Organiser
It was a close call for the Compass Sport Cup and Trophy heats, but we made it in the nick of time before assembly at any event became an unacceptable risk. The weather also did its best to put people off, but I’m pleased to say that most were not deterred in travelling from far and wide to run around the edge of the Cotswolds. Needless to say, mud was the theme of the day, and the rain put a dampener on celebrations at the finish, where runners and supporters were understandably reticent. Despite the gruelling conditions, around 400 runners from 14 clubs made it to download. Congratulations to BOK for going forward to the Cup final, and to Wimborne and Southampton for their place in the Trophy final.
Going home for a hot shower was on most peoples’ minds afterwards, and possibly not being able to escape a very muddy field. I’m sure I speak for everyone (except those with 4-wheel drive) in thanking the parking marshals for their exceptional efforts in getting vehicles out of a slippery situation. We also thank Mr Hannis and his son for being so tolerant of the mess we made of their camp site, and for the towing assistance provided by their trusty tractor.
On a technical matter, many of you might be aware that a taped route for the White course had caused some confusion for runners near the finish, mainly because it had turned into an unmarked path as the event progressed. Opinion was split on how to address complaints. The approach has been to compute the results with and without the final controls on those courses considered affected. The club scores were found to be very similar, and the team order the same. We regret the confusion and hope that our resolution is seen to be fair, as far as club qualification is concerned.
Thanks to all who attended, and to the volunteers who helped run the event so smoothly.
Roger Edwards
NGOC
Planner
I think that in dryer circumstances this would have been the best time of the year to run at Cranham and Coopers Hill and I hope that you found the terrain challenging, not only when running along muddy paths. The shorter courses (A4 map) stayed to the south of the road and made use of the steep sided valleys, while the longer courses reached out to the detailed mapping on Cooper’s Hill (A3 map).
I must thank Alan Honey for controlling the courses and making valuable suggestions, and Mark Saunders who stood in on the day.
Joe Parkinson
NGOC
Lost property : Control descriptions holder (M70+ W60+), found in the forest.