OCTAVIAN DROOBERS LONG DISTANCE NIGHT RACE
Bob Brandon organised this annual challenging and adventurous event for a wide variety of participants. The 20 mile undulating and muddy course started and finished at Sibford Village Hall, on the Warwickshire/Oxfordshire border and took in footpaths and bridle-ways across open countryside.
At 11pm, under an initially starry sky which became gradually a very dark night with no moon, competitors started out armed with torches and specially produced maps to help navigate and find the 16 strategically placed control points.
The club welcomed competitors from schools, orienteering and running clubs from across the midlands including Hinckley Running Club, Holme Pierrepont club from Nottingham, Bourton Runners, Cool Trek, Harlequins and King Henry VIII School.
The OD team of Dave, Andy Marr and Matt Britton, who set out as favourites being previous winners, finished in 4hours 36 minutes just ahead of club member Tony Feltblower who took 4 hours 42mins and Mark Bailey, Hinckley Running Club who came 3rd in 4.46mins. On the short 11mile course with 9 controls club members Irene Rogers and John Wright came in first in 5hours 45mins and Rachael Abbey and Rosie Hopley from King Henry VIII School, Coventry were 2nd in 5 hours 59mins.
A very welcome full English breakfast was provided by Kath Wright and Hilary Simpson for all at the end.
10th December 2013