Harvesters

[roadrunner]

My club's always had a problem getting a team for the Harvester (even when it's been local), and the problem was certainly the number and length of the night legs. The last time I remember someone attempting to put together a team, we only had two people who had done night-O (I was one), and both of us would only run short night legs - not 8km or so. We might have stood a chance of getting a team together for the "B" race, but it would probably have failed the handicapping rules - and the guideline makes it clear that there should not be am "open" category on the B race. I think that allowing such a category could be one good way to increase participation.

[NeilC]

There is no official open category on the B but I have regularly entered n/c teams in this race. I've never known an organising club refuse such an entry. Despite being n/c it can still be quite an experience just to attend the event.

[EriOL]

How about:

- Always have it two weeks before Jukola.
- Always combine it with another event (sprint or middle).
- Make sure it's possible to reach the event with low-cost airlines.
- Advertise it abroad.

Most orienteers in Scandinavia doesn't even know that there is a relay with night legs held in the UK every year. It's a shame, because there is a lot of potential in the format.

[Carnage Head]

JOK or other event on the Saturday daytime - yes
Pay a team of organisers to put it on - yes
Start early/beer tent idea - yes! yes! yes!

If adventure races get loads of people going to them, I can't think why a 'relaunched' Harvester would not - night o relays are a real adventure! I'll bring up some of the ideas with my club...

[Adrian]

I've been in initial consultation with POW and JOK about holding the Chasing Sprint and Harvester in Wales in July 2010. The nights being short, the long relays would start and finish in daylight. An urban sprint could be added to make the weekend even better value. Mid Wales isn't especially convenient but, to quote Mr Michelin, il vaut le voyage. (Which good areas in the UK are convenient?)

Whatever happens I think that, like with other big events, the Harvester needs to be arranged at least 12 months in advance, and, as others have mentioned, it needs to be promoted abroad. It ought to be possible to find enough sponsorship to be able to offer free transport for foreign teams from Bham or Cardiff airport to the venue.

Anyway, if anyone thinks my idea is worth pursuing, and you might be able to help in some way, please say so, otherwise it probably won't get off the ground.

[mark2]

June 20th / 21st June on Merthyr Common in South Wales. Fast open area with many negative features - as used for Day 1 of Croeso. Will be a good challenge for Night Orienteering. Spectacular assembly area near the top of the mountain. Being planned / organised by some of the team that brought you the JK in 2007.

Middle races being put on by SWOC on the Saturday afternoon on the technical bit of Clydach Terrace - as used for day 6 of Croeso last year.

As you might appreciate, relatively speaking, a bit of a last minute effort, but I think we will be able to offer you a fine weekend's orienteering. More details to be published in the next month or so.

[EddieH]

That sounds a REALLY GREAT weekend.

[ifor]

Merther Common is a real challenge at night as the Western Night league competitors found out with there first outing of the year. Given a good night sunrise from the top of the hill will be spectacular. If the cloud is down then things could be very interesting, you will want to be well wrapped up in the waiting pen....

Ifor