Les Croupiers Running club

Back by popular demand the SWOC Winter Street Series starts on October 21st. With a basic street plan (provided) find as many control points as you can in 1 hour. Full details at www.swoc.org.uk

Many thanks for the 'heads-up' Caroline. For those who have not experienced street orienteering before, Caroline neglected to mention that the map does not have street names on it. (In case you were wondering.) I've only run one such SWOC event, in Radyr, and I can thoroughly recommend it. Jolly good fun and great exercise (fartlek I suppose), assuming you can think and run at the same time - an entirely new dimension for me. I notice that one of the events (on 17 November) is around Danescourt, quite literally on my doorstep, so it's hard to find excuses not to take part. Anyway,"Just do it" as the saying goes, you won't regret it.

Thanks Caroline - looking forward to this !

(PS Hoodies are mandatory for the Danescourt race...)

A reminder that the 2nd SWOC event is tomorrow night - 7.00pm, Danescourt (the true epicentre of Les Croups running/runners - forget all this Barry nonsense !)

Details on http://www.swoc.org.uk/Fixtures/fixtures.php

Thanks again Caroline !

It's important there are as many entries as possible, preferably populated with runners like me who can't navigate, so I don't look so bad. Anyway, count me in, it's on my to-do list for tomorrow. Thanks for organizing Caroline.

Quite so blood - also important to have lots of runners to outnumber the hoodies*

PS On encountering a local, do say - "Laters bro" / "Wotever"
Don't say - "Excuse me young man, where is my next control point?"

Note the kids also doing a 20% off protection deal tonight for LCRC members.

*I have a spare head torch (and hoody) if anyone needs one.

Some useful information about tonight's Danescourt Street Orienteering event (from the swoc web site)

What is a Street-O event?

An urban orienteering race, where you are given a special map of the local area, with the aim of running around looking for specific locations on the map, under the street lights. Each control (normally a lamp-post where you need to write a number down to prove you have been there) is assigned a points value - generally the ones further away are worth more points. The aim is to score as many points as possible, within the given time limit. The time limit is generally 45 or 60 minutes - try to keep within this limit, as you will be penalised points for every minute you are late getting back.

Where are the events held?

The street events are held at various locations in South Wales (Newport / Cardiff). With training runs during the second and fourth week each month, the winter street league will be during the third week each of each month between October and April. See fixtures below. From May to August we switch over to a summer series of orienteering evening events in parks and woodland, making the most of the light in the evenings.

What does the map look like?

Usually a black-and-white A4 map, showing the outline of the streets - but without street names. The map shows the control points which you need to find - there will usually be around 20 or so of these.

What kit do I need?

All you need is running kit, a pen and a watch. A headlamp or torch is useful. And it is advisable to wear bright clothing. A compass is not required.

Will I be safe?

The events are held on well lit streets and avoid dark alleyways. Most people prefer to run alone, although you can choose to run in pairs if you prefer.

What about the social?

The social side usually starts from around 8pm, when people start coming back from their runs. You don't have to run - you can just come and have a chat, get an idea of what orienteering is all about, or just join us for a drink. Usually food and drink is available. The evening usually finishes between 10 and 11pm. A pub of the night is normally nominated near by (Tynant Inn for tonight's race)

What is the cost?

The events cost is Adults £2, Juniors/ students £1.

Who can take part?

Everyone is welcome including beginners are very welcome and there will be people on hand to explain exactly what is expected. The events are particularly suitable for people who have never tried orienteering before, and are an excellent opportunity to meet club members and find out more.

Well I've just returned from the SWOC street orienteering event around Danescourt and Fairwater. Having lived here for nearly 18 years I thought it would be easy, but how wrong can you be!? Anyway, a totally enjoyable event, low key, great for running fitness and a change from my usual plod along the Taff Trail. If you haven't tried street orienteering then I totally recommend it. Keep an eye on the SWOC web site for events. Many thanks to Caroline and Nick for organizing.

Well said Graeme. A big thanks to Nick/SWOC. Great fun, the best £2's worth in town? And you get to don head torches

Saw Jules and Mick T there, plus of course Caroline. I'd urge more from the club to do - if nothing else, a great way of doing a 60 min fartlek/speed/hill reps session as one sprints madly between controls, stopping every few mins (in my case anyway) to grapple with the map, gasping for breath. One forgets how hilly W.Cardiff is !

I made the usual mistake of setting-off like a headless chicken, first heading North to bag the minor points in D'court itself (thinking I knew the patch..), picking up a measerly 40 or so in the first 20 mins. Most of the 320pt I finished with were gained in the last (panicky) 20 mins once I'd (eventually) made it down to Fairwater/Llandaff where all the big CPs were. Talk about all hands to the pumps! Jules and Caroline no doubt planned better and mopped-up here. One day I'll learn. I keep saying that though...

And as for the hoodies ? I only came across two - and they were rather nice, asking if there was a race taking place. New recruits ?

Looks great! When's the next event? Anyone need a Street-Orienteering partner? Anyone measured how far you actually run?

Hi Matt - I'd go for it. The next SWOC Street Orienteering event is on the 16th December Dec (Wednesday), To quote the SWOC web site..

Winter street league 3 Taking in Llandaff North, Whitchurch and Gabalfa. Cardiff. From Alan Stone's House 5 Church Road, Whitchurch, CF14 2DX. The pub of the night will be the Plough. *1hour score*. start 7pm Adults £2 Juniors/ students £1. Its a solo event but there is nothing to stop you running with someone else. Only kit required = torch and a pencil/pen. I also like the sound of the pub - must give it a try next time..

The results are up from Tuesday's race (http://www.swoc.org.uk/Results/Results2009/danescourt.pdf). How on earth did Jules manage to bag 540 points ?!

A gentle reminder that the 3rd SWOC street orienteering event takes place tomorrow night (16th Dec) at 7.00pm, kindof on our home patch - N.Llandaff. 1 hour time limit (Matt - distance covered very much up to you !!). Thanks so much for organising SWOC people..

Great fun for beginners/experts alike. All you need is running kit (preferably including something high vis), a pen/pencil, torch, stopwatch and £2 to enter.

Details here http://www.swoc.org.uk/Fixtures/fixtures.php

Utterly bonkers, yet strangely enjoyable. It has the feel of a semi-competitive treasure hunt (with head torches and lycra).

You all really must try this (especially Libby).

Good man !!! Spoken like a true lionheart...

Stuck in a work, then xmas traffic, I missed out and ended up going for a gym/swim session. Utterly wretched :~((

Don't miss Newport Street O on Tuesday 19th Jan. Mass start from civic centre at 7pm, details at www.swoc.org.uk.

Don't miss the next Street O on Tuesday 16th Feb. Mass start at 7pm from Cliff top car park. More details www.swoc.or.uk

Don't miss the final Street O of the series. Start 7pm from The Catherdral Green in Lllandaff on Tuesday 16th March. Details on events page at www.swoc .org .uk don't forget your torch and pen!