White Rock Why Just Run
December 4th 2011 10:00am
Organizers: Louise Oram (Course Planner), Thomas Nipen (Event Director)
Map: Crescent Park
Winsplits available: Splits
Event report: A great sunny day awaited the 50 or so orienteers who came to today's event.
Magnus emerged victorious on the Elite course, finishing the 7k course in just over 46 minutes. Magnus got an early lead, which he increased throughout the race. Mike R. held on for second place, just under 7 minute back. Jackie was our only female contender on elite and won in just under 77 minutes.
On the expert course, spectators could watch an exciting race unfold between Scott M and Russell P. Scott had a commanding lead of 1:45 at the half way point, but made a two minute error on the first hub control in the tricky forest area in the east, allowing Russell to sneak by. In the end, Russell won in 41:35, with Scott just over a minute behind.
The women's race was equally exciting, with Hilary (defending Expert champion from last month's race in Lynn Valley), Meghan, and Marg fighting for the coveted Whyjustrun win. Despite forking, the trio were still in a pack at the second hub control after 1.5km. At the half way point, Hilary and Meghan came through the finish within sight of each other. Meanwhile, Marg had made a two minute error on the hard-to-find-creek-in-the-middle-of-the-forest control on the last part of loop 1, and fell behind. The two in front had different forks early on and were separated. Hilary managed to open up a gap, which she kept to the end for another win. Meanwhile Marg, determined to make up for her earlier mistake, puts the hammer down to catch up to the lead group. After executing the tricky controls in the east cleanly, she established contact with Meghan again. Marg opens up a slight gap and takes second, 2:27 back, with Meghan third -- 3:00 back.
On the sport course, Terrance ran away with the win and on the Beginner course, Michelle from Ocean Athletics took the win.
Stay tuned for more racing action at the next Whyjustrun at Pacific Spirit Park in January.
Many thanks to everyone who came, especially to Ted's group of kids from Ocean Athletics, as well as our three visitors from Oregon!
Event info: Please come out for the last orienteering event of the year, the traditional season finale at Crescent Park!
Courses: There will be four courses offered: Kids course: 2km Sport course: 3km Expert course: 2 loops (2.5km each) Elite course: 3 loops, (2.5km, 2.0km, 2.5km)
The kids course is suited for kids 13 and under. The sport course is a beginner/intermediate level course, and expert and elite require more advanced orienteering sills.
There will be a mass-start at 10:00 am, or individual starts for those that prefer. Please arrive around 9:30am or earlier to register in time for the mass-start. The Expert and Elite course have two farsta loops that are forked.
Courses close at 1pm.
Registration: Please sign up here before Saturday Dec 3rd at noon so that we can print sufficient maps.
Directions: We will meet at the picnic shelters at the north end of the park. Access the park from 129th street off Crescent Road. From Vancouver: Follow Hwy 99 towards the border. Take exit 10 King George Blvd. Stay right, and turn right on Crescent Road. Turn left (south) on 129th street. Park in the parking lot. The shelter is just past the parking lot.