Over the Easter weekend over 100 club members travelled to the Lakes for the 4 day JK orienteering competition. First up was the sprint race at Lancaster University, where competitors enjoyed fast and furious racing in glorious sunshine. SYO took 10 podium places. Congratulations to Zac Garrat (M10), Oli Johnson (M45) , Hannah Chapman (W12) and Ella Baxter (W14) who were all crowned JK sprint champion. Well done also to our 3 silver medallists: Jonny Crickmore (M21 Elite), Imogen Pieters (W18 Elite) and Laura Goy (W40) and our 3 bronze medallists: Lucy Holt (W10), Peter Gorvett (M75) and Lawrence Hodgson (M14). We also had winners on the shorter courses, with Yeliena Petrovska (W20S), Lesley Ward (W50S) and Mark Chapman (M55S) winning their course.
On Saturday it was the turn of the middle distance race at High Dam. The fells were bathed in glorious sunshine and there were fabulous views from the assembly area of the competitors racing into the finish. The action switched to Bigland on day 3 for the long distance race. Courses were very physically and technically demanding with the majority of courses finishing with very tricky controls on a steep rocky slope. Times for the 2 races are added together to determine the overall medallists. Congratulations to our 3 JK champions: Imogen Pieters (W18 Elite), Euan Tryner (M20E) and Peter Gorvett (M75). Well done also to 4 silver medallists: Hannah Chapman (W12), Freya Tryner (W16), Kim Baxter (W45) and Jenny Peel (W55) and our 4 bronze medallists: Louis Bryant (M12), James Bryant (M16), Nick Barrable (M45) and Lucy Holt (W10). We also had winners on the shorter courses, with Yeliena Petrovska (W20S), Lesley Ward (W50S) and Mark Chapman (M55S) winning their course.
The 4th and final day of competition was held at Dale Park, where it was the turn of the relays. We woke to torrential rain but despite the rather overcast conditions, the rain mostly held off until just after the prize giving. It was a great day at the office for SYO with 11 podium positions. Our juniors dominated their classes. In the mini relay the BEElieve team of Louis, Stanley and Hannah lifted the trophy with the Busy BEEs (Lucy, Zac and Jago) closely behind in silver medal position. In the Junior relay the BEEkeepers (Will, Sophie and Maxwell) raced round to take gold, while it was a dead heat for team BEEware (Oskar, Jack B and Freddie) in a race with LOC for 3rd place. In the Intermediate women’s race, Freya, Ella and Anna all recorded the fastest leg times to bring BEEyonce into gold medal position. Team BEEtboxers (Oscar, Caspar and James) also took gold in the Intermediate men’s race.
Our adult teams also had a very successful day of racing. Team BEEhemoths (Martin, Charlie & Dave P) lifted the Veteran men’s title and team BEEaujolis (Lucy, Bronwen & Jenny P) grabbed silver. The men’s and women’s Senior relay teams – BEEr Garden (Andy, Pete and Nick B) and BEEhives (Jenny J, Jenny L and Kim) - both took the bronze medal; while our women’s trophy team of Chloe, Pippa and Imogen raced round to take the silver medal.
A huge thank you to the NWOA for putting on a truely fabulous weekend of racing. Next year's JK is in the Midlands in its normal Easter slot. Hope to see you there!
