Only seconds separated the leaders in the first race in this year’s East Yorkshire Short Race Orienteering Series.
In what could be the closest competition yet for the series, the top two in the Men’s race were separated by 28 seconds and in the Women’s by 37 seconds. This, after two 3km Orienteering courses.
The Londesborough Park Estate, in glorious sunshine, hosted the first round of Orienteering’s East Yorkshire Short Race Series on Saturday (16th April). Organised by Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteers (HALO), the event consisted of two races of 3km with a handicapped start calculated for the second race.
The Men’s Open was won by England Junior Zac Field, from Beverley and the Women’s Open was won by Skidby’s Helena Crutchley.
Men
1. Zac Field Beverley 42:57
2. Adam Bradbury Rotherham 43:25
3. Brian Ward South Cave 44:33
Women
1. Helena Crutchley South Cave 60:38
2. Helen Gardner York 61:15
3. Helen Smith York 69:56
The 2010 women’s veteran winner, Helen Gardner from York, looks set to repeat the feat again scoring a clear victory in her class. The same did not apply for Belton’s Mike Smith, last years Men’s Veteran winner, who failed to visit all the control sites correctly. This allowed Paul Bradbury from Rotherham to take the lead in this class.
The next three rounds of the series take place at Beverley Westwood on May 21st, Driffield Airfield on June 11th and at Hull University on July 23rd. Beginner’s courses will be available at these events for anyone wanting to try the sport.
Further details at www.halo-orienteering.org.uk or by email to neil@halo-orienteering.org.uk
HALO also runs a weekly club night at Beverley Longcroft School on Mondays (6:30pm to 8:00pm) during term-time. New members always welcome. (Details available from email and web-site contacts as above )