Type of event: Score
Several runners almost scored the maximum but only Devon OC's Matt Atkins actually achieved it, with a clever race plan, executed to perfection. Nice courses too, from the QO planning team.
Western Quantocks by Jim Nickolls
We hope you enjoyed a fun and challenging but run in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Event photography: Jim Pearson & Sheila Braine
Anyone who ran at the event who would like to contribute comments or even a report of the day or your run, please contact our web manager Jeff Pakes (see contacts page)
Simon B
A near elite orienteer and a long O winner of yesteryear, Simon Beck tells us how he would have tackled Saturday's score course...
If one had spent 15 minutes at the start deciding on the best way to tackle the problem one would then have had 2 hours 45 remaining of the 3 hour time limit, which should have been enough to run 18km with 710m climb, the distance I calculated as necessary to visit all the controls in the most advantageous order [See map & table below] Perhaps someone else can think of a better way to do this? [Matt Atkins achieved it but in a different order- see the table]
Long O Score map
The winner, Matt A
Credit: Devon OC website
Matt tackled the red block of controls (141 to 150) first; Simon would have done the blue block (131 to 140) first. Regardless of that, the following is a comparison of their plans for each block:
| Simon | Winner - Matt Atkins |
| The blue series... 131 | same |
| 136, 132 | did in reverse, before 139 |
| 140, 133 to 135 | did in reverse, after 131 |
| 139, 138, 137 | same |
| The reds... 141, 143, 142, 150 ,145 | same, except switched 142 & 143 |
| 146 to 149, then 144 | same, except did 144 first |
Matt generally identified the same control clusters as Simon, but did them in a slightly different order and direction.
131 and 141 were bonus controls- visits to subsequent controls in each block scored 20 points. Visiting those controls before the bonus control only scored 10 points each. You could only switch colours (blocks of controls) once- subsequent switches meant any further controls scored null points.
WIlmots Pool
Ollie F, 7th on long course
Devon's James J, heading for 3rd place
Back to Simon...
The fact that 141 is towards the west of the area and 137 is the at the extreme west makes it better to go for 131 first...but there is no way I would be able to pick up the map at the start and devise this route in an insignificant amount of time.
The area used was the nice bit of the Quantocks. I don't really think it would have been fair for me to compete, as I know the area too well!
Having said that, my feet appear to have become very sensitive to
pressure, and running on the paths really makes them hurt from treading on the
slightly raised rocks on the paths. I
ran on the route between 150,145 and 146, on
the path and it made my feet hurt a lot. I would guess I would have ended up by
retiring had I attempted to compete in the event.
While I was out I found an antler and two horseshoes, which I shall give to the club in case they want them for trophies [Thanks for the offer Simon- Ed]. Running cross country through the forest was rather dangerous carrying such sharp objects - a good reason to stick to the paths!
I thought 146 was further down the spur than indicated although I did not have a map with me when I went there. My eyes aren't good enough to read a map properly without glasses now, and I don't like having to carry things with me when running; I would have to put them on every time I looked at the map. Not that I really need to look at it a great deal in this area- I know it too well. But I still need to look at it for the in-the-circle navigation at the end of the legs.
- Simon Beck
The long event is ideal training for the mountain marathon technical "score" courses.
Organiser: Rosie Wych 01823 400744 rwych@hotmail.co.uk
From the A358 Taunton to Minehead, turn off to Crowcombe village from where the event will be signed. See map above. Please park as directed and be considerate of other users of the area.
A technical score event. Score format designed to allow a good variety of routes and controls even in one hour.
Course lengths
There is an option of three course times - one, two or three hours. Those not pre-entered, should select your time when registering.
Different course lengths can be combined over the two days, although the small prizes on offer are only available to overall winners of the three courses combined over the two days.
Juniors
There will also be a selection of courses suitable for juniors during the afternoon- see separate event listing.
Some SI controls relating just to the junior JOG event will also be in the area from 14.00 which shares the same start and finish with the juniors.
Closing time
Courses close at 16.00 you must return and download by this time.
Scoring Method
There are 20 controls in two sets - blue (131-140) and red (141-150) worth 10 points.
Competitors can start with either colour but once the change is made cannot swap back.
Controls 131 and 141 are the “bonus” controls each worth 30 points. Additionally, all controls of each colour set then visited have their points value doubled to 20.
Controls are shown on the map and the control descriptions, in different colours for clarity.
All controls are available to all three courses. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND THE SCORING SYSTEM – ASK FOR CLARIFICATION AT REGISTRATION IF NEEDED. SOME CONSIDERATION OF A “PLAN” RECOMMENDED PRIOR TO THE EVENT!
Lateness Penalty
A deduction of three points will be made from your score for every minute, or part minute, that your time exceeds the time you have chosen to run. However, on all courses, (but in practice, on the long course only), if you excel, a three points per minute bonus will be added for achieving the maximum score of 440 points in less than the allocated time!
A Tip
Having a piece of string with knots indicating how far you expect to run in an hour could be a useful accessory in selecting your route. Those who have run score courses on mountain marathons will appreciate the benefits of the simple aid!
Late entries
Online entries are now closed. Link to: Start list
Please contact Rosie Wych before Saturday if you would still like to run so she can reserve you a map.
Entry on the day: a limited number of maps will be printed
The longer courses are unsuitable for novices and unaccompanied juniors. These groups are restricted to Medium or the Short courses, at the discretion of the organiser.
Participants may run as a pair.
Fees
£8 (plus £2 for non BOF members). Juniors £3.
Dibber hire (SI) is included in above prices.
Helpers entitled to a 50% discount- obtain discount code from the organiser for use on Fabian 4.
Electronic punching
Both events will use SportsIdent (SI) punching.
Dibbers issued for day 1 will be collected and re-issued for day 2. Lost hired dibbers will be charged for.
Registration from 11.30.
It will be clearly visible by the large QO flag. It is a very short walk to the start and finish from here.
Car keys may be left at registration (recommended for sole car occupants).
Details of mobile phone number, emergency contact number and car registration will be collected at registration
Starts between 12:00-13.00
There are punching starts for both days, so no start times will be pre-allocated.
An official at the start will organise a queue if necessary.
The area consists of a mixture of rough open and woodland with steep sided coombes crossed by many tracks and paths. In good weather the area is popular with mountain bikers and horse riders.
Well behaved dogs under close control are allowed
All three course options use the same map.
Scale - 1:15,000 with 5 metre contours.
A map without controls will be displayed at registration.
Areas mapped as “Open” can be very overgrown with seasonal bracken and it has been difficult to fully survey this. However some areas of high seasonal bracken are indicated on the map. Controls have been placed to avoid this as long as a sensible route choice is made.
Control descriptions are on the map. There are no loose sheets available.
Whistles mandatory and waterproofs if the weather is inclement.
Those running for 2-3 hours should consider carrying water/emergency food.
Good studded footwear is recommended for the steep valley sides.
Ticks are common and areas have some gorse/heather covering, so lower leg cover is strongly advised.
Could you lend us a hand? We need more people to help us organise the event
Click here for a message from the organiser
If you can help us, please contact the organiser (details below).
Organiser: Judy Craddock 01823 323850 fixtures@
Planner: Rosie Wych 01823 400744 secretary@
Jim T of Manchester & District OC
Devon's Damian on the long course
Ladies Wood
Credit:
Rose &Trev Clough
Jacob And Pete Were First Back On The Short Course
Dead Womans Ditch
Credit:
Chris Andrews
Angela & Spencer
Safety and Risk: A comprehensive risk assessment will have been carried out by the organiser, but participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety during the event. All participants must report to download whether they finish their course or not.
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Safeguarding: QO is aware of it's responsibilities in safeguarding and child protection. To comply with The Child Safeguarding Practice Review and Relevant Agency (England) Regulations 2018, we now provide an email address for individuals to report concerns to the Lead Safeguarding Officer. This address is safeguarding@britishorienteering.org.uk.