The British Army takes part in World Orienteering Day 2017!

Yesterday saw only the second ever World Orienteering Day with thousands of participants taking part in different events and activities throughout the UK. 

The British Army Orienteering Club delivered an individual military training orienteering competition, on World Orienteering Day at Longmoor Training Area.

Lt Col Chris Huthwaite, who is Chairman of the Army Orienteering Association describes their day of action:

"The British Army Orienteering Club delivered an individual military training orienteering competition, on World Orienteering Day at Longmoor Training Area.

The orienteering map had been updated and Colin Dickson from the British Army Orienteering Club planned three excellent courses. A very technical Blue, at 6.7 km with 225 m of climb; a great Light Green at 4 km with 135 m of climb; and a Long Orange at 4.8 km with 110 m of climb. The courses were part of the Army Inter Unit Orienteering Championships, with a classic cross-country race on day 1 (Wednesday 24 May 2017 - World Orienteering Day).  The Harris Competition is today on Day 2 (Thursday 25 May 2017)."

"We were blessed with a beautiful day and were fortunate to be kept cool in the glorious foliage of the training areas trees. The controller, Colin Holcombe (British Army Orienteering Club), ably assisted by Kieran Devine (Southampton orienteering Club) ensured the controls were accurately placed in the very physically demanding and technically challenging driver training area. The organiser, Captain Brett Green arranged a super assembly area, with a covered Registration (Allan Farrington EMIT UK), clothing and accessories from Ultrasport (Ian Kevan BEM); and food from Tom's Burger Van (Tom and Julie Wilkinson).

The start was within 200 m of Registration and the finish, well placed, less than 200 m in the other direction. With 305 competitors Richard and Bobby Baldwin did a sterling job, controlling the eager soldiers and civilian competitors, who took off at speed into the forest. In addition, orienteering training was arranged in the morning by Colin Metcalfe (British Army Orienteering Club), and well over 40 soldiers attended the initial 1 hour briefing on the map and skills; after which 20 plus young men and women took to the forest for a 'walk & talk' skills session.

The atmosphere in the assembly area was electric, as soldiers and civilians compared, congratulated and commiserated on their runs."

"Day 2 (today) looks set to be another exciting and challenging day. With teams of four competitors who start together and run simultaneously. It is a score event, with two sets of controls. 'Spine' controls (usually 8) must be visited by each and every member of the team; 'Other' controls (usually 30) need to be visited by only one team member; and the time of the last runner in counts."

"A great team event, relying on a Team Leader to allocate 'Other' controls to his team members. World Orienteering Day has been a huge success, with numerous World Orienteering Day shirts, hats and snoods on display. The British Army looks forward to participating in WOD 2018..!"

This is just one example of the many events and acitivities that took place during World Orienteering Day yesterday, if you would like to share your orienteering activities which you took part in on World Orienteering Day, please email:   jtaylor@britishorienteering.org.uk   

Also via social media using #WorldOrienteeringDay and mentioning British Orienteering or @GBROrienteering

British Orienteering would like to take this opportunity of saying thank you to the British Army Orienteering Club and to Lt Col Chris Huthwaite for their contribution to World Orienteering Day 2017.

Photos:  by Andy Johnson.

www.worldorienteeringday.com