SOG S1Chailey North & CoachingSat 11 February, 2023

Near: Haywards Heath
Level of event: Local
Type of event: Race

Results

Report

We had a great turn out to the orienteering event at North Chailey, with approximately 135 runners. It was great to see so many newcomers to the sport - I was lucky enough to accompany ‘Chloe age 5 and her mum’ on their first experience of a yellow course.

I have really enjoyed planning the event at Chailey and listening to everyone discuss their different route choices. A key area for discussion was the ‘lunar landscape’, as sometimes a few attempts were needed at locating those pesky controls. I also made it slightly more complicated by planning different routes through this area for short green, green and blue, because what is more amusing than lots of orienteers running in different directions!

Short Green

Green

Blue

I have learnt so much due to the fantastic support that I received. I would like to say a massive thank you to Rob Lines, who provided expert advice throughout the planning of the event, Chris Hooker for re-mapping the area and providing numerous hints and tips for organising an event (we visited so many pits, depressions and gullies!) and Steve Blount for ensuring I didn't forget anything!

And finally I would like to say thank you to all the helpers who made this event possible and a success.

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.

Read more about RouteGadget…

Pre event info

Are your skills good enough for the 'Lunar Landscape (an ex military training area)'? We have visited every single pit, depression and gully, and remapped the area (thanks to Chris).
Outside the 'Lunar Landscape' there are lots of interesting areas including runnable forest, perfect tracks, clean open common areas and mind bending gullies. The perfect way to spend a Saturday morning. Feedback is welcomed, written on a bottle of prosecco :)

The coaching session is focussed on the knowledge and techniques needed to get a great result on Chailey Common, one of Southdown’s best training areas. It’s aimed at adults and older juniors and will take place on Chailey (South) to avoid entering the competition area. Meet at the club tent in the car park at 09.45. The session will run for an hour and the event Start will be open until 11.30. Please let Robert Lines know by Thursday 9 Feb 23 if you will attend (via the Contacts page) or use Spond if you have an account.

SOG Series Info

SOGs are friendly club events where children and newcomers are very welcome. Yellow and Orange courses are suitable for children to run on their own with a bit of practice. Adults are welcome to shadow children until they are confident to go on their own. Green and Blue courses are run or walked by any age group - you can race competitively or just enjoy the woodland.

There are two series of events - autumn and spring of approximately 8 events each. Electronic timing (SI) is used.

Help on the day always appreciated.

Volunteer here

Enquiries here

Location Info

Nearest town: Haywards Heath

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

Directions / Parking

Travelling in an eastbound direction from Haywards Heath, along the A272/Lewes road, Chailey Heritage school is located 1.5 miles to the east of Haywards Heath on the south side of the road.
Travelling in a westbound direction from Chaley north, along the A272/Lewes road, Chailey Heritage school is located 0.5miles to the west on the south side of the road.

Public Transport

Haywards Heath train station

Course Information

Yellow(1,3km), Orange(2.6km), Short Green(3.1km), Green(4.1km), Blue(5.5km)

Entry Details

Pre-entry via http://racesignup.co.uk/

Newcomers are welcome and eligible for a free trial session - if you'd like to reserve a map or discuss the event please email our membership secretary.

Fees:

SO/BOF Senior members £5.00 (non-members £6),

Juniors £2.50 (SO Juniors free - use discount code SOjuniors).

'Dibber' hire: Electronic punching (SI) chips are available to hire. SIAC (contactless): £2, non-SIAC (not contactless) £1. Half price for juniors.

Registration open

9:45 to 10:45

Start Times

10:00 to 11:00. Courses close at 12:30.

Map Details

1:5000

Terrain Description

Mainly runnable natural woodland, heathland and semi-open common land.
There are areas with detailed (but generally quite shallow) gully systems.

In general, the area is not as wet as Chailey south, but there are some marshy sections (such as alongside streams) and some muddy paths.

Dog restrictions

Yes but please keep under control

Facilities

None

Miscellaneous

Safety Bearing: Walk south until you reach the road then follow it west back to the car park.

Carrying of whistles recommended.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Amy Hulley

Organiser:

Controller: Robert Lines