This Year's Event - News and General Information

28/06/10 - 2010 Phoenix Long O cancelled

It is with great regret that we announce the cancellation of this year's Phoenix Long O. We are now a week away from the closing date and have only 31 entries. We've never had such few entries at this stage and unfortunately can see no way that the event can remotely be viable. We thought it better to cancel now rather than at the last moment.
To those who have entered, thank you for doing so and please accept our apologies for the inconvenience involved. We shall make a complete refund of your entry fee.
We don't know why the entry has been so low. Perhaps the change of date has not helped. We had to move to July to get permission for the area we wanted to use. Perhaps there are many other outdoor events now taking place and diluting the potential entry.

Veterans
This year we are changing the definition of a veteran to be aged 45 and over at the start of the event. This brings us in line with Mountain Marathon events.

Place and Accommodation
This year, the event is based on Mounthooley grid ref NT881225 in the lovely College Valley. Click here for StreetMap.
Note that you are responsible for arranging and paying for your own accommodation, whether camping or enjoying the more luxurious surroundings of bunkhouse, 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 maps. If you want extra protection, then bring a poly bag. Note that the cost of the map is 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 events, 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 45 and over) are based on a handicap system in order to widen the range of potential winners - see Competitions page for details.

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.