Nopesport

Yet another format graced the UK fixtures list on Sunday when ShUOC put on a race linking some of Sheffields parks into one big race. ‘I had talked about doing this so I decided to just do it’ commented Matt Crane, the planner. There were two courses on offer; a 16.9km "Short" course and a 27km Long! No chance was I doing the long so off I went on the 17km course.

We were dropped out to a starting point where the Long were getting their extra distance by running to. When you got there you were presented with your very own file of orienteering maps, with an OS map of Sheffield to allow you to navigate between them, then off you go! I slogged around it in the rubbish weather getting all sorts of looks as I bounded out of hedges in front of Sunday walkers then out on to the main streets of Sheffield. Local Knowledge was a definite advantage as I struggled with the OS map but overall it was an interesting and enjoyable course which saved the best til last, a burst around Sheffield Uni’s grounds and a final hill to the finish.

The winner of the Long was Neil Northrop, who had a hand in producing the orienteering maps, in a time of 159:00 with Martin Ward taking the short course victory with a time of 111:50. Rachel Elder was 1st woman on the short with a time of 122:30. A special mention must go to James ‘Badger’ Bennett who refused to be beaten by the epic length of the course and finished in a very respectable 250:00. A thanks must go to all who was involved in the organisation of this event. Will we see more of these events in a city near you?!

Full results:
Long, 27.5km, 950m climb, 76 controls
1. Neil Northrop 2.39.00
2. Oli Johnson 2.46.15
3. Mike Sprot 2.48.38
4. Niall Bourke 3.10.00(ish)
5. James Bennett 4.10.00
- James Hargreaves 3.10 (missed Weston Park)
- Ashleigh Field 3.05 (missed Norfolk Park)
- Phil Winskill 3.00(ish) (missed some of Gleadless)
- Matt Crane 2.30.20 (N/C)
Short, 16.9km, 650m climb, 48 controls
1. Martin Ward 1.51.50
2. Charlie Adams 1.57.36
3. Dave Hodkinson 1.58.22
4. Mat Dickinson 1.59.24
5. Rach Elder 2.02.30
6. Shane Ohly 2.04.41
7. Stewart Caithness 2.07.04
8. Alex Bedwell 2.14.10
9. Eleanor West 2.25.04
10. Rory Matheson 2.25.07
11. Tom Bedwell 2.31.00
12. Simon Thomas 2.36.35
13. Roger Lewis 2.43.00
Laura Daniel? (still out there?!)
George? (still out there?!)

Neil Northrop: Urban Long O Victor