I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce this type of event to you runners who can kinda navigate, but aren’t that confident. The format of these type of events is quite flexible….
- Set timeframe – in this case 3 hours
- Solo… or pairs which is ideal for those looking for reassurance or practice
- You are given the map at the start – marked up with lots of controls with varying points attached – harder to reach controls get 50 points, easier controls get 10
- The aim is to collect as many points as you can in the 3h
- Choose a short route and maybe get back early, having gained confidence
- Choose a long route and plan your route carefully to avoid rough ground, navigational errors and gaining/losing too much height.
- Optimal route choice is hard! Route choice is easy!
- Organised by Peak Raid (of which Rachel D’s dad is part!)
They really are perfect events to practice as a pair in difficult terrain.
If you look at the first map below you’ll see the Start/FInish near the bottom. Once you’re given the map, the 3h clock starts ticking. When I was given the map, what I always try to do is visualise a circular route which might take me about 3h. In my case, I swept round the left side of the map and up round Kinder Res in the NE. Then East up to Kinder and back down south. If I was going well I’d add in the bottom right controls – if I was running late then I’d miss those out and head straight to the finish.
You can see my actual route on the bottom map which includes my gpx trace.
UPCOMING EVENTS – This event was organised by Peak Raid. It is a series of 4 events all pre xmas. Fell relays clashes with event 2 but I’m already booked into event 3 in Gradbach. Get in contact if you fancy coming along, find a partner to run with and I’ll help you out on the day too. Pete Baker also competes regularly, so speak with him about any questions
- 22nd Oct – Castleton
- 5 Nov – Gradbach
- 3 Dec – Grindleford
The above map shows you what we were given on the start line. Controls are marked so you can plan an easy route, or you can plan a hard / long route. The map below shows our plotted gpx trace. We collected lots of controls but as we were 9 mins late we lost about 30 pts.
