Airienteer becomes Northern Champion in blizzard conditions

Airienteers Press Release

Contact Simon Bowens 07921 039251

The wintry conditions at the weekend failed to deter Baildon orienteer, Steve Watkins, as he surged to victory to become Northern Night Orienteering champion in his age category. Despite nearly two inches of snow falling during the event and freezing cold conditions making the path network at Canklow Woods near Rotherham almost impossible to follow, Steve kept a cool head to win by nearly five minutes from his nearest rival, Tim Tett of host club South Yorkshire. Menston’s Eddie Winslow came third a further four minutes adrift of Tim.

On the junior men’s course, Guiseley’s Joe Woodley did well to finish third (and 1^st under 16) behind Bristol’s Adam Potter and South Yorkshire’s Simon Bradbury. With Joe being one of the premier orienteers of his age group, it can only be a matter of time before he bags a championship of this quality.

Also claiming third place in her age category was Airienteer’s Carol White who performed well but lost time on the tricky eighth control to fall behind Edinburgh Student and former British Talent squad member, Alice Leake and South Yorkshire’s Lucy Wiegand.

The next orienteering race will be held on Saturday 18 February at Northcliffe Park near Shipley. All are welcome to come and try this fantastic sport combining physical fitness with mental agility and navigational skills. More details at www.aire.org.uk

Full Airienteers results (with positions) for CanklowWoods Northern Nights championships are:

M18 class: Joe Woodley (3)

M21class: Andis Celinkins (10), David Alcock (11)

W21 class: Carol White (3)

M40 class: Steve Watkins (1), Eddie Winslow (3), Ian Marshall (5)

W40 class: Alex Watkins (5)

M55 class: Howard Sawyer (6)