Orienteers Head To Bunker's Hill to Enjoy More Orienteering

By Nick Lyons Planner and member of Lincoln Orienteering Group

Lincoln Orienteering Group (LOG) – Race Report

Bunker’s Hill, north eastern side of the city of Lincoln. 

The Lincoln North East event was part of the Lincs Urban League (LUL), and is a series organised jointly by Lincoln Orienteering Club (LOG) and Humberside and Lincoln Orienteers (HALO), with each club staging three events, typically on Wednesday evenings, and prizes being awarded on a points basis, for the best of any three events over the series.

Four of the six events have now been held, with entry levels higher than in previous seasons. There could several explanations including the relative scarcity of competitive group events, or the fact that more people are choosing to stay in the UK this summer, or even the fact that people are looking to try new forms of exercise after the lock-down.

The events were originally planned to be held in June, but were postponed due to Coronavirus restrictions. However, both clubs felt that the formats, and Level D rating of these competitions, would mean that they would be the easiest and safest to stage.  Armchair planning was completed during the lock-down so that the events could be staged relatively quickly when circumstances permitted. The lock down period also allowed both clubs to ensure suitable risk assessments and associated mitigation steps were put in place.

After a couple of stormy days with high winds and torrential rain, the weather for the Bunker’s Hill event was largely benign and contributed to the enjoyment of the evening. Three course lengths, short, medium and long, were offered, all at TD 2 – 3, which appeals to experienced competitors, newcomers, and family groups who tackled the short 2.3km course.

A pre-entry through SiEvents was enforced, which avoided cash transactions and allowed start times to be allocated at 2-minute intervals. The entry total was 58 with 55 taking part on the night.

The event passed off very well, without incident, and the feedback from participants was positive. As mentioned previously, the entry levels appear somewhat higher than previous years.  At a time when few other events are proceeding, orienteering offers people the chance to compete with others in a way that minimises the risks to all concerned.

Photos taken at Bunker's Hill Event below.  Photo credits:  Lincoln Orienteering Group

Photos below from previous events.  Photo credit:  Lincoln Orienteering Group

Celebrating the re-start of orienteering.  
What activities or events has your club organised? 
Have you recently enjoyed taking part in a local MapRun course?  Or have you attended a recent club event?  How was it?
Share with us, and other orienteers and clubs. 
Send in your news stories, snippets and photos to Jennie Taylor Communications Officer.  Email:  jtaylor@britishorienteering.org.uk 

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To view the current guidance visit:  
https://www.britishorienteering.org.uk/COVID19_Safe_Orienteering