Taken from Wimborne Orienteers Facebook, and of interest to those who like an epic day out:
Purbeck Hill Challenge, Saturday 26th October
Enjoy a challenge?
Fancy a day out in one of the most scenic parts of England?
Want an event that will test your mind as well as your body?
Like trail running and orienteering and want to combine them both in one event?
Want to choose how far you run/walk and level of navigation challenge?
Want to compete as a pair or solo?
If the answer to the above is yes, then Wessex Orienteering Club & Wimborne Orienteers have the event for you!
On Saturday 26th October, we will run the inaugural Purbeck Hill Challenge starting and finishing at Knoll Beach, Studland on the Isle of Purbeck.
The format is copied from our northern friends at Grampian Orienteers. Every 2 years, they run the fantastic Grampian Mountain Challenge event. We are seeking to offer a softer southern version that still holds true to their mantra of a high quality, relaxed, affordable and fun event.
The format of the event is a one day long distance walk/run navigating on a 1:25,000 map using public rights of way to find various checkpoints. However, at some point or points during the event, you will have to undertake detailed orienteering on a 1:10,000 or 1:7,500 map or maps printed on the other side of your map.
We plan to offer 3 courses with approx total distances of 15km, 25km and 35km which will each involve up 5 km of detailed orienteering.
We will also offer two choices for the detailed orienteering sections - either technically easy or technically difficult.
You will be able to enter as a pair or compete solo.
Starts will be from 09:00 in the morning with courses closing at 16:00, giving you up to 7 hours to complete the course at the pace that best suits you.
The event will be self supported i.e. you will need to carry everything you need for the day, including mandatory safety equipment (likely to be waterproof clothing, compass, whistle, head torch, phone and cash) but you will be free to resupply on-route using local shops, cafes and hostelries as you feel fit.
The event area will encompass the Purbeck Hills and the Jurassic Coast and the courses will look to fully exploit the fantastic scenery this area has to offer.
Entries will be limited to 100 people whether running as pairs or solo. We plan to open entries at the start of October but in the meantime, please put the date in your diary!