Amended results have now been posted and RouteGadget is now set up.
It's over again for another year. Day 1 was tough going but Day 2 was easier. We had a mixed bag of weather. Perhaps Saturday was better than the forecast. On Sunday, the forecast seemed to predict the right sort of weather but the timing was a bit mixed up. When we left around 5 pm, the sun was shining and it was a lovely day!
Thank you to everyone who came to the event and we hope that you did enjoy it. Congratulations not just to the winners but to everyone who got round both days.
Age Restrictions
All entrants must be 18 or over on 1st January 2008. However, an orienteering event is being organised in parallel and under 18s will be most welcome at this.
Note that the age to be entered on the entry form is your age as at 1st January, 2008 (and not your age on the day of the competition).
SPORTident Electronic Punching
The event uses SPORTident electronic punching. Amongst other advantages, this will produce split times for each control and help you to discover where you gained or lost time compared to your competitors. It requires each competitor (or pair) to have an SI card (dibber) - many entrants will already have their own but those who do not will be able to hire one (indicate HIRE on the entry form and add the appropriate amount to your entry fee).
Entry Form
Those of you who have entered a recent Phoenix should have received an entry form - they were mailed on 26th March. There is a version which can be printed out from these pages and posted - click on 'Entry Form' from the menu on the left hand side of this page. Forms will also be put out at any orienteering events we attend.
Place and Accommodation
This year, the event is based in Kielder village. Note that you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own accommodation, whether camping or enjoying the more luxurious surroundings of a B and B, boarding house etc!! Of course, if you live locally, you can choose the ultimate luxury of sleeping in your own bed! See the Accommodation page for more information.
Map
This year we shall again be supplying weatherproof premarked maps. If you want extra protection, then bring a poly bag. Note that the cost of the map for your course has been included in the entry fee.
General Information
For those unfamiliar with the event, it is a long orienteering event over 2 days, with a different course on each day. Participants return to 'base' in between. You only need to carry what is necessary for a day in the hills (rather than having to carry everything for 2 days as in a typical mountain marathon).
This is a competitive event and there are prizes for the different classes awarded on the combined results for both days. However, as in many sporting activities, entrants range from the highly competitive to those who come along just to enjoy the activity, in this case a couple of days out in the hills with a navigational challenge. It is possible just to enter for one day if it is inconvenient to come for both.
The event does require navigational and map reading skills. It attracts a range of people - orienteers, fellrunners and people who just like a day or two on the hills with a difference. Do not expect to find a path from one control to the next - this may sometimes be the case, but your route is your own personal choice and is likely to take you directly across rough terrain in your search for the fastest option.
A certain level of physical fitness is necessary and for the longer courses a high level is essential. If in doubt, please ask. If you are coming to the event for the first time, beware of entering too long a course unless you are very sure of your fitness over rough country!
Note that you are not permitted to use GPS systems or similar navigational aids, though altimeters are allowed. Your navigational aids are basically map and compass plus your own experience in the hills.
The veterans' prizes (aged 40 and over) are based on a handicap system in order to widen the range of potential winners - see Competitions page for details.
All the information on the entry form is repeated on the various pages of this web site.
Safety
You take part in this event at your own risk. No responsibility is attached to the event officials or NATO for any loss, damage or injury resulting from entering or participating in the event.
Competitors must be prepared to carry all of the FRA obligatory equipment. This will be listed in the final instructions and is likely to include a long sleeved windproof/waterproof cagoule with head cover, windproof trousers and a whistle, plus sufficient food and extra clothing to survive a day in the hills. Equipment checks may be carried out.
Any competitor who does not complete the course MUST REPORT TO THE DOWNLOAD POINT. Whilst you are responsible for your own safety (as you would be when out for a day on the hills), we do check that everyone who punches the Start Box does return.
Event Cancellation
If it is necessary for any reason to cancel the event, we reserve the right to retain part of the entry fees to cover costs already incurred or committed.