SA Long Distance Championships

Sunday, 13 September 2009

Mallee, spur-gully terrain, deeply eroded creeks, interspersed with open and semi open ridges and flats, was the challenge for South Australian orienteers for the Long Distance Championships held north of Burra.  Conditions were mild, and apart from blustery wind at times, ideal for orienteering.

In the open classes, Jenny Casanova was the winner in W21A in 108:49 over a challenging 12.5 km ahead of Lauren Gillis and Fern Thomas.  Simon Uppill just edged out Victorian Blair Trewin in M21A after 14.4 km, third was John Nieuwenhoven.

Other closely contested classes were M45A where the place getters were Steve Cooper, Andrew McComb and Phil Hazell. In M55A, Adrian Uppill, Paul Hoopman and Rob Tucker took the placings.

For full Results and Splits

Thanks to the course setter Marc Turner, Contoller Peter Mayer and organising club Tjuringa.

A leg to challenge - this leg was on courses 1, 3 and 4.  The ideal route (A - Simon Uppill) was probably the dashed line i.e. uphill first.  This leg is shorter, but many orienteers are reluctant to take such deliberate straight uphill early in a leg.  The southerly route (B) by Adrian Uppill (GPS route) looks more friendly, but actually has as much climb and includes a number of creek crossings which in this area always add more climb and as well as taking energy to cross.

Juniors Bryn McComb and Luke Hazell finishing in M16A

Placegetters in W14A - Mel Fuller(3), Sally Young (2), and Olivia Sprod (1)

Jenny Casanova - 1st in W21A	Lauren Gillis - 2nd in W21A
Simon Uppill - 1st in M21A	Blair Trewin (Vic) - 2nd in M21A