2012 Controllers Report

Controller’s Comments.           

I was really pleased to be asked to control this year’s event in the Howgills as it’s a beautiful area that is often passed on the way to the Lake District and I had hardly been back since 1998. It was brilliant to spend a week in June checking control sites then the week before the event putting out and checking controls followed by a perfect OMM weekend. Beautiful and clear on Saturday which favoured the runners but everyone could appreciate the hills and dry overnight campsite, followed by a dull wet Sunday which tested your navigation and determination. We even had a lovely Monday morning to collect the few remaining controls.

Thanks to Jen for organising a brilliant event, Roger for co-ordinating the event so thoroughly and Jeff for planning 16 excellent courses. Thanks also to the many helpers in Sedburgh and on the hills who made the event possible especially Pete Crosby and Barry Macdonald.

Jeff got the course lengths right this year with plenty of route choice for all competitors and I’ll leave it to him to comment on the courses but all of the controls were in the right place and all of the boxes worked. A small number of competitors had to be disqualified for visiting the wrong controls. I have done it in the past and it is very disappointing so please make sure that you check the code. However, there was another problem with 18 teams using the bridleway which was only meant as a corridor for retiring teams to get to the finish. It was clearly marked (although an extra sign at the north end would have been a good idea) but we have decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and re-instate them as non-competitive teams so that they receive their certificates.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to all of you for taking part and making our efforts worthwhile. Hope to see you somewhere in Wales next October.

Steve Willis