SOG 3Blackland FarmSat 12 December, 2020

Report

PLANNER

Thanks for joining us today at Blackland Farm. I’m glad it didn’t rain. The previous week the river was three times deeper and running strongly.

Courses perhaps a little shorter at this event, mostly because the area is not very big. A bonus for those who may not be as fit as usual.

I really enjoyed planning the courses, trying to keep them interesting and unfamiliar from start to end. I also wanted people to enjoy the physicality of the area and break up opportunities for easy running.

A few things to take away.

Start triangle was difficult for many to find on the map.

The mapping of activity sites as a cross with box surround gets a Marmite reaction. Perhaps they should be mapped with an X (in line with officialdom) or else get rid of entirely.

Finally the Monster trucks. Blackland Farm is famous for throwing (literally last year with axe throwing), a spanner (haha) in the works last minute. This year big red throbbing V8’s. At one point I had a steam engine, shot guns and a grizzly monster truck serenading my ears.

Most importantly is the huge thanks owed to the many helpers/club officials that have made the necessary adjustments to allow these events to continue in what feels like a very familiar fashion. Much work has been done behind the scenes. I have to mention Steve Blount for making my job as planner so easy. Thanks Steve. Thanks also to the SI team, money collectors, safety officer, kit officer and map printer. Legends as always.

Finally, thanks to the people who offered to help on the day. Simple jobs like being on the start for 45 minutes, parking a few cars or collecting controls. Small jobs, big help. Please volunteer when you can.

It was fabulous to see so many smiley faces. Thanks for coming.

Will Heap

RouteGadget

Is a web app for sharing and comparing orienteering routes. You can draw your own route or upload a GPS track from your watch. It also allows you to watch an animated replay with a simulated mass start.

Pre event info

Competitors should not attend this event:

• Who are unwell with a cough, fever or other respiratory symptoms
• Have been in close contact with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 and are within the quarantine period
• If they have returned from non-exempt overseas country, until they have completed the 14 day quarantine period
• Are currently undergoing COVID-19 testing, until they receive a negative result and are symptom free
• Have been asked to isolate by NHS Test and Trace due to them having been in contact with a known COVID-19 case
• If they have been advised to stay at home by a Health Care professional
• If they live in a tier 3 area

Location Info

Nearest town: Sharpthorne

• Postcode: RH19 4HP *
• Lat,Lng:51.08468,-0.02976
• Grid Ref: TQ380335
• Google Map
• Streetmap (OS 50k)
• Bing Map (OS 50k)
• OpenStreetMap

* Postcodes are not very precise in some areas, so don't rely on them for an exact location.

Directions / Parking

Signed from the junction of Pawlhatch Lane and Grinstead Lane to the east of Sharpthorne.

Postcode RH19 4HP

What3Words: pulled.cared.happen

Grid TQ380335

Park as directed by marshals.

Public Transport

Orienteers should consider using their own transportation and not public transport.

Course Information

• Yellow 1.9km, 35m Climb
• Orange 2.4km, 45m Climb
• Green 3.7km, 115m Climb
• Blue 4.8km, 150m Climb

Loose control descriptions will not be provided at the event. Control descriptions will be on the map and can be downloaded here.

Yellow maps should be collected at pay station.

Entry list as of 9th December.

Entry Details

Courses are now full and event entry is closed.

Payment by contactless card on the day.

Seniors £5.00

Juniors £2.50 (SO juniors free)

Registration

11.15am - 12.45pm

Start Times

11.30am - 13.00pm. Courses close 14.30pm. Please start in your allocated start block.

Map Details

1:5000 with 5m contours. Based on original map by Roger Maher 2000 with updates in 2013 and 2016 plus minor updates November 2020.

Terrain Description

A diverse, intricate, compact area perfect to test both your physical and mental strength. Wooded slopes with many holly thickets and activity sites. A stream that can be crossed easily in many places, and not so easily in others - choose wisely. A detailed network of paths, some of which are indistinct under the autumn leaves. Low brambles are mostly runnable. Large open areas/fields to test the legs. Be prepared to get wet feet, and possibly muddy too!

Dog restrictions

Dogs allowed. Please clean up after them.

Facilities

None.

No key drop.

Please bring:

• Your own water to ensure adequate hydration pre and post event.
• Hand sanitizer.

Miscellaneous

Safety Bearing: East to road, then north or south to buildings.

Please ensure you have read and adhere to the British Orienteering Code of Conduct.

Maintain a distance of at least 2m from other people at all times.

Arrive at the event ready to run, use the contactless payment system and then wait by your car until it is time for you to start.

There are 2 starts - Blue/Orange and Green/Yellow. Follow signs.

Competitors will start at 1 minute intervals with only one person starting each minute.

Punching start and finish, all other controls will be SIAC enabled.

Move away briskly from the start and all controls. If you need a breather then find a quiet area away from where other competitors are likely to appear.

At the end of your run punch the finish and move away to a quiet area to recover before making your way to download.

Once you have finished and downloaded please leave the event.

No splits or results displays will be available. Live WiFi results will be available at the event. Final results will appear on the club website shortly after the event.

Bramble bashers recommended.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Will Heap

Organiser: Steve Blount

Controller: