The Michael Brandon Mitre :: 18 November 2007 

OFFICIALS' COMMENTS

Controller's comments

  With gentle contours and subtle changes of vegetation, much of Epping Forest is capable of catching us all out at some point. Looking at the split times, it seems as though even the class leaders did not always have clean runs.

As always, CHIG delivered a professional organisation and the more technical courses were effective in avoiding undue path running on the optimum route. I hope that you all enjoyed the event.

Hedley Calderbank

 

Planner's comments

  Thanks to being granted access to the northern section of the forest, the Warren Plantation, most courses could cross the road to enjoy the opportunity to run in this little visited area, with its stands of unusual conifers and deciduous trees - the pleasure diminished only by the occasional rubbish dumps and the distant roar of the M25! The intention was also to provide variety in terrain and navigational technique, though with everything carpeted in autumn leaves you may not have noticed.

A large number of controls was needed to thread the longer courses through the narrow forest and road crossings, while minimizing path-running. During the planning process many controls were weeded out, although you may feel some superfluous ones remained.

Control 190, between the knolls, was mucked about with, affecting courses 3 and 4. Thank you, those kindly competitors who took the time and trouble to reinstate it, then reported it at the finish.

Thanks are also due to all competitors for your backing our efforts, to the CHIG team of helpers, to Keith French, Superintendent of Epping Forest, for his co-operation and continuing positive view of orienteering, and the rain gods who held up their south-easterly progress just long enough for us pack up in the dry.

Tom Edelsten

 

Organiser's comments

  With an experienced team of helpers, I was confident that little would go wrong on the day, and little did. Everyone coming back after their run seemed to have enjoyed themselves, and the rain held off - if e had had Monday's weather, we would probably have lost the car park, and had to cancel the event. The only glitch that I became aware of was the inadequate signing for the car park, which was my fault, and for which I apologise. You all got there eventually!

I have often wondered how well the "give up your run to help an injured competitor" idea would work in practice. One runner severely gashed her knee, and another runner abandoned his run to help her to the Epping Forest Centre where she received first aid, and then back to the assembly area, so it works well.

A few people pre-entered, but did not turn up. If you send me a stamped addressed envelope, I will arrange for a map of your course to be sent to you. My address is 64 Spring Grove, Loughton, Essex IG10 4QE.

John Duffield

 

[ Last Updated: 24/11/2007 ]