KNC 3 Seasalter and Whitstable

Thu 3 Nov 2022

Urban night race featuring the roads, alleyways and paths of Seasalter and Whitstable. 

Type of event: Local, Night, Score, Street
Type of terrain: Urban

Info updated: Sun 6 Nov

Results

Event Report

Thirty orienteers signed up to try their hand at a new map of Seasalter and Whitstable. Although the roads and paths were damp, the rain held off. It was great to see a number of groups attending and some new faces - all of whom were still smiling at the end!

Thanks to those who'd agreed to be control collectors; their assistance really helps to alleviate organiser stress and speeds up the process of dismantling the course and getting everyone to Apres O. 

Apologies to the few orienteeers who managed to find a locked gate impeding their route. Despite identifying and fixing a number of frailties in the OSM/OOM whilst control site setting we didn't spot that one. :-(  The map will be amended for next time. 

It was great to see so many at Apres O. It felt a bit like the old days again. Hope everyone enjoyed the raffle approach to prize giving this time. 

Pre Event Info

One hour score race starting and finishing in Middle Wall Car Park, Whitstable. 

Please join us for Apres O at The Peter Cushing Pub for some food, a pint, a natter and prize giving!

See details below...

Location

map

Nearest town: Whitstable

Directions / Parking

Parking at Middle Wall Car Park CT5-1BN. w3w: juggles.apes.politics

This is a pay and display car park. Charge is £1:60 per hour. Tight fisted orienteers might be able to find roadside parking nearby, but most is allocated for residents. 

If Middle Wall is full there is parking nearby at Gladstone Road Car Park and Shaftesbury Road Car Park. 

Apres O location is shown on the O map. 

Public Transport options

Its a short walk from Whitstable Train station. 

Registration & Start Times

Gather at 19:00. Safety briefing at 19:18. Mass start at 19:30. 

Course Information

Score course: 21 controls, 10 points per control: no funny business. One hour - 10 point penalty for every minute (or part thereof) late. 

A Railway track bisects the orienteering area. Competitors must use only designated crossing points - These are bridges or underpasses. These are clearly shown on the map. There are a number of fenced and locked railway workers' gates along the trackside; these are not to be used under any circumstance.

Explanation of Score courses

You don't have to visit all the controls! There is usually a time limit, instead of a set course. Points are scored for visiting controls, and deducted for finishing over the time limit. You decide which controls to visit, and in which sequence. Sometimes controls have different points values. You will need to carry a watch or phone, so you know how long you have been out.

Entry Details

Please register for the event via http://racesignup.co.uk/

If you're able to help collect controls please offer whilst registering. 

As this is a street race juniors under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult. This event is suitable for all skill levels. Newcomers are welcome; please emal the organiser beforehand with any questions, tips etc. 

Terrain Description

The course is mostly on road and alleyways, as well as a few paths. Underfoot is generally pretty good and road shoes would be a good choice. Some route choices will be along unlit paths or roads - a headtorch is essential. Partiicpants should consider wearing Hi-Viz clothing - do take care crossing any roads!

There is the option of crossing some rougher terrain on Duncan Down - SE corner of the map. The trails are wide mown grass 'avenues'. A trail shoe might be better if the weather is inclement, or if you're not too surefooted. Shorts are fine. 

Facilities

24hr public toilets are nearby - Skinner's Alley / Oxford Close. w3w: scuba.daydream.abstracts

Dogs allowed?

Dogs on lead, but will need to avoid the mass start. 

Contacts / Officials

Organiser: Brendon Howe

Organiser: Alison Howe

Important Information

Health, safety and other important information related to events.

If you have pre-existing helath issues that you feel the organiser should know about please fill in this medical form.

 

Covid-19:

Before travelling to any orienteering event please make sure you are aware of and following British Orienteering guidelines. 

To ensure that we comply with these guidelines and make our events Covid secure and safe for participants and volunteers, all events will be pre-entry and pre-payment only.

During the on-line entry process, you will select your preferred start window from those available for your course. You must then make payment to reserve your start window. Please do not turn up at the event unless you have pre-entered. If you need help with the registration process please contact the event organiser.

On event day turn up for your allocated start slot

Please move away from the map box after collecting your map.

At control sites do not touch the control, and move through quickly.

Do not congregate at the Finish.

At Download please get your breath back and recover before downloading.

Saxons volunteers are very happy to help beginners understand the courses, maps and timing equipment used at our events. To get advice please contact coaching@saxons-oc.org at least 3 days before the event, or go to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/saxons.oc and ask questions there. It may be possible to arrange for somoene to meet you before your start.

For full BO Covid guidance click here

Ticks and Lyme Disease: Ticks are common in areas where we go orienteering, more information about ticks.

Training and help is available from qualified coaches. Please contact the organiser.

Privacy: when entering our events your name may appear in the results section of this website or in newspaper reports. Read our privacy policy to see how we look after your personal data.

Data Protection: Your personal information provided for this event or obtained from registration databases will be used to process your entry, publish results, check for missing runners and trace missing SI cards.