The day after the SE Sprint championships at the University of Sussex wer the SE relays. The relays made use of some of the area used in the sprint event with the addition of the adjacent Stanmer Park.

By my estimation, it’s approximately five years since Stanmer Park was last used for an organised orienteering event. I had forgotten quite how physical the area can be!

The courses provided good variety by taking in: the steep wooded hillside of Stanmer Park; the super fast parkland terrain between the main wooded area and the university; and the intricately detailed University campus.

The hopes had been for the fine weather of the sprints to persist for a second day of competition with the relays. Alas, we were treated to some light rain during parts of the competition, although the weather became fine enough at the end to dry all the tentage and permit the presentations to be made. Personally, I felt that the mistiness and light drizzle actually made the woods of Stanmer Park more atmospheric and increased the sense of adventure of the course!

Whilst it was possible for finishing positions to be determined accurately enough to award prizes on the day, full results processing has taken a little bit longer. Results should be available here shortly.