bridesclubukraine

The morning race was a middle distance race set at the Dryden Tract, a trail system popular with dog walkers, whose dogs were running wildly off leash before the race ukrainian orienteering club. There were 4 courses to choose from: beginner, intermediate, short advanced, long advanced.

The latter two had all trails removed from the map! Each increased in length and difficulty. I registered for the intermediate course, which would be approximately 3. The rest of the race was relatively uneventful, except for me kicking a root, and ending up prone on the ground with a cut knee and elbow.

Thankfully, I was fine and able to continue! After the 12th control, it was a short run to the finish. In the end I ran 5. 1:36:50, and finished in 4th place out of 6 competitors. From there, I could easily have gotten back onto a trail and found control 6. I should have just used my compass and gone north! The second thing that I learned is that I should not carry the piece of paper with control descriptions in my hand, unless it is in a plastic sleeve.

It was hot out, I was sweating, and I managed to rub very important information off my sheet! The third thing I learned is that I need to study all the little symbols more! I compared notes with others, and then headed by car to the 2nd race site. People were surprised and confused that the afternoon races were longer than the morning ones.

Once again, there were 4 courses to choose from, and I went with the intermediate course. We were started in 2 minute intervals. I was one of the last to start. Right away, I found this course more runnable, and the trails more dependable! I enjoyed this race more, because I was never too far off where I thought I was on the map. Despite the heat and humidity, I wasn’t too uncomfortable. I kept drinking my water, and all was good!

In the end I found all the controls and finished in 1:14:04, running 5. 3 km, a little more than the 3. I finished 4th out of 5, with a mispunch behind me. I’m not sure why more people didn’t participate in the two events. I’m looking forward to racing again and putting some of what I learned into practice! Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show: For me, it’s all about maps!

The FIRST event of the 2019 Wed Night Park series. High Park is an intricate park with lots of interesting features. Great for both advanced and beginner orienteers. For upcoming beginner clinics please check out our schedule here. We are pleased to announce our new youth orienteering program for girls and boys 10 to 14 years old. Over the course of 8 weeks participants will enjoy the outdoor adventures of exploring trails, finding objects, and cross country running while learning some map reading and navigation skills.