BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
The 2022 British Championships were held on Saturday at Liphook, Hampshire, on an area not previously used for orienteering. The very varied area of wooded heathland with steep slopes and debris from recent storms proved challenging for everyone. Club members aged from 14 to 80 years competed on their respective age courses at this annual prestigious event.
Congratulations to Alistair Landels who was declared a British Champion after winning the M50 9.4km long course with a staggering 450 metres of climb in a time of 68.05mins. Podium places on the championship courses were also awarded to club members after some terrific runs: Lesley Ross 2nd in 69.33mins, 11 secs behind the winner, on the W55 6.5km course, Sheila Carey 2nd in 61.02mins on the W75 4.1km course, Barry Elkington 3rd in 66.09mins on the M65, 7.1km course and Anne Straube 3rd in 85.09mins, on the W45 8km course. Nadine Wright was 1st on the W21Long 9.2km course in 107.43mins.
On Sunday in the same area, the British Relay Championships were held and the club fielded a number of teams. A superb performance by Juliette Soulard, Anne Straube and Liz Phillips saw them crowned champions in the W40 age class. Podium places were awarded also to: Philip Vokes, Duncan Birtwistle and Nathan Lawson, 3rd in the Mens Premier race; David Lawson, Alistair Powell and Alistair Landels were 3rd in the M40 age class; and juniors, Rupert Powell, Adam Landels, and Max Straube-Roth were 3rd in the M14 age class.
The next local event, ideal for newcomers, takes place at Coombe Abbey Country Park, near Coventry, on Wednesday 13 April, starts 6pm – 6.45pm. For details of how to take part in this fun outdoor active sport, ideal for beginners, runners and families of all ages please see website, www.octavian-droobers.org, email information@octavian-droobers.org or contact Karin Kirk 01926 632189.