Capstone Country ParkSat 15 Jul
Summer series
Local level event
Explanation of event levels
Local events are usually low key and in the 'localised' area, ideal for newcomers to try the sport and Training events are non competitive and used for training and coaching, aimed at members of the club, but they can attract people from neighbouring clubs, and are often ideal for newcomers to try the sport. Regional events attract participants from around the local Region, National events are high quality competitions that will attract people from far away, Major events are Major Events such as a British Championships. Virtual events are where there are no physical controls being used. Your presence at a control is registered using an App on your mobile phone, normally the free MapRun App.
Terrain type: Parkland
Results
Report
Our thanks go to Medway Council - norse for allowing us to use the Park for this Saturday summertime event. The weather forecast was not particularly encouraging so it was nice to see that almost all who had entered, made it on the day. The conditions were actually quite pleasant, albeit a bit windy. It was good to have positive feedback on the terrain & courses from both the newcomers and regular orienteers. The control sites were not particularly tricky, but the plethora of paths & oxygen debt due to the not inconsiderable hills meant you had to keep focused. There were some impressive performances by some youngsters and those relatively new to the sport.
Andrea, Alison, John, Richard, the 2 Simons & the 2 Peters gave invaluable support on the day - thanks.
This new venue is one of the sites where you can try anytime Virtual orienteering using your mobile phone. Using the MapRun app the phone will ping/vibrate when you reach the control. The map and instructions can be downloaded under the heading Club Info 'Permanent and Find Your Way Orienteering Courses (POCs/VOCs)' on the Saxons website.
Mark Glaisher
Location Info
/0.55980,51.35567,12/500x400?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoicGF1bGZyb3N0IiwiYSI6ImNsa2lnNTQwZzAwNXEzZm42eXN6YzEyY2cifQ.4yO-9UcYyaj-JBjigtJUtg)
Near: Chatham Lat,Lng: 51.35567,0.55980 OS Grid Ref: TQ783649 What3Words: ///gladiator.pleaser.trailer
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions / Parking
Parking: Please note we are not using the Main car park near the lake, but the southern one (Orchard car park).
Access is from Capstone Rd at the junction https://what3words.com/dorms.music.invents
There are signboards ‘Capstone Country Park’ and ‘Ski centre’
From here follow the road uphill to the car park at the top. Nearest Post code ME7 3JH.
Please do not park in the Ski centre car park adjacent to the junction.
Car parking is free
Public transport: Chatham bus station is near Chatham railway station. Nu-venture service 113 operates on Saturdays from the bus station. Disembark at Luton Recreation Ground and it’s then about 1.5km walk to the Orchard car park.
Nearest railway station is Gillingham 5km.
Cycling is an option, too.
Pre-event Details
Map / Terrain
The park extends over some hilly terrain, and comprises several open areas with woodland in between, plus a lake and parkland to the north. There is a comprehensive network of paths and tracks.
Some fields within the park are Out of Bounds – these are shown with a purple line around them on the map.
There are many wooden fences separating bridleways, footpaths and bike tracks. For map clarity, not all are shown. There are gaps in the fencing, or gates.
Course Information
3 courses
Trail challenge course approximately 6 km, where you must visit the checkpoints (controls) in set order. The controls will be straightforward to find and there will be route choice between the controls, for instance following paths / hedges / edge of woodland, or a more direct route. 14 controls and about 150m of climb in total.
Score – Easy 60 minutes
21 controls, visit as many as you can, in any order. 10 points per control, 5 points penalty per minute/part minute beyond 60 minutes. Max score 210 points.
Score – Hard 60 minutes
21 controls 90 – 99, 100 - 109 and 111. You may start with either the 90 series or the 100 series - do as many as you wish - but you must visit 111 (non-scoring) to switch from one series to the other. No switching back. 10 points per control, 10 points penalty per minute/part minute beyond 60 minutes. Max score 200 points.
New 1:7,500 scale map with 5m contours, surveyed & drawn Spring 2023. Maps will be printed on A4 waterproof paper.
Controls will be SIAC enabled. Separate/loose control descriptions will be available.
After your run please Download as normal. Timing printouts will be provided and the results will be available on the website.
Courses close at 2pm.
Read more about Course lengths and Difficulty here
Entry Details
Pre-entry only via http://www.racesignup.co.uk
Seniors (British Orienteering members) £5, Non-members of BO £7.
Juniors & students £3 (BO or non-BO).
Group: £10 (1 dibber; map for each participant) (BO or non-BO).
Dibber loan (non-SIAC): Free. SIAC dibber hire £1.50
Wearing of shorts on the course is permitted – but note that with summer undergrowth there may be nettles & brambles alongside paths!
A cagoule might be required in inclement weather. You will need to look after your car keys yourself (eg carry in zipped pocket or waist strap).
An Emergency contact number will be printed on the map.
Registration and Start times
Registration: Pre-entry only via http://www.racesignup.co.uk by midnight Friday 14th July.
This will require details for safety purposes.
No Registration on the day.
The Start, Finish, loan/hire dibber collection & Download will be adjacent to the south side of the car park. Look out for the Saxons banner.
Start period 11:00am – 12.30pm
Facilities
There are toilets in the brick building 200m south of the car park.
The café (near the lake, 600m north of the Orchard car park) is open 10am – 4pm.
Dog restrictions
Council rules & on permanent maps displayed on site: Dogs on leads are permitted in the parkland areas. In designated open spaces at the south they do not have to be on leads. In one small area of woodland dogs are not permitted
Contacts / Officials
Planner & Organiser, Mark Glaisher 07895 087298, knc"at"saxons-oc.org