MEROC Regional event

[JayBee]

Does anyone know if there will be routegadget?

[DM]

Yes it would be nice to see which route choices other people took, or think they took. There were alot of confused looking people out there today, self included on a couple of legs. I'm not convinced RG can do justice to showing up attack points and the finer detail.

We thought the event was good, well organised and with a good map. I wasn't sure about the number of controls beforehand but found it didn't break up the running too much. Appreciate the need for some controls on crossing points.

Pity we weren't a bit closer to the airshow, only saw the Red Arrows from a distance.

Thanks MEROC, when's the next dunes event?

[awk]

Really enjoyable event: well planned courses and I thought the map was excellent. I was surprised how few people were there - MEROC deserved to have more.

My one minor quibble was that M45L/50L had the 1:10k map, with all other over-45s getting the 1:7.5k. I definitely struggled with the smaller scale, particularly given it was laser printed, and envied the other older senior classes when I saw the larger scale map afterwards, which was very clear. The extra bit that we were taken on to didn't seem worth having to have the smaller scale - I would have preferred us being fitted into the larger scale map. However, this is really more a point for future reference than a criticism of the event today, which was really good fun, and that was what I wanted! Thank you MEROC!

[distracted]

Concur with that - great event, some really technical bits which, looking back at the map, the obvious or best route choices don't jump out at you on several of the legs. The last few controls on M21L were particularly tough, and judging by the splits I wasn't the only one who had problems. Certainly an area to highlight your technical problems! And from what was said at the finish, the adjacent forested section is as good if not better - those in contention for a JHI spot this time next year should take note

[epocian]

awk posted
'I was surprised how few people were there - MEROC deserved to have more.'

No entry on the day policy would have been a factor

[Homer]

Just to echo what's already been said. Great event, great map, great course. Probably the best orienteering I've done in England this year.

They may have had more entries if they'd made more of the fact that you could watch the Southport air show from the car park!

Anyone know what the protest referred to on the MEROC website is about? And what's this about the forest next door? I'd love to have a chance to run in there!

[Rich R]

Yes I do but don't worry the courses won't be voided.

No 11 (190) on the M21L didn't work for me yet it did for everyone else though I did record a back up punch so should be reinstated - they reassured me that I would anyway. I don't know what the one on the M40S is though.

[awk]

No entry on the day policy would have been a factor

Very possibly, but how big a factor is that? (And that opens up a whole area for debate!) It was still low for a pre-entry. On the other hand, maybe MEROC wanted numbers fairly low to not overload some of the more sensitive areas??

[JayBee]

I dont wont to sound repetitive. But is there going to be routegadget?? It would be really good to compear with other runners because there was so much route choice!!

[marcus_weatherburn]

well u do sound repetitive

[JayBee]

Well if someone gave me an answer I woudln't have to repeat myself!!!

[distracted]

stating the obvious - perhaps you are more likely to get an answer by contacting the organising club directly rather than hoping someone from MEROC happens to be reading this thread and passes on your query?

[Rich R]

They aren't one of the registered club's so I think it's unlikely:

http://www.routegadget.co.uk/

[DB]

On the other hand, maybe MEROC wanted numbers fairly low to not overload some of the more sensitive areas??

There wasn't a note on the website to say they were limiting numbers to say a couple of hundred as it could be classed as a nature sensitive area. More likely that it was clashing with the Yvette Baker at Cannock. Anyone in the Manchester area would have been torn between the two events (each taking an hour or so to get to).
Maybe its another arguement that has two Regionals within a similar easy distance, where on other weekends you have to travel a much further distance.

[DB]

Realised the Cannock (Yvette Baker) wasn't a Regional but a District. Even so it attracted a field of 259, naturally juniors and parents, so that a more realistic indicator of the low MEROC turnout.