Hear what Andy has to say about this rapidly approaching event when he caught up with Jennie Taylor, British Orienteering Communications Officer this week.

"Andy, please tell us, how did you get to be the Coordinator for next year’s event?"

JK, Andy Yeates, Coordinator for the JK event, says:  “I like to think that it was fate that led me to become the Coordinator of JK 2018. I was asked to organise the British Middles in September 2014 after the original Organiser stepped down. This set off a chain reaction of events: becoming a Level A Controller in November 2014 and controlling the CompassSport Final in October 2015; having a discussion with the West Midlands Orienteering Association (WMOA) Fixtures Secretary at JK 2015, who told me that a Coordinator was needed for the JK in 2018. I mentioned it to the WMOA Chairman later that day, who asked if I wanted to do it. I laughed. Later I started to give it some serious thought as I was now a Level A Organiser and Controller and eventually emailed the Chairman offering my services. My hand still hasn’t grown back…”

"Are you making any changes to the event next year? Why the change?"
“As with JK 2017, we will be putting on a Sprint, Middle, Long and Relay which is not the traditional model. The reason for doing so is that the West Midlands does not have an abundance of top class areas with the essential parking and arena needs, so we need to work carefully with what we have. Brown Clee is a great area that does meet the requirements, but was used in 2016 for the British Champs. Beaudesert is also a great area and it was suggested I use that. I like my multi-days areas to be close together, so the idea of using a great area like Beaudesert (I had previously planned the Midland Champs on it in 2009) for the Long race led to also using it for the Relay and using Brereton Spurs as the Middle race for all classes (the 2014 British Middles was run there). With the areas having a proven track record, it seemed like a dream come true. A Sprint race in the vicinity on a University Campus was not an option as Stafford University campus was tiny, so it seemed like a logical choice to go to MOD Stafford, who have been really helpful in allowing us to put on the Sprint and host the British Orienteering Annual General Meeting.”

"What about TrailO? Are there any events being put on at this year’s JK?"
“TrailO will feature strongly at JK 2018. We have managed to place it by the arenas of days 1 (TempO) and 3 (PreO), which should make it a real part of the JK and, hopefully, attractive to everyone. I would urge everyone to think about taking the time to give it a go.”

"What do you think will make this a JK worth going to?"
“I think the combination of a compact JK and good quality areas is a great package. All areas are within 15 miles of each other, and if you take MOD Stafford out of the equation, it becomes more like 5 miles between arenas. Accommodation is not hard to come by either and you won’t have to think about moving. There is also an opportunity to stay at the Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre, though I suspect that accommodation will go very quickly. See the JK website for information.”

"And your final message to members?"
“The West Midlands Orienteering Association Clubs are working hard at making this a top-class event that suits everyone, adopting the Scandinavian start procedure, and incorporating three world ranking events (WRE) into the individual days. I hope I’ve whetted everyone’s appetites for four great days of orienteering and that the sun bathes us all in its glory. I think the JK2018 Orienteering tops look fantastic too, so please consider buying lots!”

“Thanks Andy.  We wish you well with the remaining preparations.” Jennie Taylor, British Orienteering Communications Officer.

The JK 2018 starts on Friday 30 March – Monday 2 April.

Day 1 is the SPRINT RACE on MOD Stafford, hosted by Walton Chasers OC (WCH) and Royal Signals OC (RSOC). This is a little used area and will be new to most people.

Day 2 is the MIDDLE RACE on Brereton Spurs, hosted by Octavian Droobers (OD). Last used in 2014 for the British Middles and 2015 for the Junior Inter-regional, it has been remapped for the first time using LIDAR data.

After the Middle Race, why not come along to a quiz night at the Apothecary, Stafford? At just £15 per person, this includes entry to the quiz and a roast dinner (vegetarian option available). More details on the Quiz page.

Day 3 is the LONG RACE on Beaudesert and Brereton Hayes, hosted by Potteries OC (POTOC) and Wrekin Orienteers (WRE). Beaudesert has been used over many years for top class events, the last one being the Midland Champs in 2009. The tricky terrain has been remapped for the first time using LIDAR data.

Day 4 is the RELAYS on Beaudesert, hosted by Harlequins OC (HOC) and City of Birmingham OC (COBOC). The relays will use some of the same area as the long race, but the planning will not make it easy for you!

Trail-O will also be available in close proximity to the arenas of day 1 (Temp-O) and day 3 (Pre-O). Please find some time to partake in both disciplines.

Entries are already open!

Please note: To take advantage of the JK2018 ‘cheaper’ rates you will need to register before the first deadline: Sunday 17 December.

Entries are now available via SiEntries

Enquiries to Diane Jacks at: entries2018@thejk.org.uk

(Junior / Student fees in brackets)

Please note: The JK2018 ‘cheaper’ rates deadline is Sunday 17 December 2017.

JK2018 merchandise is available to buy here.

For more information visit the JK2018 website here.

www.thejk.org.uk

Officials:  JK 2018

Photos from JK 2017 event. Credit: Rob Lines

British Orienteering would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Andy Yeates and all the volunteers from the West Midlands Orienteering Association clubs involved in putting on this Major Event.