Another epic turnout today at Norfolk Park, well done to you all especially those that had already run the cross country in the morning!

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers, especially Caspar for planning and Alex for controlling. We are always on the look out for helpers, please get in touch if you would like to help for an hour or so.

Results and split times are on the link above, provisional schools team results are below and individual results are on the link. If you spot any errors please get in touch.

In the primary competition, despite only having 5 runners (with 4 to count) Carterknowle had a narrow lead of 2 points over Nethgreen with Greytones in 3rd. In the secondary competition High Storrs andKing Edwards tied in first place with Silverdale only 4 points behind with Tapton and Mercia both 1 point further back.  We'll give it a few days to finalise the results and update the league placings.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Schools Individual Results

A few stats: 20 new competitors (We hope you enjoyed it!) 364 runs, 196 hours of running, 5469 controls visited, 1055km run, 36310m of ascent (oh yes, Norfolk Park is hilly!)

Schools Team Results

Information

This is the 5th race in the 2024/5 Saturday Series of events aimed at introducing adult and junior newcomers to orienteering and includes the very popular SFSS schools league. Alongside the white to light green courses, there are Green and Blue courses for adults using both the park and the surrounding intricate housing estates. If you've never tried orienteering before, this is an ideal opportunity - come along and give it a go!

Location

Norfolk Park is close to the centre of Sheffield. We will be based at the Centre in the Park (here). Nearest postcode S2 2PL, What3words: fever.claims.analogy

There is a car park off Guildford Avenue however there is only space for about 20 cars.  There are plenty of residential roads nearby but please park considerately.  

The park is well served by public transport. The nearest tram stop is Arbourthorne Road. It is a five minute walk from the tram stop to the Centre in the Park. Visit Plan My Journey for more options.

Registration will be in the Centre in the Park building with the start and finish adjacent. The centre has toilets and a fab cafe.

Timings

Registration for the events will open at 12:30pm and you can start any time from 12:30pm – 3pm on white, yellow and orange or up until 2.30pm on light green, green and blue. . All courses close at 3:30pm at which time we will start to collect controls so please make sure you start early enough to complete your course in time.

Schools Event

Running alongside the public event is an event in the SFSS Orienteering League for both Primary and Secondary pupils.  Entry to the schools event is free if your school is part of the SFSS and you are in Y3 or above. Information about the SFSS Orienteering League is here

First time

We have a team of helpers on hand to explain what to do. You can do whatever course you like and can go round as an individual, pair or group. You can run, jog or walk at your own pace.

Costs

Adults £5, SYO members £4
Children £2 (Free for the first run if you are in Y3 or above and your schools is in the SFSS)
Any additional courses will cost an additional £1 (Or £2 if your previous run was free)
If you would like to go around in a group you would just pay for one entry, plus £1 for each extra map.

Entries

All courses are entry on the day.  You just have to turn up, pick a course and fill in an entry form.  There will be people on hand to help you if you have any questions.

If you ran one of the previous schools events in the series then you should have completed an entry form an been given a number. With the number we are able to add you into the results system much quicker.

Facilities

A nice warm registration area, lovely loos, a fab cafe and a great children's playground! 

2nd Hand kit sale

We will be hosting one of our fabulous 2nd hand kit sales. Donations of orienteering kit much appreciated. If possible please give to Jacky in advance!

Courses

Courses white to orange remain within the park while light green, green and blue also visit the surrounding urban area.

If you complete a course and there is still time you are welcome to try another.

See below for details on the courses on offer.

Please note: Distances are straight line. You will run much further than the distances stated, particularly on the green and blue.

Course	School Years	Distance	Technical Level	Who is it for?
White	Y4,5	1.6km 40m	1	The easiest course and a great place for children to start.  The course is entirely on paths and each time you have to make a decision - which path to take, there will be a control point.
Yellow	Y6,7	1.9km 75m	2	The next step up and a good place for teenagers etc. to start.  The course will use paths but also other line features - Fences, streams etc. It will also no longer have a control every time you need to decide where you are going. For example you may need to make a couple of turns on paths between controls. Because of the park setting there will be some controls that do not follow line feature.  Instead they will be on a point feature (e.g. a tree) but close by.  By turning the map so that it matches the ground you will be able to see the next control to go to.
Orange	Y8,9	2.6km 95m	3	Harder still, the Orange course introduces: Choosing routes - e.g. should I go round the paths to the left or right Using 'Point Features' as control sites Basic use of a compass
Light green	Y10+	3.5km 140m	4	Harder than the Orange, this course will also go outside of the park and will cross minor roads. It is only suitable for secondary aged children or older.
Green	Age 16+	4.2km 170m	4	A course which uses both the park and surrounding urban areas. It is as technically hard as we can make it given the area. Over 16s only due to road crossings. Although a large part of this and the Blue course are urban we would advise using studded shoes and full leg cover as there are still plenty of grassy slopes and vegetation to negotiate.
Blue	Age 16+	6.3km 225m	4	As for the Green but longer and hillier...

Clothing, Equipment & Safety 

Shoes with good grips are important on all courses. Those competing on orange courses and above should wear full leg cover. White, yellow and orange courses remain in the park. Children can be shadowed or can take part in pairs. Only secondary aged children can do the light green course as it crosses minor roads.

Only 16 + on green and blue due to road crossings. Both Green and Blue courses encounter a busy road with tram tracks - this road is out of bounds and may only be crossed via bridges or underpasses. Please take care crossing all roads. Studded shoes advised for blue & green due to the prevalence of steep grassy slopes!

Officials

Planner: Caspar Reynolds SYO
Organiser: Pauline Tryner SYO. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Controller: Alex Forrest SYO