Summer series events

Devon Orienteering Club

Written by Steve Perelle (Devon Orienteering Club)

The majority of Mapruns tend to take place in urban settings but in recent years Devon has run an informal summer series out on Dartmoor. Very different from running on the streets with many of the events being “challenging” as they are based in mining areas with a multitude of pits and gullies.

The advantage of this type of event. The planning and collection of GPS co-ordinates can be done at any time in the year and on the day its effectively run by a single person handing out maps and keeping tabs on people. With between 25 and 35 runners each week it’s a good return on labour at a time when most people are looking for a rest from helping.

Being in the open it means that GPS signals are as clear as you can get anywhere, which cuts down on the phone issues, although there are still a few. The most important things to bring…. a drinks table with plenty of chocolate biscuits, as many chairs as you can find for afterwards and blue sky.

Lakeland Orienteering Club

This summer, Lakeland Orienteering Club organised a Summer Maprun Challenge.

Courses were designed to be suitable for complete beginners, with increasing levels of challenge also available.

All of the events were free to attend, with lots of opportunities to explore while enjoying the challenge! Here is what one family had to say of their experience:

“Our family had a lovely time at Sizergh today, the boys both did 3 courses and were delighted to discover “blackberry heaven” so took buckets (left in the boot from a seaside trip) with them on the last course to do some foraging. Blackberry crumble for tomorrow!”  

The club are now looking forward to their upcoming Saturday Series. Learn more here.