Mote ParkSat 29 Jun
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 & Woodland
Results
Report
Competitors at Mote Park were luck enough to benefit from the warm sunshine today. There were quite a few flushed faces at the finish line, and I believe the ice cream man did a roaring trade. Well done to Alan Hickling and to Henry Taylor for winning their respective courses.
Big thanks to those who helped on the day, or offered to help.
Location Info
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Near: Maidstone Lat,Lng: 51.26874,0.53940 What3Words: ///atom.mostly.feels
Open an interactive map in: GoogleMap - OpenStreetMap - AppleMaps - BingMap
Directions / Parking
Parking in the main Mote Park parking area. ME15 7SU. There is a £2 parking charge. We will be using the overflow car park adjacent to the main car parking area.
Public Transport Options
Maidstone East and West railway stations are in walking distance of the area. Bus stops nearby. Bike Racks adjacent to the start area.
Pre-event Details
Map / Terrain
Parkland surrounding a large lake with small pockets of woodland and an interesting path network. The area has been remapped in 2024 by Dave Peel.
Course Information
Short Score 60 mins
60 minute score suitable for all abilities. 20 scoring controls to be be visited in any order 10 points per control, 5 points penalty per minute/part minute beyond 60 minutes. Maximum score 200 points. Text control descriptions.
Long Score 60 mins
60 minute score. Same 20 controls as for Short Score, which can be taken in any order, however, there are also bonus points available for linking 'Dog Bone' pairs without visiting other controls in between. There are 10 control pairs on offer with the last digit of each pair linking (so, 51-41, 44-54 etc). Dog Bones are shown on the map to assist. Control pairs can be taken in any order, so 51 to 41, or 41 to 51 for example. 6 points per control, 10 point bonus for each Dog Bone, 10 points penalty per minute/part minute beyond 60 minutes. Maximum score 220. Symbolic control descriptions.
The event will be SIAC enabled.
Guidance and some basic skills training will be offered to newcomers and novices before the start.
Read more about Course lengths and Difficulty here
Entry Details
Pre-entry only. This will be via Race Sign Up
Senior (member/non-member): £7/£1
Junior/Student: £4
Group (member/non-member): £10/£15 (total charge for group, only group lead needs to enter - everyone gets a map)
Basic non-SIAC dibber (electronic timing device) available for hire free of charge. SIAC dibbers available for hire for £1.50 (good choice).
Entries online only, via Race Sign Up, until maps run out.
Registration and Start times
Registration opens at 10.30 to collect hire dibbers. There will be experienced orienteers on hand to help newcomers, provide basic skills training and answer any questions.
Start times will be from 11:00 to 12:00. Courses close at 13:00.
Facilities
Cafe and toilets can be found in the newly built block adjacent to the car park.
Dog restrictions
Dogs welcome but to be kept on leads.
Contacts / Officials
Organiser: Brendon Howe
Nearest A&E Hospital
Safety Notes
Be aware of other park users, and give way where appropriate. The lake and river are deep in places and should be avoided.
Miscellaneous
A note on vegetation: The tepid damp weather has had a marked impact on the vegetation in some parts of the park. In choosing control sites I have avoided the worst of the undergrowth. Control sites should all be accessible without getting stung or scratched providing a little care is applied (I managed to tape up the control sites today in shorts without issue - 10th June). The wearing of shorts is optional; those who are of a more sensitive disposition should consider wearing long leg cover.
There seems to be very little mud in the park despite the heavy rain recently. A light trail shoe would be suitable, or possibly a road shoe if you're careful.
Due to the vagaries of the summer mowing schedule some of the 'rough open' mown paths may have moved or be indiscernible.