Thanks to the officials and on-the-day helpers for such an enjoyable event.
Here is the report Dan has written for the local newspapers:
The latest event in Border Liners Orienteering Club’s Saturday Series took place on 14th March at Miltonrigg Woods, just to the east of Brampton. The fine weather allowed dappled sunlight to illuminate the woodland floor and with almost no undergrowth fast running was rewarded so long as it was accompanied by accurate navigation. The only things to really slow the running were the numerous ditches, full of water after recent rain, making a good long jumping technique beneficial.
Four courses, of different lengths and technical difficulty, were planned by Ian Cumpstey with the longest, Green, course taking a double loop of the area. This was won by Steve Birkinshaw of West Cumberland in a time of 32:44 for 4.7km, with fellow club member Jamie Rennie coming in a close second. Jamie made a technical error on the first control which put him on the back foot and despite a good patch in the middle of the race Steve eventually pulled away, winning by over a minute. The next 4 places were taken by Border Liners with Jeff Powell Davies third in 35:55 and first lady Karen Parker fourth in a time of 37:22. Taking a little longer, the top juniors on the course were the team of Mac Murray, Eden Murray and Oakley Wilson.
The Short Green course of 3.1km was won by Edinburgh runner Finlay Ross in a very rapid time of 32:10, winning every stage bar one. Border Liner Stella Lewsley was second, and first lady, 5 minutes behind with SOLWAY veteran Dave McQuillen third. The Very Short Green course (1.5km) was a tussle between the M/W80s with Dave Fenwick of West Cumberland coming out a clear winner in 32:01 ahead of Border Liner Angela Whitworth in second.
The fastest running of the whole event was reserved for the technically easy Yellow course designed for juniors and newcomers to the sport. This was won by Thomas Hartley (M14) of Border Liners in a phenomenally quick time of 10:28 at a speed of 6.1 minutes per kilometre. Second was Border Liner Quinn Russell (M12) in a time of 17:00 with Eartha McEwen (W12) third just 38 seconds behind.
The next event in Border Liners’ Saturday Series is on 25th April at Coombs Wood near Armathwaite. A selection of courses will be on offer, suitable for beginners, intermediates and experienced orienteers.
Border Liners Orienteering Club 