Run Challenge

[MJG]

Finally managed to get to a Run Challenge event. If I were a novice this would not entice me to go to an orienteering event. 6 control circles misplaced, 2 of them by the full size of the circle which puts them on the wrong path or fence. 2 number 11s and no number 1. No scale on the map, only a scale bar which is wrong (4cm long when 500m judging from the grid lines is actually 3.5cm). Apparently the software the activators are given is "difficult to use". The event was started about 200m from the triangle on the map with no indication of where we actually were when starting (actually between 3 and 13).
The biggest issue from DVO's point of view is that there is no OOB on the map. The logical route from 6 to 11 for instance is straight across the farmer's field. Yet that looks no different from say 8 to 20 which is perfectly permissible as it is open public parkland. The club could lose access to areas because of events like this planned with no consultation with the club but bearing the British Orienteering copyright.

ShipleyRunChallengevlowres.jpg (170.27 KiB) Viewed 3697 times

[graeme]

I read in Focus that RunChallenge had been a disaster and BOF were trying to kill it. It seemed like a good idea at the time, so I hope they understand why it failed (I don't) and this is communicated, so we know how/what to do better in future.

[DM]

MJG, all the issues you mention have been raised some time ago and assurances were given things would improve - clearly they have not. On the key, what is a multiple track? If you know OS symbols you will know it is a railway, but what if you don't.

Graeme, not heard about plan to kill it off. At the recent conference it was accepted delivery in 2013 was not good and that this would be worked on, with improved communication with local clubs (much needed). Not sure what's happened to the write up about the conference.....

[charles2]

Attended the run challenge that was held in Cambridge a couple of months ago and apart from one of the answers going AWOL on the night (the info board at King's College had been taken down) thought it was very good. Admittedly it was in an urban environment and so no farmers fields to cross. All the circles were in correct place and I found out something about Sir Isaac Newton.
Disappointingly the turnout was very low. There were only about half a dozen non-orienteers and perhaps 10 from WAOC and CUOC.

[deebee]

From the December edition of 'Outdoor Fitness', in an article entitled 'Boost Your Off-Road Running This Winter' by Jackie Newton - Team GB mountain running coach.
"Most top-level mountain races are marked, but a lot of long fell runs aren't, which means competitors need to be able to read a map. The off-season is a good time to learn, and I recommend the Run Challenge series. These races go on all over the country, last 45 minutes and involve competitors ticking off certain targets by following a hybrid of a city map and an Ordnance Survey map"

So, no Orienteering involved there

[The Loofa]

so - who does that writer work for?