SOG A7Washington Common & CoachingSat 06 January, 2024

Near: Washington
Level of event: Local
Type of event: Race

Results

Report

Planning this event I was mindful of Neil C’s sage advice to find a couple of good legs and build the course around them. I failed to spot even one, so went for quantity rather than quality! It was great to see such a good turnout and I hope you weren’t punch drunk by the finish.

The weather was perfect for orienteering, and conditions underfoot not too bad considering the recent heavy rain.

Many thanks to Chris and Vince for help beforehand, Peter D. for managing the start lanes, and Steve B. for meeting and greeting.
Thanks also to the incomparable SI team and all who helped with control collection.

Happy New Year!

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

A training session for adults and older juniors will take place 10.00 and last for one hour. Participants will be able to take part in the main orienteering event afterwards. It's free of charge and open to newcomers as well as experienced orienteers. Please let Robert Lines know via the Contacts Page if you will attend.

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: Washington

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

Directions / Parking

Nearest parking (as in previous events here) is in Old London Road. Take the Thakeham turn off the A24 Northbound just North of the Washington roundabout and then turn immediately left.
Please be careful not to block any driveways.

Access to the woods is at the southern end of the road and the what3words for this point is alerting.blindfold.finders

Otherwise there is street parking in Washington Village. From here follow the pavement northwards to the Triumph/Kia garage, then cross the road and walk up Sandhill Lane. At the end of the lane turn left to find the underpass under the A24, then follow the Orienteering signs the very short distance to the event.
DO NOT TRY TO CROSS THE A24 ON FOOT IN ANY OTHER WAY

Map of safe walking route

Public Transport

Metrobus service 23 runs hourly in both directions between Horsham and Worthing and stops in Washington.

Course Information

Yellow 1.5k 55m
Orange 2.5k 75m
Short green 3.0k 75m
Green 4.5k 115m
Blue 6.0k 170m

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

Mapping is by Chris Hooker and is LiDAR based. Last updated in May 2023. Scale: 1 to 5,000, contours at 5m intervals. The Green and Blue courses will have two-sided maps.

Terrain Description

Washington Common is a beautiful mixed woodland that is owned by The National Trust. It is popular with local dog walkers, especially as horse riding and cycling are not permitted. The southern part is dominated by Warren Hill and contains some fairly steep slopes. These can mostly be avoided at the expense of running further! In the centre is a large open area that is a favourite spot for family picnics, though not in early January. The northern section is known as Jenners Wood and is relatively flat, but characterized by its many gullies. There is a network of paths and runnabilty is generally good. Areas of brambles can be avoided fairly easily.

Facilities

None

Miscellaneous

If wintry weather is forecast please be ready to add 'cagoules recommended' or 'cagoules compulsory' to the event details.

Whistles are strongly recommended.

Safety bearing is south east.

Please note that the area is very popular with dog walkers so please be careful and considerate when running near dogs.

Contacts / Officials

Planner: Neil Watts

Organiser:

Controller: