SPRINGTIME IN SHROPSHIRE - MIDLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS VICTORIES
The biannual event in Shropshire this year was reduced from a 3 day event to single one day race around the Stapeley and Rorrington hills and incorporated the midland championships. The beautiful weather made the tough physical courses, with lots of climb and amazing views across to Wales, a very rewarding return to orienteering for many competitors.
Octavian Droobers club members competed very well and secured 10 Midland Championship titles across several age groups from 12 years to 75 years. Max Straube-Roth was M12 champion and 1st on the Orange 2.9km course taking 21.45mins, Henry Jeffries took the midland champions title for M14 age group on the Light Green 4.2km course in 60.08mins. Senior champions in their age class are: Nadine Wright W21, 78.33mins on the Blue 6.5km course, Kirsten Strain W35 62.15mins on the same course, Anne Straube W45 53.36mins on the Green 4.9km course, Alistair Landels M50 51.01 mins on the Blue 6.5km, Juliette Soulard W50 55.59mins on the Green 4.9km, Jill Emmerson W55 67.28mins on the Green 4.9km, Barry Elkington M65 48.50min on the Green 4.9km and Sheila Carey W75 58.29mins on the Short Green 3.6km course.
Many other members had some great runs and several achieved second places: Alistair Powell M40, Chris McCartney M50, Keith Willdig M70, Trevor Simpson M80, Sue Bicknell W75 and Hilary Simpson W80.
Membership is available to all who would like to join in and experience this adventure sport. The club is planning a series of covid safe events throughout the summer and keen runners and orienteers can find these on the club website www.octavian-droobers.org and all nationwide events on the www.britishorienteering.org.uk. website, see events section. Entries have to be prebooked and are currently only for members of clubs. For more information tel: 01926 632189.