UK Cup 2012

[Homer]

I'm sure Seabird didn't mean a literal re-run. Just re-using the same areas.

[King Penguin]

RG suggests quite a few long linear runs with little scope for variety or routechoice on those legs.

[seabird]

I'm sure Seabird didn't mean a literal re-run. Just re-using the same areas.

Correct

[SeanC]

"RG suggests quite a few long linear runs with little scope for variety or route choice on those legs."

Yes, but one of the most enjoyable runs I've had in the past few years was a brown course at Darnley Estate which featured a 1k path run in the middle and then another 1.5k of orangeish standard orienteering. It was enjoyable because it felt like you'd been on a long journey through the 3 distinctive parts of the area rather than just running around in circles. When the technical bits arrived near the end I was quite tired through running so made more mistakes than normal.

The essence of Long-O must be the challenge of orienteering for a very long way and the satisfaction in completing the course. By going to all the different patches of woods and moors it must emphasise the distance. Plus all those different areas must require slightly different techniques.

Maybe runners might enjoy a trail challenge option with controls just on the path junctions/big features, but with some route choice and a chance to run across all the valleys and moors - perhaps with a time penalty for missing controls rather than a DSQ and a non O title like "Bradford Hills Challenge" or something?

[FRBlackSheep]

Hmm 'Bradford Hills Challenge'.... where have I heard of that fantastic event idea?

Oh yeah the Surrey Hills Trail Challenge - now in its 35th year

http://sloweb.org.uk/events/surreyhills2012/

(plug, plug)

[Becks]

The Long O was really fun last time, I ran it around Christmas and the changing of techniques etc was interesting. The views on a good day down the Aire valley are also splendid. Definitely to be recommended!

Edit: I also broke three hours, and ran about 32km in total, though I'm presuming undergrowth was less in December than it was in the early autumn when the actual race happened.

[Dave]

will there be a UK Relay League Final to accompany the mass start UK Cup final? That's going to be your best way of upping the entry from this year

[Scott]

Yes. There are a few details still to be worked out, but the UKRL Final will be happening on the same weekend as the UK Cup Final, on Tockholes. It will be scored on the same basis as the UK Cup Final, ie. as an extra counting event for those who attend.

[King Penguin]

Shoe choice could be interesting for the Aire Long O.

N.B. previous post was an observation not a criticism; I really enjoy Long Os.