Information About Competitions

AREA :- this year's competition takes place over sheep grazed moorland at a height of 300m to 600m with generally good running although there is some heather. An interesting valley network gives many route choices and spectacular views. There are good paths on most ridges.

MAP :- Waterproof premarked maps are supplied (at the start) - these will show your course and any map corrections. Bring a poly bag if you want to further protect your map.

COURSE INFORMATION - approximate figures for this year :-
Distances in kilometres and climb in metres. The estimated winning times are in hours over the 2 days.
Class/Course Day 1 Day 2 Estimated Winning Time
A 22 km/1200m 19 km/900m 6.5 hours
B 19 km/1000m 16.5 km/800m 6 hours
C and C Pairs 15 km/800m 12 km/600m 4 hours
D and D Pairs 11 km/650m 9 km/500m 3.5 hours

CLASSES :- 4 classes for solo competitors (A, B, C and D); two classes for pairs (run over course C or course D). Your result over the 2 days will be based on the total time taken to complete the course for each day correctly.

START TIMES :-
Day 1 start times are likely to be from 10-00 till about 12-30. No actual times will be allocated - it will be a punching start. Slower competitors are encouraged to come early! There is a risk of a queue with this system but we hope that the benefits of choosing your own time outweigh this.

On Day 2, the start times will depend on your result for Day 1 (unless you have only entered for Day 2). There will be a chasing start (first start 9-00) for those finishing within one hour of their Day 1 course leader (classes C and C pairs will be combined for this purpose as will D and D pairs). Others will start from 10-10 at one minute intervals in reverse order i.e. slowest first. It is likely that most people will have started by 10-30 and that everyone will be off before 11-00. This means that folk can set off on their journey homewards at a reasonable time on the Sunday.
We would hope to have a list of start times for Day 2 available by early evening on Day 1 (though the Day 1 results list will give you a good indication before this).
For those who enter Day 2 only, start times are between 10-00 and 10-10 (if this is a problem, ask and we'll try to help - but it must not interfere with the chasing start times).

PRIZES :-
We are greatly indebted to our new sponsor Montane (makers of lightweight and breathable outdoor clothing) and we would like to thank them for their generous help with the prizes.
These are based on the combined times for both days as follows.

  • 1st, 2nd and 3rd in classes A, B, C and D
  • 1st lady in classes A, B, C and D
  • 1st veteran handicap (40 and over on 01/01/09) in classes A, B, C and D
  • 1st pair in C Pairs class and D Pairs class

  • As is customary with this type of event, previous class prize winners are not eligible for a prize in the same or a lower (shorter) class/course. This does not apply to the A class or to the veterans' prizes.

    • VETERANS' HANDICAP :- The veterans' prizes (individual competitions A, B, C and D only, not pairs) will be decided using a handicap system. An allowance of 30 seconds per hour will be calculated for each year that your age is over 40.
    Example - you are 54 and you have a time of 4 hours 10 minutes 30 seconds.

  • Total seconds taken = 4x3600 + 10x60 + 30 = 14400 + 600 + 30 = 15030
  • Hours taken = 15030 / 3600 = 4.175
  • Handicap allowance in seconds = 30 x 4.175 x (years over 40) = 125.25 x 14 = 1753.5
  • This will be rounded to 1754.
  • Converting to minutes and seconds gives 29 min 14 sec.
  • Adjusted time for the vets handicap = 3 hours 41 min 16 sec.

    • This time will be used for the veterans' prizes only.

    AGE LIMIT :-

  • All competitors must be at least 18 years old on 01/01/09. Younger competitors will be very welcome at the NATO Junior Orienteering event which takes place alongside this one - see the NATO website (in list of links in left panel).

    OTHER RULES :-

  • The event will be under FRA rules and has been registered with the FRA.
  • Competitors should arrive at the event 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.
  • Dogs are not allowed in the competition area.
  • Entries will be stored on a computer and your entry implies acceptance of this. Entry forms for future events may be posted out using the address information provided on your entry - email the Entries Secretary if this is a problem.
  • 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.
  • Any competitor who has entered the start system (by clearing their SI card or dibbing the check or start boxes) but who does not complete the course MUST REPORT TO THE DOWNLOAD POINT so that we can account for you. Whilst you are responsible for your own safety, we do check that everyone who punched the Start Box does return.
  • Competitors may not use GPS or similar systems. Altimeters are allowed.

    • OFFICIALS :-
    The event is run by members of Newcastle and Tyneside Orienteers (NATO).
    Entries & Results - Andrew Nicoll Organiser - Colin Matheson Planner - Adrian Barnes Controller - Patrick Smyth