John Bennison “Long-O” with Summer Saturday Series, Church Stretton , 3 September 2022

Summer Saturday Series

Two courses suitable for beginners or more experienced orienteers preferring a less arduous and less technical course.

John Bennison “Long O”

For experienced and fit orienteers, our annual “Long O” takes place as usual on the Long Mynd, offering a unique challenge of long courses on upland terrain. Note that the nature of the terrain and the length of the courses mean you should only run in this event if you are confident of your fitness and navigational abilities. These courses are not suitable for beginners, sorry.

You must also be prepared for whatever the weather brings: this is elevated terrain that can quickly become cold and wet. That said, we have had very warm weather for the last two years’ events, and you must be sure to carry as much water as you will need.

The details below can also be read/downloaded/printed from a PDF file.

Map: 5m contours. All waterproof paper. 1:15k or 1:10k depending on the course, course 6 is 1:5k. Updated 2022 by Pete Jones who has mapped a new part of the Mynd for the event (to be used on courses 1 and 2). The vegetation on the Mynd is constantly in flux, it is not possible to map it all, especially the bracken cuts. 

Terrain: Exposed open moorland, rising to 516m. Run-ability is generally good with an extensive path network and rides. The vegetation is a mixture of grass, heather, bracken and gorse. All steep slopes have scattered crags and some scree. Both bracken, heather and gorse reduce run-ability. Human activity makes some paths less obvious and recent bracken cutting makes the terrain faster than shown, or it might not. The ponds on the map may have run dry. Please avoid any wet marsh areas, the courses have been planned to avoid these. 

Entries and prices:

Courses 1-4 (“Long O”): preferably via SI entries (to enable us to work out number of maps required) from Saturday 13^th August. Some entry on the day available but payment by cash only. 

Adults (18+) £8 BOF members, £9 non BOF members. Under 18s £4

We are advised that the problem affecting entries using older SI cards has been resolved. We are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.

Courses 5 and 6 (Saturday Series/come and try it): entry on the day, cash only.

Adults (18+) £3, Under 18’s £2.

Dibbers available to hire £1. Lost dibbers will be charged at £40.

Registration is at the top car park in Carding Mill valley. This is also the finish.

Starts: No allocated start times, start anytime between 10.00 am – 11.45am. Courses close at 3pm. 

The start for course 6 is at registration, all the other courses start is 110m climb/ 400 metres distance away (flagged).

Punching: Sportident electronic punching will be used (not SIAC/contactless).

Courses:

Remember that distances will be longer than shown as you won’t take a direct line!

Course	Colour code	Distance (direct line)	Climb (best route)	Controls	Expected winning time	Suitable for
1	Black	14.4km	545m	11	2 hours	Experienced 18+
2	Brown	10.8km	425m	10	1 hour 45 mins	Experienced 18+
3	Blue	7.6km	225m	9	1 hour 30 mins	Experienced 16+
4	Green	5.9km	180m	8	1 hour	Experienced 14+
5	Orange	3.8km	160m	5	40 mins	Beginners, older juniors
6	Yellow	1.9km	50m	5	20 mins	Beginners, juniors

Facilities: Toilets available at National Trust Pavilion/Cafe in Carding Mill Valley.

Safety:

• Competitors take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety. 
• Please be considerate and give way to members of the public. 
• All sloping ground is very slippery- wear your best gripping shoes. 
• Courses 1-4 cross a minor road at least 2-3 times.  There are no compulsory crossing points so it is your responsibility to avoid traffic including cars, cyclists and horses.
• Whistles must be carried. 
• It is advisable to carry fluid/ electrolyte and food.
• In case of dry weather cagoules may not be compulsory. 
• Please remember to download after your run, or a search will take place for you. 

Dogs: dogs are allowed but must be kept under control and leave no trace of their presence. 

Planner: Tim Kieniewicz (WRE)  

In the event of extreme weather please check the Wrekin Orienteers website or Facebook page to check the event is still happening. It would have to be quite extreme.