Tag Archives: map run

Spring into orienteering with IKO

The spring edition of our “Illawarra Map Running Series” is fast approaching, kicking off on Sunday 12 October. This year we have all new course setters who are putting the finishing touches on their courses in the southern Illawarra.

Old favourites include courses around Kiama and Kiama Downs. We will also be showcasing a beautiful patch of bushland at Blackbutt Forest which we haven’t used in a while. The forest was alive with birds when we were out map checking, and there are lots of interesting trails to explore. We will also be debuting a new map “out the back” at Jamberoo featuring the town and the scenic parkland along Hyams Creek.

Traditional line courses of 2km, 4km, and 6km will be on offer each week. Starts are between 10-11am each Sunday. As in previous years, newcomers who complete all four events will be offered a 12-month membership with the club.

Final event in 2025 IMR Summer Series – #4 Figtree on 9th March

The Illawarra Map Running Summer Series is winding up next Sunday with the final event at Roy Johanson Park, Europa St. Figtree. There will be the usual three line courses – long (6Km), medium (4Km) and short (2Km) and classes for walkers as well as runners. Starts will be from 10am – 11am. All competitors must report back by 12noon. See Eventor for details about the event and to pre-enter. There will be a free sausage sizzle for competitors after their run.

Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. Whilst we encourage everyone to pre-enter via Eventor novices are welcome to turn up and enter on the day, but you must bring your credit/debit card – no cash is accepted. Members will be available on the day to help you on your way.

Newcomers don’t forget: if you have attended at least three of the Illawarra IMR Summer Series events you will be in the running for a free membership of Illawarra Kareelah Orienteers for 2025.

It was good to see so many IKO members competing in the NSW MiniRogaine at Kamay NP last weekend. There was quite an entourage and a number of place getters. Congratulations to Joel Mion and friends who won the under 23 class and came second in open men teams race. That was quite some feat with so many seasoned rogainers competing. For those interested you can view the results here.

Update on the Illawarra Map Running Series

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.

Get ready for Illawarra Map Running 2024

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!

Next club event on Saturday 15 July 2023

Get ready for the next club event at South Cronulla on Saturday 15 July. Enjoy the views as you run around the peninsular – if you are lucky you might even see a whale or two. The assembly area is in Gunnamatta Park, Nicholson Parade, Cronulla. Starts are from 2.00 – 3.00pm. See Eventor for details. Pre-entry via Eventor is encouraged. Newcomers are always welcome and there will be someone available to help you on your way.