Click here to download these details in PDF format.
| Date | Event | Parking | Organiser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 1st November 10:00-12:00, allocated start times Finish by 13:30 |
Score Event Chalford |
GL6 8PP | Greg Best, 07989 276668 |
Details updated 24/10 with parking, toilet and late entry information
Following our Chalford Halloween Night and WNL event, we are pleased to invite daytime runners to try their hand at the same course as used the previous evening for the Western Night League.
Needless to say event logistics are a little different from how they were in pre-COVID days:
The event will be pre-registration only, with allocated start times.
On-line entries have now closed. However, there is a small number of spare maps, so email the organiser if you wish to reserve one. You will then be asked to transfer the entry fee before the event. This will include a £2 late entry premium.
Travel and Parking
Use the link in the table above for parking details and a link to directions. The event will be signed from the cross roads near Christ Church.
Parking will consist of 3 industrial unit sites close to the main A419 road. Follow the orienteering signs. First, we will fill up P1, shown in the map below, then P2 will be the overflow. P3 will be used by helpers. The route to the Start will not be taped, so it is recommended that you print this map (click on it to expand it).
The Start/Download is inside the bus shelter by the small green/roundabout at the bottom of Marle Hill, adjacent to the A419. This is also shown on the map above.
The Area
Chalford offers an intriguing and eclectic mix of scenes and terrain. It has great charm and historical interest and this will be a different kind of urban race in beautiful rural surroundings! You can read more about this interesting area in the Legend article published prior to the first race there in 2018.
There is maze of narrow alleys and quiet lanes, interspersed with parks, fields and woods to add variety. Chalford is set on the side of a steep hill, so expect some stiff climbs! At least the Finish is placed kindly at the bottom of the hill.
Although there is plenty of tarmac, there is also a lot of woodland paths, fields and rougher paths, so shoes with some grip would be the best choice. Metal studs are certainly NOT suitable. Three paths have short stretches that are quite muddy and these are highlighted on the map so you can avoid these if you prefer.
This event will visit some of the extremities of the area not used previously.
The Map
This is an urban-style map at 1:5,000 with 5m contour interval, printed on waterproof paper. Control descriptions will be printed on the map and will also be available loose at the Start. Maps will be double-sided A3 paper, as the area is too large to fit on one side. However, controls can be visited in any order – this is NOT an “odds n evens” event.
Please make yourself familiar with the urban map symbols below for out of bounds and uncrossable features.
Event Details
This is a 75 minute Score event, so 15 minutes over the usual 60 for FREE! The extra time will hopefully make it feasible for the fastest runners to visit all corners of the map and give lesser mortals the chance to catch their breath on the hills! There are 30 controls, 20 of which are worth 15 points and 10 of which are worth 30 points. There is a penalty of 1 point per 6 seconds late, 1 bonus point per 6 seconds early if all controls visited. There is no specific yellow course this time, but as many of the controls are on roads or paths, it is easy for novices to make up an appropriate course.
Due to the number of roads, children under 16 are not allowed unless accompanied by an adult.
We will be using SI electronic timing, in normal punching mode. Controls will NOT be SIAC enabled, meaning that you must punch all controls as well as the start and finish controls. You can hire a timing chip if necessary.
Times and Costs
Starts: 10:00 – 12:00, pre-allocated on Fabian4, Courses close: 13:30
Entry: £6 Seniors (£7 for non-BOF members)
SI timing chip hire: £2 seniors.
FACILITIES
It is now confirmed that there will be 2 toilets available at the village hall – see map above for the location. Please sanitise hands before and after use and follow social-distancing protocol.
EVENT PROCEDURE
Start
When you register on Fabian4 you can select a start time. To avoid congregation at the start, which is in a public part of Chalford, we’d ask you to follow the following start procedure:
Wait in your car (or warm up away from the start) until a short time before your designated start time.
When your start time arrives: sanitise your hands, take a control description sheet, dib Clear and Start, pick up a map from the table in the bus stop. Note that maps will have been printed several days before the event, and not handled since, so should be safe to handle.
Out on the course
There are narrow streets and footpaths where you may encounter other runners and members of the public. Be sure to wait, give people space and give way.
Finish
The Finish is by the Start. Once you’ve finished, be aware of the social distancing guidelines and don’t congregate in large groups to compare results. You can always compare afterwards online. Results will be posted on the NGOC website afterwards.
SAFETY
A risk assessment has been completed, and a copy will be held at the Start/Download in case competitors wish to consult it before their run.
The Organiser’s number is 07989 276668 and is printed on the loose control descriptions. You MUST report to download even if you retire. All Competitors compete at their own risk. However, don’t let all this put you off… take care and have fun!
A first aid kit will be available at Registration.
Being a semi-urban event, there are obviously many roads to follow and to cross. Many of these roads have no pavement and appropriate care will be needed. However, most roads are very quiet with only the occasional slow-moving car.
Take care on steps, as some of these can be slippy.
There are two level crossings over the railway, which are highlighted on the map. One is manually operated by a railway official and the other is just a footpath over the railway, so needs special care. Both of these may result in some time-loss.