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10th Anniversary of the National Forest Trophy Event
25th March 2007

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Photographs courtesy of Roger Williamson, Roy Denney and David Olivant

Group photo The event was a great success. Thanks to publicity provided by the local press, more than double the usual number turned out for this year's event held at Groby. There were 81 experienced runners who turned out for the longer courses including one of almost 10 miles. Many of these were of international standard but quite apart from these and toddlers following a piece of string, there were people of all ages taking part.

Outside the college Thanks to sponsorship by the National Forest Company, lots of people (especially young families) tried the sport for the first time. In all 265 starts were registered and, as many were family groups, it is calculated that about 350 people took part.

The winner of the National Forest Trophy for the most outstanding performance on the day went to Mairead Rocke. Aged 16 she finished the long course in 2 hours 14 minutes. Mairead is British Junior Sprint Champion and is now showing she is no slouch at the longer distances

Inside the college The award of the trophy was a tight decision for the jury with other commendable performances recorded not least by Harriet Lawson only 12, who took second place on the Light Green course. Harriet lives in Stoney Stanton in Leicestershire. There was also an outstanding performance by Andrew Llewellyn on the Blue Course

The download area Details of the winners of all classers and individual times for all who took part are to be found on the results pages. Leicestershire Orienteering Club run a series of weekend and evening events throughout the year. These are very informal with a chance afterwards to socialize and talk about the evening's activity.

Competitors enjoying themselves in the forest The organisers were particularly pleased at the number of very young children who had a go. Families from all the local villages turned up. Older parts of the woodlands were quite boggy and most children upon being advised to go round the worst bits took particular delight at jumping in up to their knees. Not sure the mums were entirely happy about that!

The fastest time on the long course was clocked by John Duckworth of Derwent Valley Orienteers, a former British Champion. He finished the 14.9km course in 1 hour 28 minutes which is remarkable considering it involved running through rough country including bogs and fields of brambles whilst navigating to find specific points on the ground.

the social area One lapsed member who brought his young family along was amazed at the high tech nature of the sport these days. Running round with what is effectively a swipe card and getting your times and splits as soon as you finish impressed him and all the results being on the internet 33 minutes after courses closed must have come as an even greater shock.

This event used several woodlands managed by the Woodland Trust and gave those taking part an opportunity to see how the new National Forest is developing on our doorstep.

Orienteer punching at the finish Orienteering is a great a leisure activity. It is an easy, inexpensive and painless way of staying fit or getting into shape; a great sport to take up with friends and family, allowing you to share your adventures afterwards. At the top level Orienteering is a highly competitive sport involving intense concentration, skill and fitness, running against the best in the world at international competitions.

For more information ring Roy Denney on 0116 233 8604