The fourth and final event of the Illawarra Map Running Series was held on the 3rd March in brilliant sunshine at Shell Cove. There was a good turn out bringing the total number of competitors for the series to 165. As well as enjoying the challenge of the courses set by David Green the finishers eagerly tucked into the free sausage sizzle cooked by master chef Ian Froude. Our thanks to Ken Mills, Stephen Holloway, Vicki Wilmott and David Green for organizing four successful events in the series.
Family fun time at South Wollongong
A warm welcome to all the new members who recently joined the club, including those who competed in 3 or more of the Illawarra Map Running events and took up the offer of free membership. Looking forward to seeing you at our coming events.
We are three down and just one to go in this year’s map running series. How many have you completed? We’ve been pleased with the attendance so far, and its great to see eager new faces showing up to multiple events to have a go at orienteering. Don’t forget beginners can claim a free club membership by competing in at least 3 of the 4 events. That’s a saving of $60 for a senior!
At South Wollongong Ken made sure competitors got their money’s worth in the bushland of Greenhouse Park, with most people doing at least 2 laps of the various tracks. The hike up the hill was rewarding though with rarely seen views over Port Kemba.
Keith was interviewed by local radio at the Kiama Downs event where we had 54 competitors take on the hills of the Downs. Steve made use of every inch of the map, including some tricky turpentine forest which turned out to be much more challenging than it seemed!
Another great roll up at Thirroul today, with 46 competitors, with around 10 of those being non-club members. We are always grateful for the show of support from our neighboring club in the Southern Highlands, even if it is to come down and try and steal first place!
Our final event is on 3 March 2024 when we will be showcasing our newest map at Shell Cove. If you missed the premiere of this map last year make sure you put it in your diary. Afterwards all club members are invited to stay on for our AGM.
View the gallery above for a look at our first 2 events in photos.
As in previous years, IKO will be hosting a series of 4 Sunday events in the Illawarra beginning 4 February 2024. The series aims to promote the sport of orienteering in the Illawarra and encourage first-timers to give it a go in a safe and welcoming environment. All courses are based around local parks and streets.
Starts are from 10-11am Sundays and competitors have the choice of short, medium or long courses. Families and groups welcome!
4 February – South Wollongong 11 February – Kiama Downs 18 February – Thirroul 3 March – Shell Cove
Entries are preferred via Eventor as it gives us a good idea of how many people to expect. But enter on the day is possible (card payments only) for beginners.
A special offer to newcomers – compete in at least 3 events and receive a free 12 month membership with our club!
IKO is starting the 2024 season with a bang Illawarra Kareelah Orienteers are hosting Sydney Summer Series event #14 on Wednesday 3rd January in Cooper Park (photo). Think meandering pathways, bridges, grottoes in this riparian forest area encompassed by streets and laneways of Woollahra and Bellevue Hill. This is a score event (30 controls) and will test your skills in choosing a route that will maximise your points.
An enlarged version of the bushland reserve will be on the flip side of the map to make it easier for competitors to read and navigate through.
Access in the reserve requires orienteers to keep to the pathways at all times.
