British Elite Sprint Championships, Chorley - 18 April 2010
A handful of ESOC members stayed south for another exciting event, resulting in 2 more podium places.
Although this was the British Elite Sprint Championships, anyone could enter and run the same courses, with prizes for age class winners. The event was in 2 parts; qualifying heats were run in parallel on various courses, and the results from these were used to determine who ran in which final. For the Junior race, the results from the qualifier simply decided the running order in the final.
There were 3 contrasting areas of terrain: parkland and woodland in Astley Park; complex residential development in Astley Village; urban streets in Chorley town centre. Courses made good use of these, with changes in pace.
The assembly area provided a good vantage point from which to watch competitors at the spectator controls, with commentary adding to the occasion. The Elite final took place before the other age class finals, allowing everyone the chance to watch the exciting finish. With tents and flags adding to the atmosphere, and lots of opportunities to socialise, it was a very enjoyable day.
There were again podium places for Helen Bridle, who won the silver medal in W21E, and Rona Lindsay, who came 3rd in W16 (18th in the Junior Final).
Other ESOC results were:
Junior Final – Andrew Lindsay 8th (8th M16)
Men’s C Final – Crawford Lindsay 22nd= (9th= M55 overall), Roger Scrutton 38th (2nd M60 overall)
Women’s B Final – Sally Lindsay 53rd (7th W50 overall)
Full results and Routegadget are available on the South Ribble Orienteering Club website, and some photos from the event have been added to the ESOC Gallery.