A Brill way to try orienteering!

FANCY a new outdoor challenge for all the family? Why not try orienteering at Brill Common this weekend. Thames Valley Orienteering Club is organising an event on Saturday, November 14, for newcomers, families and runners to try out this exciting adventure sport.

Orienteering is one of the country’s fastest growing adventure sports. At most events, there are several courses of varying length and difficulty, suitable for families and children. There are also longer courses for the more competitive and for runners looking for a new challenge.

At the event in Brill you will receive a special orienteering map showing a series of checkpoints. The challenge is to visit all the checkpoints, but you must decide your own route between each one. When you find each checkpoint, it is marked by a flag and you will need to register each one using an electronic timing chip to record your progress.

“Most people don’t realise that orienteering is a competitive running sport,” said Mike Shires, Publicity Officer for TVOC. “However, orienteering really is a sport for all. Our events attract keen runners as well as plenty of families who come along for a jog or walk around a course. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to have a run while the children tackle a junior course.”

TVOC is Clubmark accredited and has around 250 members from Bucks and the Thames Valley. The club organises around 25 events a year, ranging from local events for 100 competitors to larger regional events with 1,000 runners. Newcomers are always welcome.

Club member Blanka Collis, 31, said: “It’s a good way of keeping fit and for me it is also more interesting than just jogging. It’s an extra mental challenge. Sometimes people think it’s like treasure hunting. They say: ‘I did that at school once-upon-a-time’ but it’s a running sport for all the family.”

To have a go this weekend at Brill Common, just turn up between 10am and 11.30am. There will be five different courses set up, of varying difficulty and length, from 1km to 5km. Parking is by the windmill on Brill Common. There will be plenty of help on hand for newcomers.

The cost is £6 / £2 entry on the day, including a map to keep and hire of an electronic timing chip. For more details visit TVOC’s website at www.tvoc.org.uk

SOURCE: Contributed