Nopesport

The biggest event of the UK calender kicked off this year with a new race. The 1st JK sprint race was held alongside the traditional training day on Good Friday. A sunny Temple Newsam Estate was the venue for this invite only race which was planned to be a spectacle for all to watch. The start and finsh was set in an old Auditorium which was built into the side of bank and this was complemented by commentary and spectator controls culminating in a very enjoyable race to watch and a good advert for the sport generally.

The women were off 1st with Irish International Niamh O'Boyle leading them off on the 2.5km course. It was Britain's biggest name in womens orienteering, Heather Monro, who took the victory, continuing where she left off at the British Championships, despite the slight confusion that she had been entered in the mens race by accident. British Army's Sarah Rollins took 2nd 19secs down on Heather with Jenny Whitehead 8secs further back in 3rd.

The 13 strong line-up of the men went off next with just as an impressive list of accolades amongst them including the current british sprint champion, 2006 PWT prologe winner and multiple international titles. David Brickhill-Jones looked to be the favourite going into this race but it was Graham Gristwood who took the victory continuing his impressive start to 2006. 'BJ' was 19secs back with jwoc sprint champion Scott Fraser finishing 3rd and completing the top 3 of the mens race.

The race was then open for anybody to have a go and test them selves against Britains best. See the results here

This was a great addition to the overall weekend and a really good spectacle to open the event. Lets hope the success of this years race will secure it as a permenant fixture at future JKs.

Check out all the results here

Find pictures of the race here