Sorry this post is so long!but please read if you might be running the SHI this year or have ran SHI in the past or if you have any interest in the SHI!
I am the planner of this year's SHI classic it is going to be on the same area as the 2002 BOC (sand-dunes).
I have decided to plan it to a slightly different format than that of a normal classic race, however I have been told by the competition organiser that I have ask for permission from the team mangers.
So I have decided to write on Nope first to try to get support from the athletes that will be running, or indeed anyone else that has any views on the matter!
Basically what I am planning to do is to have the start in the assembly area. 4 people will start together, one from each country and run out along starting chutes through the assembly area to the start flag, they will then each run 1 of 4 loops alone which will bring them back to a spectator control close to or in the assembly area, and then start the next of their 4 loops and so on until they finish!SIMPLE!
The thinking behind the idea was how to:
1. show the SHI as a duell between countries
2. minimise the starting blocks, and hence minimising the time it takes to know the winner of each class
3. make it easier for the managers and others interested to follow the action throughout the race
4. maximise the action in the assembly area for the benefit of non-orienteers, and hence make it easier to understand what goes on during an orienteering race, ie. fast running, emotions etc..
The only doubts I can imagine that people might have to the fairness of this format is what if one loop is tougher than the others, it might then be a disadvantage to run this last when you are tired! this will not be a factor as the area is as uniform as they come! and I am planning to make the winning time for each loop the same.
I think the SHI is an ideal opportunity for us to put our sport on display! the best orienteers from all over the UK getting together to fight it out!
I hope this is easy to understand, all comments welcome!
Cheers,
ALLAN
SHI 2005 (please read)
Moderators: [nope] cartel, team nopesport
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Is it a long, thin sand dune area? In which case, is it viable to have four independent loops? Will you end up with a couple of loops overlapping (not necessarily a problem, although maybe runners will see other competitiors at controls on another loop?) and will you be able to make the most of the area with only 2-3km long loops, or is there some sexy terrain far from the assembly area which wouldn't be reached?
Sounds a very good idea though, not criticising, and never planned for a big event so don't know all the issues, just think it'd work even better in an area where the assembly is in the middle of the map.
Pippa
Sounds a very good idea though, not criticising, and never planned for a big event so don't know all the issues, just think it'd work even better in an area where the assembly is in the middle of the map.
Pippa
- Guest
Sounds good.
There's a possible problem of following if people end up finishing their first loop at the same time as others are just starting. You might have to be quite careful with the order people run the loops in to keep it as fair as possible.
There's a possible problem of following if people end up finishing their first loop at the same time as others are just starting. You might have to be quite careful with the order people run the loops in to keep it as fair as possible.
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Godders - blue
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Thanks Pippa for your comments! I should piont out that the assembly area will be in the middle of the area and that all precautions will be taken to make it as difficult as possible to see runners on other loops enter or leave control sites!The area is so uniform that not getting to nicer parts of the terrain will not be an issue.
- A BOGLE
Thanks Dave, that also should not be a problem, the start blocks will be so short with 4 M21s starting every 2 min probably, which means with in 12min everyone will have started!the same for the W21s and 20s!that when the first runners are coming through the spectator control the last starters will have started long before. The following aspect will be no different from any other orienteering race.
- A BOGLE
You'll get a lot more running together. Firstly because you cut the start interval down to two minutes, second because at ~20 mins per lap the first second lappers will be only 8 minutes
behind the last start.
On the other hand, if you mix up the loop order people wont be together for more than a quarter
of the race. Four loops is enough to give everyone a different running order.
You'll struggle to plan any good long legs (but maybe the area isn't up to that), and unless you use four maps some people will have much longer to plan tricky route choices than others.
So, more pack running, but probably with everyone spending some time in a pack and some time alone. Sounds fairer to me.
I'd say the main issue is whether it enables you to make best use of the area: if it isn't big enough to plan a "proper" classic with long route choice legs this is a good solution.
I'd like to run something like this - I'll have to get fit (or get Welsh ).
Graeme
behind the last start.
On the other hand, if you mix up the loop order people wont be together for more than a quarter
of the race. Four loops is enough to give everyone a different running order.
You'll struggle to plan any good long legs (but maybe the area isn't up to that), and unless you use four maps some people will have much longer to plan tricky route choices than others.
So, more pack running, but probably with everyone spending some time in a pack and some time alone. Sounds fairer to me.
I'd say the main issue is whether it enables you to make best use of the area: if it isn't big enough to plan a "proper" classic with long route choice legs this is a good solution.
I'd like to run something like this - I'll have to get fit (or get Welsh ).
Graeme
WOC2024 Edinburgh
Test races at SprintScotland (Alloa/Falkirk) and Euromeeting (near Stirling).
Test races at SprintScotland (Alloa/Falkirk) and Euromeeting (near Stirling).
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graeme - god
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Thanks for your comments Graeme,
Firstly the reasons for planning a format like this has nothing to do with not being able to plan a good 'classic' on the area, it is ideal for a normal classic race, as was demonstrated in the 2002 BOC. The SHI is probably most top orienteers last real race of the year, and I thought it would be nice to shake things up a bit, and the head-to-head element I think should do this. Other reasons behind my idea are explained in the first post.
As far as pack running is concerned I don't really think this will be any more of an issue as it is in any race. The 2min start interval, is a realistic and often used start interval for classic races.
If for example the fastest of the first starter does run 20min for their first loop, I don't think even Jamie could catch the 8min you talk about to the last starters, especially as I envisage most teams starting their best runners last (NB:it has not been decided if team manager will be able to decide their starting order, but it is a possibilty).
The technical side of things like over-printing and loops over lapping, and difficulty to read will not be a problem.
Graeme, what you said about being able to plan good long legs is a factor because of the loops, however a lot of time is being spent to make sure the race/ courses will be as good as possible!I can't imagine anyone complaining about it not being technical enough!!
Firstly the reasons for planning a format like this has nothing to do with not being able to plan a good 'classic' on the area, it is ideal for a normal classic race, as was demonstrated in the 2002 BOC. The SHI is probably most top orienteers last real race of the year, and I thought it would be nice to shake things up a bit, and the head-to-head element I think should do this. Other reasons behind my idea are explained in the first post.
As far as pack running is concerned I don't really think this will be any more of an issue as it is in any race. The 2min start interval, is a realistic and often used start interval for classic races.
If for example the fastest of the first starter does run 20min for their first loop, I don't think even Jamie could catch the 8min you talk about to the last starters, especially as I envisage most teams starting their best runners last (NB:it has not been decided if team manager will be able to decide their starting order, but it is a possibilty).
The technical side of things like over-printing and loops over lapping, and difficulty to read will not be a problem.
Graeme, what you said about being able to plan good long legs is a factor because of the loops, however a lot of time is being spent to make sure the race/ courses will be as good as possible!I can't imagine anyone complaining about it not being technical enough!!
- A BOGLE
mharky wrote:i reckon having a relay style map exchange, like at thee world cup with the "trees", it would probably be impossible to print 4 courses on 1 map
Good idea. Will stop people navigating on a different loop to what they actually are on. I think thats what I would do. Also you could just have the four loops maps on a 'tree' rolled up and then its lucky dip as to which order you run the laps in.
Seriously though it does sound like a top idea. More of this sort of head to head racing is required in my opinion. Fun for competitors, fun for spectators and provides a different challenge for planners/organisers.
Top idea Allan
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