liner Andrew Bell in 23.17, again 3 minutes ahead of the competition. Adele Newall (WCOC) was second with Karen Blackburn (BL) close behind in third. The Novice course (1.8km) was won by Thomas Dalpyn (M10) in 27.30. Coincidentally, he was also won by 3 minutes from Reuben Scott (M10) and Alice Watson. A special mention should also go to Robyn Bradshaw (W5) who despite being the youngest competitor at the event managed the fastest split times on 5 out of the 21 checkpoints.
Post (and in some cases pre) run refreshments were provided by Carlisle Fairtrade Group making for a social atmosphere in which to discuss the day’s courses.
Looking forward Border Liners next event is on 22nd February at Penrith Beacon where we host the North West qualification round of the Compass Sport Cup/Trophy – the national inter-club competition. Following that we move to Miltonrigg Woods near Brampton for more usual fare. A new map is nearly finished and the mapper can report that the woods are looking particularly attractive (and runable) at this time of year – definitely one for the calendar!
Border Liners Orienteering Club 