30/08/2009 - 3 corrections to vets handicap results posted.
26/08/2009 - Results have been posted. RouteGadget is there - click on Results. Vets results are now there.
Some photos taken at the event have been posted.
Thanks you to everyone who came and made the event a good one. We were generally fortunate with the weather. It was good on the Friday when we put out the controls, good again on the Saturday for Day 1 but more challenging in the rain and cloud on Day 2. As ever we salute the winners and others at the head of the field who display such levels of fitness, stamina and navigational ability. However perhaps the principal challenge of the event is to complete the course on both days and congratulations go to all who accomplished this however long it took.
As always we would welcome any comments which might help us improve things both from participants and also from those who didn't come but might have.
We are very pleased to announce that this year's event is being sponsored by Montane, makers of lightweight and breathable outdoor clothing and we would like to thank them for their generous help with the prizes.
Age Restrictions
All entrants must be 18 or over on 1st January 2009. However, a junior long O event is being organised in parallel and under 18s will be most welcome at this (details are on the NATO web site - see link on the left).
Note that the age to be entered on the entry form is your age as at 1st January, 2009 (and not your age on the day of the competition).
Online Entry
Online entry is now available using Fabian4 - see link on the left. Please use it if possible. Please also note that hire dibber charges for online entries will be collected at the event.
Closing Dates
All entries arriving after 10th August are subject to the late entry surcharge and to the availability of maps.
Postal entries must arrive by 10th August.
Online entries will be accepted until 19th August - from 11th August onwards, the late entry fee will be charged and they will be subject to the availability of maps.
Place and Accommodation
This year, the event is based on Barrowburn in the lovely Coquet Valley. 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.