DVO’s Club Captain, Christine Middleton, reflects on this year’s Relays
The JK and BOC relays were only 3 weeks apart but they were in very different areas.
The JK Relay was held at Middleton Park, Leeds. It was a varied area, pitted with the remains of coal mining and a highly detailed path network. There was a long run through the arena and it was definitely a runner’s course. We entered 6 teams: Mens Short, 4 Ultra Vets 210+ and Juniors, a collaborative team with NOC and LEI. It was a chilly day that threatened rain and delivered a lot of it for later runners. We had no podium places but lots of creditable performances, lots of Easter Eggs and lots of fun! Detailed JK Relay write-up here.
The British Relays were held on a warm sunny day at Bigland, a very technical area in the Lake District close to Newby Bridge. We had 5 teams: Mens Short, Womens Short, W50, W60 and M/W70. I think we all found it pretty tough and I can certainly vouch for that having spent some considerable time in the woods lost in time and space! We were delighted to have 2 podium placed teams:
- Mens Short: John Duckworth, Andrew Powell and Richard Parkin (2nd)
- Womens Short: Rachel Duckworth, Helen Chiswell and Sarah Duckworth (3rd)
The day was enjoyed by all with excitement, fun and a wonderful supportive club spirit. Here’s the handover between Sally and Ann-Marie (the DVO MereCats … Windermere. – Ed.)
I realise that not everyone enjoys Relays, but they are a lot of fun and it would be worth giving it a go if you haven’t tried them. There will be another chance to be in a team at the British Mixed Sprint Relay Championships on August 30th near Bury St Edmunds. Let me know if you are interested in making up a team.
Also please remember to save the date for the Compass Sport Cup Final on Sunday September 14th near Redcar.
So with lots of orienteering to look forward to over the next few months (including several summer holiday event), I look forward to seeing you all.
Christine Middleton
DVO Club Captain
