SOG S7Friston Forest West & CoachingSat 20 April, 2024

Near: East Dean
Level of event: Local
Type of event: Race

Results

Report

Friston Forest is ideal for orienteering this time of the year. The undergrowth has just started, the visibility is good. The map was up to date (thank you Chris). I wanted to use the best areas for fast running and got some speeds of over 11 km/h, despite some good climbs included. Well done! I hope I managed to get some variation in the courses to make it interesting. I’m sorry about the control which was placed 20 to 30 meters too far North. Even a comparatively small event like today relies heavily on the helpers. Thank you to Andy H for permissions, Julia J for desktop control and advice, Karen for advice on risk and safety, Mike G for printing, Steve and Jill for setting out, parking and advice, Tim B, Johanna, Jas and Roger for start, Joe and Penny P for handling the IT and Darren, Liam, Rob L and Chris for collecting controls and the advance notices.

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

We are offering FREE COACHING this week for both children and adults. This is part of our monthly coaching programme. Younger juniors who are on white or yellow courses or just starting out will be with Karen. Parents may stay with juniors if they are new to it or very young.

Older juniors and adults or anyone wanting to run orange courses and upwards will be doing coaching with Rob and may also have some opportunity for some one to one mentoring.

Please register your interest in good time on Spond or with Anna if you don't have the Spond app. Meet at the coaching flag at 9:45, ready to start at 10am. Please pre-enter for your course as normal, you will have time to run after the coaching.

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: East Dean

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

Directions / Parking

From A27 between Brighton and Eastbourne turn South at Drusillas roundabout. Follow Alfriston Road, Litlington Road, The Street, Litlington Road, in total approx. 2.9 miles. Entrance to Friston Forest Car Park on the left.
From A259 between Seaford and Eastbourne turn North at Exceat and follow Litlington Road approx. 0.4 miles.
Please park as directed by marshals.
Parking fees:
0 - 2 hours: £ 2.50
2 – 4 hours: £ 4.00
All day: £ 5.00
You can pay by card or RingGo, location 31023 or call 02030460063. No coin payment.

Public Transport

Bus route 12 goes along A259 between Eastbourne and Brighton and stops at Exceat which is approx. 0.4miles south of Friston Forest West Car Park.

Course Information

Blue 6.2km

Green 4.7km

Short green 3.4km

Orange 2.4km

Yellow 1.5km.

Entry Details

Pre-entry via 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.

BOF member fees: Seniors £6.50, Juniors £3.25, SO Juniors free.
Non member fees: Seniors £7.50, Juniors £3.25.

'Dibber' hire:
Electronic punching (SI) chips are available to hire. SIAC (contactless): £2 (juniors £1), non-SIAC (not contactless) £1 (juniors £0.5)

Registration open

9:45 to 10:45

Start Times

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

Map Details

Friston West, Scale 1:10.000 with 5m contours. Updated February 2024 by Chris Hooker

Terrain Description

Beech wood within South Downs Nature Park. Several rides and tracks. Mostly open forest but some areas with thicker undergrowth which can be avoided. Some brambles, gaiters recommended. Height difference 70m between lowest and highest point. Possibilities for fast running.

Dog restrictions

Dogs allowed if on a lead

Facilities

Public toilets near car park. Picnic area.

Miscellaneous

There are usually some dog walkers, might be some mountain bikers. Please be considerate. The area is crossed by South Downs Way Long Distance Footpath.

Safety bearing: North to ride/track then West to road and South to assembly.

There is a cafe at Exceat.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Einar Solgaard

Organiser:

Controller:

Photo Gallery

click/tap photos for a larger version