11/02/2023 – League 2 – Knockalls Enclosure

Knockalls enclosure is a largely south-facing slope of mixed woodland. Courses have been planned to avoid the worst of the undergrowth and there are some lovely open areas of good running. All courses cross Staunton Meend, an area of open common land, and the longer courses also visit the steep slopes of Rodge Wood with its mighty boulders including the Buck Stone.

Forestry England have declared a large area in the middle of the map out-of-bounds. This is clearly shown on the maps and must not be entered. The courses have been planned so that there is no advantage in doing so.

Please also note that Staunton Meend may only be only be entered and exited via the 6 marked crossing points. It is a condition of our access that boundary walls and fences must not be climbed.

A4, 1:7,500, 5m contour interval, for all courses, georeferenced to a LIDAR base and updated for this event, with control descriptions on the front. To aid clarity, Brown, Blue and Green courses have double sided maps, which should be turned over at the appropriate control.

The start is 300m uphill from Assembly. The Finish is also 300m from Assembly, but in a different direction, so there is no clothing drop.

Course details subject to final controlling.

Please note the following:

There is a short taped route to the start flag from the start boxes, to minimise time spent on a potentially fast MTB track.

The Yellow and Orange courses are both challenging and fairly long, in order to avoid very simple and boring path running alternatives,, to reduce the likelihood of runners choosing routes along potentially dangerous MTB trails, and to ensure that both courses remain within the envelope of the other courses. We advise that Yellow runners have a good look at the map before starting, and are walked through the course before they set off. The Orange course likewise is consciously challenging, but just about within the guidelines for a TD3 course, though with some very long path alternatives.

Green, Blue and Brown courses have a double sided map, to aid clarity in the more constricted parts of the area.

Access to Staunton Meend is only allowed through the marked access points and all gates must be closed after passing through.

We will use SI Timing, in contact and touch free modes. All runners must however punch the Start and Finish controls.

In order to minimise demands on scarce volunteer resources we operate a 90 minute start window, and we recognise that this can be a challenge for parents seeking split starts. We are happy to accommodate split starts provided:

• You let us know in advance that you need a split start. Do this by emailing the organiser, address in the introduction above
• You come early; the start team will normally be ready to allow very early starts sometime between 10:00 and the published 10:30 start time, so aim to be there soon after 10:00. We do not offer starts later than the published end of the start window.
• The shorter course runner goes first. We will not turn you away if you can't manage this, but it gives you both a better chance of beating the course closure time.

Owing to the short day we will also start taking in controls as soon as courses close, so again, if you feel you may be out some time, come early.

Starts: 10:30 - 12:00
Courses close: 13:30, meaning that you must report to download before 13:45, or risk disqualification.

SI dibber hire: Standard dibber £1 Adults, Juniors free

Touch Free dibber: £2 Adults, £1 Juniors

Enter via Fabian4.co.uk by midnight on Wednesday 8th February.

Entry on the day is possible only while maps last, but note the premium price to discourage this. We should by then be able to accept credit/debit card payments, but this is not guaranteed so bring cash just in case.

As the Government has removed all restrictions on events and activities, COVID related refunds are no longer available. The standard Fabian4 terms and conditions offer an automatic refund up to 2 months before the event date, and we do not normally vary this specification. That means that in most cases no refunds are possible, as we do not publish details until less than 2 months before the date of the event.

However, for all except large events we hold entries open until only a day or so before the event, so you can delay entry if unsure whether you can run, until very close to event day.

Dogs are allowed at Assembly and along the parking track, under strict control. Dogs are also allowed on courses.

The NGOC cafe will be present.

Orienteering is an adventure sport. All runners take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety.

There are unofficial mountain bike tracks in this part of the forest and although we will put up warning signs before the event, you may encounter cyclists travelling downhill at speed.

As always in the Forest of Dean, you may encounter wild boar. They will usually run away but if any do stand their ground, back away and chose a different route.

Take care on the steep slopes, especially those to the north of Staunton Meend. These are only visited by the Green course and above.

A risk assessment has been completed, and a copy will be held at Enquiries and Download in case competitors wish to consult it before their run.

A first aid kit and trained first aiders will be available at Enquiries and Download.

Living with COVID

As from 24 February 2022:

• You are not legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19. You should, however, stay at home if you can and avoid contact with other people.
• You do not have to take daily tests, nor are you legally required to self-isolate following contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Nevertheless, although all legal restrictions have ceased, you should NOT attend if you are Covid positive, or suspect you are, and everyone attending should continue taking sensible precautions, such as avoiding close contact, particularly around the Start, Finish, and Assembly.