Town and Country Orienteering

Start of the men's open class at the British Blodslitet (credit South Ribble Orienteering Club)

Last weekend saw a pair of races take place in the NE of England that could not have offered a more contrasting challenge. On Saturday a short distance urban race took place around the streets and parks of Carlisle and on Sunday a long distance terrain race took place in the forests and hills of Farleton Knott. Team Inov8 athletes were at the top of the results tables in both races.

Oli Johnson waiting to start in Carlisle (credit Borderliners Orienteering Club)

On Saturday Oli Johnson took second place in the men's open class, just 37 seconds down on British team mate Scott Fraser. Meanwhile in the men's over 40 class Steve Birkinshaw cruised to a comfortable victory, showing that he is just as comfortable racing around the streets as he is on the fells. Karen Poole won the women's open just 13 seconds ahead of Jenny Johnson. Highlights of the race included controls around the castle, on the 'Cursing Stone' and on Carlisle's tallest landmark, a disused industrial chimney.

Jegor Kostylev at the 'Cursing Stone' (credit Borderliners Orienteering Club)

Sunday saw the athletes take to the hills for the 'British Blodslitet' (literally 'blood-letter') named after its Norwegian counterpart. The competition is also used as the Tim Watkins Trophy, in honour of the late orienteer and coach, who was a great inspiration to countless juniors. Farleton Knott is an upland area of extensive limestone pavement, and in the frozen conditions it was tough going to race over the slippery rock so the metal spikes of the O Rocs were essential to avoid a nasty fall. Oli Johnson took the victory in this grueling race in a time of 1.54.05 after an almost two-hour battle with the strong Scottish athlete Oleg Chepelin. Steve Birkinshaw was not far behind in 4th place, just beaten into the finish by Russian national team member Jegor Kostylev. Jenny Johnson won the women's open in a time of 1.53.10, with Karen Poole just behind in 2nd spot, reversing the results of the day before.

Start of the women's open class at the Blodslitet (credit South Ribble Orienteering Club)

It is still early in the season and a number of top orienteers chose to skip these competitions or to run elsewhere. Team Inov8 member Graham Gristwood took part in the BUCS x country champs in Stirling on Saturday, where he finished in a strong 26th place. The British team is looking good for the year ahead!