Well what a fun little series that was! Four sprint events staged across 4 consecutive weekends in February attracted over 150 competitors across the series. The first 2 events at Kiama and Wollongong University proved the most popular with 49 and 47 participants respectively. Albion Park and Croom both hosted 28-29 competitors. The novel addition of a ‘fast and furious’ mass start where competitors lined up to take on a short 1km course also proved a fun and exciting way to finish the day for those still with energy to burn.
Thank you to all our course setters – Joel, David, Stephen and Keith. The weather gods were against us for 3 of the 4 courses, but finally we cracked some sunshine for our last event at Croom where the heat became the challenge instead of the rain.
Below is a gallery of highlights from the series. Click on an image for full size.
Be ready for some fast decision making on the run at the second Illawarra Summer Sprint event this Sunday 8th February at the University of Wollongong.
In contrast to last week’s courses at the Kiama Blowhole Headland which featured controls in the rocky foreshore as well as the parkland and a degree of climb, the UoW courses will be flat with many route choice options and opportunities for error. There will be three courses to choose from and the option of running more than one course. Start times are from 10-11am. All competitors must finish by 12noon.
Note: After all competitors have finished there will be a mass start for the short course sprint. Everyone who has run a course is welcome to participate. At the Kiama event this proved very popular amongst both competitors and spectators.
There will be NO sausage sizzle this week as the Uni cafe will be open and available for refreshments.
Pre-entries are recommended but there will be the ability to enter on the day at the event. Pre-entries are via Eventor at https://eventor.orienteering.asn.au/Events/Show/23296. If you haven’t entered before on Eventor you first need to register and then go back to the event webpage to enter and pay on line.
The information flyer on Eventor contains details of location, parking, courses as well as mapping notes. Why not take the train and relax as you travel through the Royal National park and down beside the coast – it is very picturesque. The assembly area is a 20min walk from North Wollongong Station.
Newcomers and families are most welcome to attend. You can walk or run, go individually or as a group. Club members will be on hand to introduce you to the sport and set you on your way.
Members are reminded to renew their membership online if they want to receive the member discount.
The Illawarra Summer Series kicks off on Sunday morning 1 February and will run every weekend in February. This year the series takes the form of sprint events set on new maps. Starts will be from 10-11am. See below for dates, locations and links to Eventor for details of individual events. Pre-entries are encouraged and should be made through Eventor. Note: the event at Albion Park will be on Saturday while all other events are Sunday.
Sprint orienteering is a lot of fun – it requires quick decision making and tests your ability to navigate accurately at speed. This can be demanding, especially with constant changes in direction and route choice. Winning times are usually around 12 – 15mins. Those new to sprint orienteering should check out the Sprint Orienteering page on the Orienteering Australia website.
There will be three courses available each week. Those wishing to have a longer run can run more than one course.
Course
Approx distance
Winning time
Long
3.0 – 3.5 Km
12-15 mins
Medium
2 Km
12-15 mins
Short
1 Km
5-10mins
As with past series all competitors will receive a sausage sandwich with a sauce of their choosing at the end of their run.
All event locations are close to one of the Illawarra’s iconic beaches. So pack your towel and swimmers as well as your runners and make a day of it.
NEWCOMERS are welcome to come and try sprint orienteering. You can run or walk the course, go it alone or in a group. Club members will be on hand to help you on your way. Those newcomers who attend at least 3 of the events will be in the running for a free 12-month membership with IKO. After completion of the series, those eligible will be notified by email with an option to accept or decline this offer.
Check out our great promotional video with thanks to our talented first course setter Joel Mion.
