Returning to competition, Border Liners enjoyed a successful club event at sunny Faulds Brow near Caldbeck at the weekend.  With restricted numbers, entry in advance and social distancing from start to finish, the organisers were rightly praised by competitors for bringing the sport back to North Cumbria in a safe manner in line with British Orienteering guidance after what has been a disturbing few months away.

Three courses, with separate starting points, were on offer for the field of orienteers with the majority of places taken by the host club.  Around the 5.5km Blue course (150m climbing) it was however Steve Birkinshaw of the neighbouring West Cumberland Orienteering Club who took top honours with a time of 34.27.  Making the most of the warm weather and excellent conditions underfoot, a host of Border Liners then filled the next places. James Chapman took second (35.55) followed in third by a super run from Karen Parker (41.50), James Daplyn fourth (42.25) and Keith Tonkin fifth (43.33).

On the 3.7km (95m climbing) Green course Emily Brown took first position for the Border Liners with an excellent time of 30.43.  James Birkinshaw (West Cumberland Orienteering Club) was second (35.41) with Dave Hewitt of the Warrior Orienteering Club third in 35.58.  Ruben Razzetti was first of the Border Liner juniors home in fifth place (37.49) and Chris Lates had a great run for the Liners to record sixth overall with 39.12.

Making it a Birkinshaw podium hat-trick, Hannah claimed first place around the 2.7km (55m climbing) Orange course with a time of 34.00. In her first ever orienteering event, teenage newcomer Abigail Pantry claimed a fabulous second place (44.06) with Maria Gaines the first of the younger runners home in third with 50.33.  Jack Batey, Hannah Winkley, Ben Winkley and Ryan Batey representing Hayton School all then came over the line in fourth to seventh places respectively separated by a handful of seconds. Well done to all the juniors!

Despite the ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions, Border Liners Orienteering Club's next event is scheduled for the Bampton area on 19 September. Details will be made available on the club website and newsletter in due course and it is likely that, once again, entry priority will go to current orienteers connected with Border Liners.

-------

Celebrating the re-starting of orienteering! 
What events is your club planning?  Share with other orienteers across the UK.

Email:  jtaylor@britishorienteering.org.uk