23rd March 2018, Barr Wood nr Stirling

Dark Thistle is UK Night O reinvented. Barebones orienteering at its best. Real Night O in Real terrain.

Dark Thistle

SEDS are proud to present the 2018 Dark Thistle. Barebones orienteering at its best returns this year with an exciting new format.

Fantastic head to head racing in beautiful Scottish terrain.

It will take place on the 23rd March 2018 at Barr Wood near Stirling.

This year courses will take the form of a mixed sprint style night relay.All courses will be Technical Difficulty 5. See Courses for more course details.

Final Details

Dark Thistle Final Details – Barr Wood – 23rd March 8

Intro:

SEDS are proud to present the 2018 Dark Thistle. Barebones orienteering at its best returns this year with an exciting new format to provide fantastic head to head racing in beautiful Scottish terrain.

Timing: /

Friday 23rd March

Start: 7PM

Courses Close: 9PM

Venue:

Barr Wood

Race Format:

The race will be a 2-person relay, with each runner running two short legs.

Runner A – Runner B – Runner A – Runner B

Teams are encouraged to consist of 1 woman & 1 man but all combinations will be accepted! No requirement to be from the same club/country/age category/political persuasion/planet to form a team.

Each leg will have an approx. winning time of 12-15mins.

All courses TD5.

Parking/Directions:

◦ see map here.

From North – Leave the M9 at Junction 9 and travel south on the A872. After approx. 1 mile turn right (signed ‘Northfield Quarry’) andpass under the M80. Turn right at the T-junction and follow the road around until the turn off to Barrwood Scout Camp. Parking will be atthe end of the track at the edge of the forest and will be signed from the road.

From South – On the A872 then turn off approx. 1mile before you get to the M9! Then directions as above.

Start/Finish:

Will be at the center of the area approx. 5-10mins walk from parking.

There will be shelter to leave warm/dry clothes and values. Access to Scout Barn - TBC.

Entry:

15 per team.

Entry on the night. Cash only.

To help get an idea of numbers it would be appreciated if clubs/teams wanting to enter could wmail doug_t@hotmail.co.uk by the 18th March. If you don't manage to do this please do still turn up on the night.

Map:

Newly updated map.

Scale 1:7,500

Thanks to FVO for use of area and map!

Reflective night markers and SI punching system will be used.

Prizes:

Prize for 1st mixed team.

Equipment:

Stating the obvious: It's a night race so headtorches will be compulsory.

Whistle and spare torch advised.

Cagoules may be compulsory in the vent of "Beast from the East-esque" weather.

SportIdent punching will be used.

Toilets:

Closest public toilets are at the motorway services at juntion 9 on the M9 (approx. 2 miles away). Competitors are encouraged to use these on their way to the race.

Access to Scout Camp toilets at the area - TBC.

Safety:

◦ The area is an active scout camp with several buildings, camping areas, structures etc. Please do not damage any of these and if any aredamaged during the race please report this to the organiser. Please respect any other users of the area.

All competitors must report to the finish/download after their race, even if they do not complete the course.

There will be a short safety briefing before the mass start.

Thanks:

SEDS wishes to thank the Forestry Commission for supporting the event.

Also, thanks go to Clyde Orienteers for the use of Fairy Knowe & Doon Hill and FVO for lending SI and night kite equipment.

Officials: Doug Tullie

Organiser: SEDS

Planner: SEDS

Technology guru: SEDS

Results

Results can be found here when available.