Beverley hosted the first event in the new Yorkshire Urban Orienteering League last Sunday.
Organised by Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteers (HALO) the event attracted 48 competitors some of whom had travelled considerable distances.
Local teenager and HALO member Charlotte Ward won the open women’s event and Steve Watkins of Airedale won the men’s.
With a choice of routes and distances ranging from 7.2 km to 3.4 km the event was suitable for experienced orienteers and newcomers to the sport.
Undaunted by the heavy snow and using a new map of Beverley which was partly financed by Beverley Town Council, competitors navigated their way between checkpoints around the town centre, starting and finishing on the Westwood.
In addition to the map all participants were provided with a list of checkpoints each with a symbol which helped to pinpoint their exact location. With no street names on the map and checkpoints tucked away in public gardens, alleyways and back streets the event offered a challenge to all competitors as well as providing an opportunity to explore the nooks and crannies of the town centre.
Whilst serious orienteers competed against each other to run round the course in the fastest time, families and newcomers were able to walk at their own pace and stop off for refreshments in town.
Full results and details of the other 7 Urban League events in Yorkshire this year can be found on HALO’s website Halo Orienteering.
HALO’s next event takes place on Saturday 27 February at Sledmere Hall and starts are from 10.30 to 12 noon.
HALO also runs a popular club night which meets at 6 pm every Monday in term time at Longcroft Upper School gymnasium. The club caters for all ages and abilities and no experience is necessary.
For further information on HALO club nights and events please visit Halo Orienteering.
Photos taken by HALO members: Kay and Steve Farrow on the right with officials after completing the 3.4 km course. Other competitors on the Beverley Westwood.
Reported by Kay Farrow
