Near: Southwater
Level of event: Local
Type of event:
Race
Results
Report
Results and splits are published.
Planners Comments:
Thank you to everyone who came and played roulette with the weather at Southwater. After a very blustery Friday night we were fortunate enough to have a pleasant morning before the rain came again. We welcomed some visitors from other clubs and saw a number of individual entries on three courses.
So they let me loose at planning my first SOG event! I hope you all enjoyed your courses, my main aim was to make them as interesting as possible and avoid simple lake lapping. Although slightly unusual, I chose to go with the double-sided map on Orange as it suited the small area. As well as making the map clearer, I thought it was a good opportunity to introduce it to competitors before they progress to Green and I received some positive feedback on this.
The start location on the hillside gave me a good vantage point and kept me entertained during the quieter moments. I saw bramble fighter Mark, ditch jumper Tommy and several on Green taking the longer route back up the hill to avoid another step climb! Unfortunately what I couldn't see and really want to know is did anyone on Blue go for the wet feet option exiting the last control?
Whilst out control collecting I enjoyed discovering some of the short cuts that were taken through the woods, evident by the long skewed footprints left on the steep muddy slopes. Strangely satisfying to see!
Many thanks go to my support team on the day - Ralph, Mike, Les, Anna, Jim & Sue, Garry & Maggie, Kate, Scarlet & Tommy. This event was also only possible with much help during the planning phase of which I'm truly grateful to all involved.
We welcome any new volunteers who can offer even the smallest amount of help, so please consider volunteering at a future event if you have not done so before. Just ask on the day or get in touch via the volunteer email link.
Planner
Garry Greenstreet
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.
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.
Location Info
Nearest town: Southwater
- Postcode: RH13 9BW *
- Lat,Lng:51.01747,-0.34980
- Grid Ref: TQ158255
- 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
Southwater Country Park is easily accessed and signed by exiting the A24 roundabout at the south side of Southwater.
Parking will be in the southern car park off Mill Straight / Worthing Road and is sign posted 'Dinosaur Island'. Nearest postcode is RH13 9BW.
Car Park charges apply 10:00-18:00. Pay & Display 0-1 hour £0.50, 1-3 hours £1.50, All day £3.
There is additional parking at the Station Road car park, adjacent to the watersports centre & cafe which also has toilets.
Both these car parks have a 2m height restriction. Vehicles exceeding this height are most likely to find parking on the access road to Southwater Business Park to the north of the park. Proceed north along Mill Straight which becomes Worthing Road, then turn first right.
Entries will be located in the event car park with Registration, Start, Finish, Download and the Social Hub all nearby
Public Transport
Nearest trains at Christs Hospital or Horsham. Buses from Horsham station to Southwater.
Course Information
Yellow 1.2km, 25m climb, 12 controls.
Orange 2.5km, 45m climb, 17 controls.
Green 3.6km, 70m climb, 21 controls.
Blue 4.7km, 85m climb, 28 controls.
All courses except yellow will use double sided maps.
If the recent wet weather continues the steeper slopes in the wooded areas will be very slippery, especially with the seasonal leaf fall. Please ensure the Blue course is suitable for your ability.
1
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
Scale 1:4,000, 5m contours.
Minor updates October 2019
Terrain Description
Southwater Country Park is a former brickworks, so is dominated by two large lakes within a steep sided bowl. Tread carefully though as Iguanadon bones were found when brick clay was being dug in the 1890’s and has since inspired the amazing Dinosaur Island play area.
Dog restrictions
Dogs under control allowed
Facilities
Cafe, toilets, watersports and don't miss meeting Iggy the Iguanadon and Trixy the Triceratops at Dinosaur Island play area.
Miscellaneous
Studded shoes and full leg cover recommended.
The area is popular with dog walkers and we do not have sole use of the park so please be respectful of other users
Contacts / Officials
Planner: Garry Greenstreet
Organiser:
Controller:
Photo Gallery
click/tap photos for a larger version