THE ROUTE
Moderators: [nope] cartel, team nopesport
Re: THE ROUTE
It would be interesting to see an analysis afterwards. How much did this cost (in cash, staff time, volunteer time) and what did BO get out of it? Do the events contribute towards participation targets? Did it results in any new members? How does this compare to other (club-led) activities?
- Rosine
- red
- Posts: 182
- Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 8:46 pm
- Location: Not mainland UK according to most couriers...
Re: THE ROUTE
A google search of "The Route" did not bring it up, i had to find it from the BOF website.
Its not supposed to be Orienteering, its an event to bring other sports into Orienteering. Its hard to get new people into the sport, we have tried several events straight after parkrun but not a single person wanted a go. The next idea was to put "Orienteers" into the parkrun and have them "dib controls" on the parkrun course. I know of local clubs who have challenged "Running Clubs" to an event. It would be a 5km X-Country run, with a few controls (1.5 km out, 5 controls, 1.5km back)...
"running and map reading; thats not for me."
Its not supposed to be Orienteering, its an event to bring other sports into Orienteering. Its hard to get new people into the sport, we have tried several events straight after parkrun but not a single person wanted a go. The next idea was to put "Orienteers" into the parkrun and have them "dib controls" on the parkrun course. I know of local clubs who have challenged "Running Clubs" to an event. It would be a 5km X-Country run, with a few controls (1.5 km out, 5 controls, 1.5km back)...
"running and map reading; thats not for me."
- Mr D
- white
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:21 am
Re: THE ROUTE
There is some more detail about what BO is trying to achieve in the article on the website.
This is about attracting newcomers into orienteering related events, with the potential that they may then move onto "proper orienteering". It's obviously aimed at a people who do mud races, challenge events, etc. It's using the same concepts as the Red Bull races, but without the Red Bull brand.
Trailplus appear to have been successful for another customer, the National Trust, in attracting a younder demographic to an event series. I'm expecting The Route will also get good attendance.
The first Route event in Delamere clashes with a UKOL race in Rugby on 25th March but that doesn't matter. The Route isn't aimed at orienteers who would be going to the Midland Champs weekend UKOL race.
This is about attracting newcomers into orienteering related events, with the potential that they may then move onto "proper orienteering". It's obviously aimed at a people who do mud races, challenge events, etc. It's using the same concepts as the Red Bull races, but without the Red Bull brand.
Trailplus appear to have been successful for another customer, the National Trust, in attracting a younder demographic to an event series. I'm expecting The Route will also get good attendance.
The first Route event in Delamere clashes with a UKOL race in Rugby on 25th March but that doesn't matter. The Route isn't aimed at orienteers who would be going to the Midland Champs weekend UKOL race.
Martin Ward, SYO (Chair) & SPOOK.
I'm a 1%er. Are you?
I'm a 1%er. Are you?
-
Spookster - god
- Posts: 2267
- Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2003 1:49 pm
- Location: Sheffield
Re: THE ROUTE
Mr D wrote:A google search of "The Route" did not bring it up, i had to find it from the BOF website.
Its not supposed to be Orienteering, its an event to bring other sports into Orienteering. Its hard to get new people into the sport, we have tried several events straight after parkrun but not a single person wanted a go. The next idea was to put "Orienteers" into the parkrun and have them "dib controls" on the parkrun course. I know of local clubs who have challenged "Running Clubs" to an event. It would be a 5km X-Country run, with a few controls (1.5 km out, 5 controls, 1.5km back)...
"running and map reading; thats not for me."
Well there's a surprise. "The Route" is a VERY wide term so why expect to land on a page talking about an event that's only just been launched?? It's like googling "The Breakfast" and expecting to land on the page for Kellogs Special K.
That's why the organisers will need to get the name out there and talked about by other methods, which they have started because you know about it and are posting about it.
We tried and gave up on Park Runners, maybe they don't want to have a go because they are knackered after running 5 k. We have attracted some along to street events and these have moved into "proper" orienteering but we need to accept that orienteering is a subset of running and it's not for all, much like cyclo cross is not for all cyclists.
One area where a number are coming from is Triathlon, especially they seem to like our Countryside Score runs (predecessor of Run Challenge which copied it). They like the idea of track running for an hour and a pub at the end.
- DM
- brown
- Posts: 577
- Joined: Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:47 pm
Re: THE ROUTE
I haven't got scientific evidence to back this up, but from limited experience I would say it's better to publicise a nearby (suitable) Sunday event to park runners as many won't want to do two runs in one day, or mix activities. We had about 6 park runners turn up to a local park orienteering event the following Sunday. The other thing that helped was that two of us gave out leaflets personally to park runners as they left the finish area, giving us a chance to sell orienteering. 6 might sounds like a low number, but I think it's a big thing trying something new, for many people they will need to be reminded several times, so that's a good result IMHO.
I agree though that there are lots of other groups that might be easier to sell to than park runners. Trail runs seem a good place.
Publicity is definitely an area where club focused RDO's could help - spreading best practice and encouraging people. There's plenty out there. Eg. TVOC's combination of great publicity and suitable events is giving great long term membership growth rates (5-10% per year?).
Spookster - it wasn't clear in the BO article, are TrailPlus receiving any money from BO to help support these events? And if so (to prevent the inevitable anger) is any of this money coming from orienteers, or is it all SportEngland development initiative money?
I agree though that there are lots of other groups that might be easier to sell to than park runners. Trail runs seem a good place.
Publicity is definitely an area where club focused RDO's could help - spreading best practice and encouraging people. There's plenty out there. Eg. TVOC's combination of great publicity and suitable events is giving great long term membership growth rates (5-10% per year?).
Spookster - it wasn't clear in the BO article, are TrailPlus receiving any money from BO to help support these events? And if so (to prevent the inevitable anger) is any of this money coming from orienteers, or is it all SportEngland development initiative money?
- SeanC
- god
- Posts: 2251
- Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Kent
Re: THE ROUTE
SeanC wrote:park runners
Before clubs wring their hands too hard about how few parkrunners come orienteering, ask yourself how many club members attend your local parkrun regularly.
By becoming a familiar and regular part of your parkrun community you're far more likely to pique curiosity and get people realizing that orienteers are runners (which we are, aren't we?). New faces might start appearing knowing that they'll be among familiar, and hopefully friendly, company.
- Sunlit Forres
- diehard
- Posts: 615
- Joined: Thu Mar 26, 2009 11:57 pm
- Location: Moravia
Sauce for the Goosed?
SeanC wrote:... are TrailPlus receiving any money from BO to help support these events?
Surely you mean "How much levy are they paying?". Or maybe it's one of those partnership agreements like the JK? I mean, we just had an AGM where BO explained in such convincing detail why its essential to raise money from events. Surely they didn't forget already?
WOC2024 Edinburgh
Test races at SprintScotland (Alloa/Falkirk) and Euromeeting (near Stirling).
Test races at SprintScotland (Alloa/Falkirk) and Euromeeting (near Stirling).
-
graeme - god
- Posts: 4726
- Joined: Thu Feb 12, 2004 6:04 pm
- Location: struggling with an pɹɐɔ ʇıɯǝ
Re: THE ROUTE
TrailPlus wrote:Whilst we pride ourselves and delivering industry-leading functional and logistical solutions for all aspects of sports event management, it is often our creative touch and inventive twists that appeal to our clients.
Clicking on the 'See The Map' link on this page http://www.the-route.co.uk/the-locations/ takes you to a housing estate near Northwich called Delamare Park. Is this a 'Creative Touch' or an 'Inventive Twist''?
The Red Bull events were no doubt great fun for the few that took part but looked like an abject failure in terms of attracting newcomers to orienteering, so why repeat the exercise?
I've no objection to investing money in new initiatives either directly or via Levy discounts, but when its a bunch of people with a track record of failure employing a bunch of people who know nothing about orienteering its no surprise you get this sort of nonsense.
To oblivion and beyond....
-
buzz - addict
- Posts: 1197
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:45 pm
- Location: Sheffield
Re: THE ROUTE
Buzz - you're being a touch harsh. That looks like a typo for their google map link. I've seen the same mistake at plenty of club events. I've emailed them to let them know.
I don't know how many people from the Red Bull events went to club orienteering later, but that's not necessarily the main aim. Here's a clue from Mike Hamilton's quote on the BO website:
That's orienteering related activities, not runs at club events. I believe these activities count as participation in the same way as runs at club events. I assume SportEngland are happy with this, and I can see that if the market for crossover orienteering/trail racing/obstacle racing events can be expanded, this might be an easy way to expand "participation" if defined as anything orienteering related.
I hope local clubs will be going along to these races to promote their club orienteering events. Anyone doing this is more likely to be interested in orienteering than the standard "I don't leave the tarmac/go more than 10 miles from my door" local runner.
But that still leaves the question, "where is the club orienteering development?" What BO offer isn't enough IMHO and if they can't offer it, who can/should? Get all the UK O clubs expanding at the rate of TVOC and MOR (for example), then the extra participation from the TrailPlus/PerfectMotion events will seem insignificant. Everyone would be happy - the members and the funding bodies.
I don't know how many people from the Red Bull events went to club orienteering later, but that's not necessarily the main aim. Here's a clue from Mike Hamilton's quote on the BO website:
Mike Hamilton wrote:We are delighted to be in partnership with Perfect Motion and TrailPlus and are very excited about the launch of The Route. Our aim is to raise the profile of orienteering skills across the country and encourage more people to get involved in orienteering related activities in a new and exciting way.
That's orienteering related activities, not runs at club events. I believe these activities count as participation in the same way as runs at club events. I assume SportEngland are happy with this, and I can see that if the market for crossover orienteering/trail racing/obstacle racing events can be expanded, this might be an easy way to expand "participation" if defined as anything orienteering related.
I hope local clubs will be going along to these races to promote their club orienteering events. Anyone doing this is more likely to be interested in orienteering than the standard "I don't leave the tarmac/go more than 10 miles from my door" local runner.
But that still leaves the question, "where is the club orienteering development?" What BO offer isn't enough IMHO and if they can't offer it, who can/should? Get all the UK O clubs expanding at the rate of TVOC and MOR (for example), then the extra participation from the TrailPlus/PerfectMotion events will seem insignificant. Everyone would be happy - the members and the funding bodies.
- SeanC
- god
- Posts: 2251
- Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Kent
Re: THE ROUTE
SeanC wrote:ou're being a touch harsh. That looks like a typo for their google map link
Crap.... looks to me like their organisation is crap. Location is one of the main selling points... oh... but middle of a housing estate... that's the way to go... crap
Go orienteering in Lithuania......... best in the world:)
Real Name - Gross
http://www.scottishotours.info
Real Name - Gross
http://www.scottishotours.info
-
Gross - god
- Posts: 2693
- Joined: Sat Dec 13, 2003 11:13 am
- Location: Heading back to Scotland
Re: THE ROUTE
SeanC wrote:I assume SportEngland are happy with this.
I think you've hit the nail on the head. This is exactly the sort of thing that Sport England will be delighted with (they wouldn't notice the 'typos'). My point is that BO is supposed to be developing Orienteering not keeping Sport England happy and spending money on projects and programmes that look good on paper but have no substance to them.
To oblivion and beyond....
-
buzz - addict
- Posts: 1197
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:45 pm
- Location: Sheffield
Re: THE ROUTE
Joe Soltysik from PerfectMotion responded to my email today and said.
(I offered to post something here on their behalf).
And here is their press release.
Good Afternoon Sean
Thank you for your email. My name is Joe and I’m the PR account manager at Perfect Motion. We are very excited about the Route and would love for orienteering clubs to get involved and come along. I’ve had a look at the Nopesport page and if you would put some copy on there for me that would be fantastic.
I’ve attached a general promotional piece that has links to our social media pages. We are actively encouraging groups to get involved so any kind of feedback/dialogue on the page is fantastic for us.
Best wishes
Joe
P.S We have updated the map to correct the post code, very good spot!
(I offered to post something here on their behalf).
And here is their press release.
Unleash your inner adventurer – The Route is coming.
Three stunning locations, hundreds of adventurers and an unlimited amount of fun; British Orienteering in partnership with Perfect Motion and TrailPlus are delighted to announce entries are open for The Route.
An opportunity for the public to explore some of the UK’s most beautiful Forestry Commission sites in a unique way, The Route features three orienteering inspired activities that can be tackled in a variety of methods.
Debuting at Delamere Forest on 25th March 2017, followed by Cannock Chase on 8th April and Thames Chase on 22nd April, each event will be a fantastic way to spend a Saturday, either exploring the countryside with family, or battling for bragging rights against friends.
Mike Hamilton, Chief Executive of British Orienteering, said:
“We are delighted to be in partnership with Perfect Motion and TrailPlus and are very excited about the launch of THE ROUTE.
“Our aim is to raise the profile of orienteering skills across the country and encourage more people to get involved in orienteering related activities in a new and exciting way. Bookings are now open and we look forward to welcoming you to these new events.”
Event organiser Paul Magner said: “The Route offers an original outdoor challenge, with a twist, that will test body and mind whilst delivering an innate sense of discovery and fun on foot. The beauty of The Route is that we have something for all levels of fitness and all ages."
“If you’ve never navigated with a map before or you’re a seasoned veteran, The Route is a great way to see the countryside, and most importantly, have fun.”
The Route will bring three orienteering style activities to each location; Route Breaker, a snooker influenced points building challenge that encourages participants to get the highest ‘break’ possible. With this challenge being the most family friendly of the options, there is an option for pairs to take part together. Route Camp is for fitness fanatics. Control points scattered around the venue lead to short, sharp and intense workout challenges along the lines of a Boot Camp workout. Participants must find and complete as many as possible within the allotted time to be crowned champion.
The third option is Route Runner, a classic orienteering experience challenging participants to find the quickest and highest scoring route possible.
All of the challenges will see participants cover up to 10km in distance.
Paul explained: “We have put on three different challenges and you can choose which option best suits your fitness level and outdoor ambitions. Think running, jogging or walking. Add in some simple navigation and a time limit to keep you nice and focused and then select from Route Camp, Route Breaker or Route Runner.”
Entries are £15 for adults and £10 for children no matter which activity you choose to participate in.
To enter, visit http://www.the-route.co.uk/entry/.
For constant updates and info, head to http://www.the-route.co.uk/. Like the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/2016TheRoute/ and follow the Twitter @_TheRoute.
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
British Orienteering: British Orienteering is the National Governing Body in Britain for the sport.
Perfect Motion: Founded in 2001, Perfect Motion started in sports marketing and publicity. We’ve remained true to these roots, operating at the highest level of elite sports performance, as well as operating within leisure, entertainment and tourism. We have the experience, expertise and contacts to assist clients from the outset of planning marketing and communications strategy to implementation and evaluation. Based in Nottingham and dealing with clients throughout the UK and the rest of the world, Perfect Motion provides clients with expertise across a range of consultancy services in marketing, media and events. We aim to be creative throughout all of our campaigns, put energy behind our actions, and work with integrity. We believe in forming successful partnerships with our clients and delivering tangible benefits.
TrailPlus: A sports events company that creates iconic mass-participation, consumer challenges and are trusted to manage multi-venue events for businesses demanding the highest levels of professionalism. Responsible for the Hellrunner series, the company has an impressive back catalogue of mass participation event organisation.
For media and press enquiries, please contact Joe at joe@perfectmotion.org or by phone at 07740075709.
- SeanC
- god
- Posts: 2251
- Joined: Wed Mar 16, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Kent
Re: THE ROUTE
The first off The Route events is today. I'd have gone along for a look, but it clashes with today's UKOL UKUL race in Rugby.
Be interesting to see how many competitors it got, and what sort of ages it attracted.
Be interesting to see how many competitors it got, and what sort of ages it attracted.
Martin Ward, SYO (Chair) & SPOOK.
I'm a 1%er. Are you?
I'm a 1%er. Are you?
-
Spookster - god
- Posts: 2267
- Joined: Fri Dec 05, 2003 1:49 pm
- Location: Sheffield
Re: THE ROUTE
Spookster wrote:The first off The Route events is today. I'd have gone along for a look, but it clashes with today's UKOL UKUL race in Rugby.
Be interesting to see how many competitors it got, and what sort of ages it attracted.
No results on The Route web site, but Deeside have posted results.
45 in total 29 women (1 junior) and 16 men
An embarrassingly small number given the hype, I wonder what targets were set?
Good to see the usual gender imbalance reversed though.
To oblivion and beyond....
-
buzz - addict
- Posts: 1197
- Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:45 pm
- Location: Sheffield
Re: THE ROUTE
Was 50/50 with entering and visiting family. Could not understand what I was actually getting for entering except a map, and what the actual prizes were.
What was the prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc?
What was the prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc?
- Mr D
- white
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 10:21 am
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 160 guests