course results
course splits
downloadable file of splits in SPORTIdent file format CSV (comma separated)

An automated flood defence swing bridge moving during the event affected course 5, leg 12 - 13. This leg has now been removed for course 5 timings.

Planners's comments

It's safe to say that Derby is never going to make anyone's Top Ten best urban orienteering areas, so the question for the planner is how to make the most of what is on offer. The answer, I hope, is to try to provide as much route choice between legs as possible and, for variety, mix this with occasional dips into the mini-estates loitering in the backstreets. If, in addition to this, you can find near the end of the course, a complex area of underpasses and overpasses where choice is restricted by busy roads, so much the better.

All of the adult courses ended with a variation on working out how to get to 112 at the head of the circular car park and it was gratifying to hear how many of you appreciated the challenge.

Of course, this being an unban event, not everything ran smoothly. We grippled and padlocked all control sites on New Year's Eve to save time on the day, but before we could even start to put out controls, two gripples and padlocks had disappeared, and this was followed by the appropriation of the control at the start of the timed crossing in the south, necessitating a hasty replacement and a delay to the two longest courses. Then there was the raised bridge which was in place as late as yesterday afternoon as it had been every day for at least the preceding four months. Perhaps the competitor who complained, 'Surely they checked that?', might be of a different view had it been they who started to put out the controls in pitch black and pouring rain at 06:30 this morning. I'm sorry that Course 5 runners' course was spoiled by this unexpected problem; hopefully the removal of the leg from results will go a little way to smooth any aggrievement.

There are many people I have to thank for their contributions, not least to Jane, the controller, who picked the event up in September when it might not have gone ahead at all before dusting it down and setting it on its way again. Thanks to her for much valuable and helpful guidance.

I must also mention those on crossing duty, together with Rex Bleakman and Mike Gardner who assisted in grippling on Tuesday and John Hurley, Michelle Mackervoy and Tony Berwick who braved the elements to help put out some of the 66 controls today.

The positive comments I heard at the Finish made the job worthwhile and justified the decision to go ahead despite the dire forecast.

Graham Johnson

Controller's comments

I was thrilled to be able to offer people the opportunity to run in our capital city, and also to be able to take over the controlling of Graham's innovative courses, which made the most of the city's varied areas and complex road network. The lead up to the event, with storms and threats of flooding, mean that sleep has been a bit scarce for the last two days but come the day, the rain stopped just before the event started and we were pleased to have some lovely comments.

The flood gates closing along the river was something we had considered; the swing bridge was not. It was open the day before and on the morning of the event it was too dark (and wet) to notice. The bridge has just always been there! Apparently it closes automatically when the river reaches a certain height. I'll be honest and say I didn't know it could do that. The leg concerned has been removed from Course 5, and the results reflect that. Apologies to anyone who felt the closed bridge spoiled their run and we hope this goes some way to making you feel more fairly treated.

Next new year's day we are holding our event in Matlock, so get your hill training in!

Happy New Year to all our competitors.

Jane Kayley-Burgess