ELITE CLUB RUNNERS EXCEL IN THE LAKE DISTRICT
Octavian Droobers top 5 M21 orienteers competed in the exclusive national Elite competition weekend in the Lake District. The event was run with full Covid compliance and was one of the last prior to lockdown. The terrain was very testing with rocky and steep slopes and the relentless downpours made it even more challenging.
Will Gardner was the fastest club member on all three of the courses staged over the weekend including a night event on Bishops Wood. Looking at the total results it was clear that these club members are currently one of if not the most successful group of M21 orienteers from any club around the UK.
On Saturday at Burnt Wood & Thwaite Head a middle distance course of 5km with 180metres of climb saw Will Gardner take the lead in 28.49min, Matt Elkington was 6th in 31.03mins, Nathan Lawson 7th in 31.18mins, Duncan Birtwistle 9th in 32.18mins and Phil Vokes 15th in 35.37mins.
The night race, 5km with 220m climb, saw Will Gardner 4th in 34.05mins, Nathan Lawson 5th 36.06mins, Phil Vokes 9th 37.48mins Matt Elkington 11th 38.17mins and 18th place went to Duncan Birtwistle.
On Sunday at Blind Lane on the Long Distance 7.7km race, Will Gardner was 4th in 65.43mins, Matt Elkington 5th in 65.47mibns, Phil Vokes 7th in 66.47, Nathan Lawson 8th in 67.55mins, Duncan Birtwistle 13th in 72.34mins.
Special mention must be made that the winner of the night race and the Long Distance race was Graham Gristwood, honorary member of Octavian Droobers now living in Scotland. He was very instrumental in training and encouraging our club juniors and established a highly successful university team whilst at Warwick University.
10th November 2020